Strengthening your Interview Skills. Congratulations! You got the interview! Three key steps: Pre-Interview Research Matchmaking First Impressions Pre-Interview.

Strengthening your Interview Skills

Congratulations!You got the interview!

Three key steps:

Pre-Interview Research

Matchmaking First Impressions

Pre-Interview Research

Matchmaking

First Impressions

Pre-Interview Research

Research the company and industry Ask for a detailed job description Research the salary for this type of

position

Pre-Interview Research

Really know your strengths, attributes and assets – be honest with yourself

Anticipate what questions might be asked, i.e. Behavioural-based questions

Make sure that you have questions to ask at the end of your interview – Examples?

Take notes to reflect on this interview to prepare for a possible second interview

What should you bring…

Portfolio Extra resume The job description/advertisement A list of questions to ask employer Pad of paper and pen

In 7 seconds…an interviewer can form impressions about you!

Be on time…arrive 10 minutes early Professional appearance Be positive and try to make others feel

comfortable Treat everyone with courtesy Show openness

Getting Started – First Impressions

Greet the interviewer Smile Introduce yourself Shake hands firmly Use eye contact Relax !!!

First Impressions…..con’t

Don’t forget; Employers make a judgment of you within the first few seconds

Project qualities such as posture, enthusiasm, interest, motivation, flexibility and willingness to work

Speak slow and clearly Make frequent eye contact with interviewer

Structured Interview

Welcome from Human Resources Overview of the interview – timing &

format Review of resume Behavioural and Work experience

questions Closing questions from employer Candidate’s questions and wrap up

Laissez-faire Interview

Welcome and small talk Random questions Uses resume to stimulate questions Questions not clearly related to position

requirements Feels very unsure!!

During the Interview

Don’t worry about being nervous – this is expected

Interview begins with small talk to help you relax

You have to prove that you have the skills and attitude required for the position

Types of Questions

Informational…knowledge of terms, previous duties, facts, what you have learned in your program

Introspective…what do you like/dislike, what environment works best for you, what are your strengths & weaknesses

Types of Questions… con’t

Hypothetical or Situational…what would you do if, what would happen if

Behavioural…ask you to give examples of situations you have faced and how your responded

What do they want to know?

You and your experience Your previous achievements Your interest in the job and knowledge

of the company Your motivation and commitment Your ability to fulfill specific job

requirements

Behavioural Based Questions

Focus on real life situations rather than hypothetical ones

Best predictor of future behaviour is past behaviour

Focus in on ‘soft skills’ or emotional competencies

Prepare by developing brief stories from your past

Possible Interview Questions

Tell me about when you had to go the ‘Extra Mile’ to make a client/supervisor happy.

Why do you want to work here? What can you do for us that another

candidate may not? (unique skill) What is the most difficult situation you ever

faced? Can we check your references?

Questions NOT to ask

What does this company do exactly?

How much sick time do I get? How long do I have to work before I

get a raise? As Well: Don’t criticize past employers

Analyze the questions during the interview

What emphasis does the interviewer seem to be placing on skills, knowledge or personality traits and attitudes?

Analyzing the questions can help you focus your answers more.

Tips…

Send a thank you letter promptly after the interview.

If you don’t get the job, ask for feedback.

Participate in a mock interviews with another person to get practice and get comfortable.

Interview Points

Handshake Sit up straight Smile Specific answers

Words well paced

No contradictions

Understand questions

Listening skills

Pause before answering

No rambling Maintain eye contact

No negative attributes

Have questions

Confident in knowledge

Dress appropriately

Communicate energy

Questions???