Interviewing Techniques The Handshake Keep your right hand free Meet the other persons hand web to web Keep hand in a vertical position Shake from the.

Interviewing TechniquesInterviewing Techniques

The HandshakeThe Handshake

Keep your right hand freeMeet the other person’s hand “web to web”Keep hand in a vertical positionShake from the elbow, not the wristTwo to three smooth pumps

Workshop TopicsWorkshop Topics

Purpose of the InterviewPreparing for the InterviewTypical Structure of the InterviewTypical QuestionsAfter the Interview

Purpose of the InterviewPurpose of the Interview

The Candidate– Clarify responsibilities of the position– Determine if you can/will do the job– Determine “fit”

The Interviewer– Evaluate candidate based on qualifications and

employer needs– Determine “fit”

Questions Questions When When

SchedulingScheduling

How long will the interview last?How many candidates will be interviewing?With whom will I be interviewing?Is there anything I should bring with me?

Know the EmployerKnow the EmployerProduct or ServiceSales/AssetsCompetitionHistoryField OfficesIndustry TrendsChain of CommandSize

Resources for Resources for Researching the Researching the

EmployerEmployer CRC– Planning Job Choices: How to Research

Companies– Florida Business Directory– Hoover’s Handbook of American Business– Career Information Library - Employer Files

Internet Journals

Know YourselfKnow Yourself

Why do you want to work for the firm?What can you do for the company?Your accomplishments/experienceYour strengths/weaknessesYour initiative, goals and attitudesYour responses should be unique and

specific

What to Bring to the InterviewWhat to Bring to the Interview

Portfolio Copies of your resume List of Professional

References College transcripts Federal application Two quality pens Notepad

Comb or brush Breath mints

Dress for SuccessDress for Success

Women– Suit with knee-length

skirt and tailored blouse

– Keep accessories and makeup simple

– Pantsuits are more acceptable now but save them for after you obtain the job

Men– Two-piece suit– Solid colors vs. prints or

patterns– Tie pattern should be simple– Wear polished shoes with

dark socks long enough so no skin shows when you are seated

Ten TipsTen Tips

Arrive on time Introduce yourself in a

courteous manner Read company

literature while you wait

Use body language to show interest

Listen

Smile, nod, give nonverbal feedback

Ask about the next step in the process

Thank the interviewer Obtain a business card Write a thank-you

letter to anyone you have spoken to

Typical Structure of an Typical Structure of an InterviewInterview

Small talk“Tell me about yourself!”Discussion of your background and how it

relates to the positionYour opportunity to ask questionsConclusion

Five Tough Interview Five Tough Interview QuestionsQuestions

The tell-all question: “Tell me about yourself.”

The surprise question: “What’s your passion?”

Strengths and weaknesses questionsQuestions about the future: “What are your

long-term goals?”Scenario questions: “What if…?”

Questions to Ask in an Questions to Ask in an InterviewInterview

What will my duties entail? What kind of work can I expect to be doing? Can

you describe a typical day? Where does this job fit into the organizational

structure of the company? Who would I report to? Who would I be working

with? What is the size of the department I would be

working in? What is its structure? How is it organized? May I see it?

More Questions to AskMore Questions to Ask

Does the company offer any training opportunities?

How would you describe the ideal candidate for this position? What qualities do you want in the person who fills this job?

What do you feel would be the greatest challenge for me?

What is the selection process/timeline from here? May I contact you if I have any further questions?

After the InterviewAfter the InterviewWrite a thank-you letter to anyone with

whom you have spoken– Use standard business letter format– Thank the interviewer– Reference a point of conversation which was of

mutual interest– Recap how your skills and qualifications fit the

position based on your interview conversation– Communicate your continued interest in the

position

Practice, Practice, Practice!Practice, Practice, Practice!

Mock interviewInternet

NEGOTIATINGNEGOTIATING

TOPICS FOR DISCUSSIONTOPICS FOR DISCUSSION

Understanding The Process

The Interview

The Offer

The Negotiation Process

UNDERSTANDING THE UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESSPROCESS

What It Is Not– saying “I want more money”

What It Is– Meeting and discussing a subject– Mutual agreement of issues

UNDERSTANDING THE UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESSPROCESS

When does negotiation begin– Telling about yourself– With the initial interview

Don’t reveal your salary requirements too early in the negotiation process.

UNDERSTANDING THE UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESSPROCESS

Evaluation– Answer these questions:

What is the Salary range?

What is the lowest salary that I will consider?

What makes me worth a higher salary?

UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESSUNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS

Where To Get Salary Information– National Association of Colleges and

Employers– Career Resource Center– Libraries– Trade associations and trade publications– Internet– People working in the industry

UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESSUNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS

Some Employer Objections To Your Request For More Money– You don’t have enough experience– Other employees aren’t making more– The budget won’t permit– That’s what we are paying new hires

UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESSUNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS

Your Positive Response To An Objection To Pay You More– In response to the “other employees aren’t making

more” statement, you might give a response such as: “I see. (short pause) What is the range for this position?

What would it take to get to that higher level within that range?

Remember, you are asking questions not delivering an ultimatum.

The InterviewThe Interview

Some Ideas To Help You During The Interview Process As It Pertains To The Salary Issue– Good listening skills – Try not to be the first to mention money– If asked what salary you are looking for, say you have a

range but that it really will depend on the total package– If pushed, have a range in mind– If asked what your current pay is, tell the truth

THE OFFERTHE OFFER

– Give answer in 24 hours unless you are considering other options. Or ask for a window of time.

– Ask about other important fringe benefits before accepting the job

– Avoid telephone negotiations

THE NEGOTIATION PROCESSTHE NEGOTIATION PROCESS

Here Are Some Examples Of How A Salary Discussion

Might Go Company: “We would like to offer you a salary of Rs.55,000/year.”

You: Alternative answer #1: “I’m delighted that you are interested in me. Based upon my experience and also because of a variety of expenses associated with the cost of living in (this city), I would like to make around Rs.60,000. How do you feel about that?

THE NEGOTIATION PROCESSTHE NEGOTIATION PROCESS

Alternative answer #2: “I like the opportunity, and I know that I could contribute, but I have several other opportunities that are in the $60,000 range. Is there a way we could work this out?”

Alternative answer #3: “I’ve completed a very valuable education and anticipated Rs.60,000 as a minimum. Is there a way we can work that out? I love the opportunity and would like to work here if I can get that amount. What do you think?”

THE NEGOTIATION PROCESSTHE NEGOTIATION PROCESS

– Ask if you can get periodic reviews to let your future employer know that you are concerned with providing the highest level of service.

– Before asking for more money, mention positive statement that reflects your skills and why you are qualified for the job.