Speed InterviewingMaking First and Lasting
Impressions
Cindy Edwards &
Michelle SteenSeptember 2009
Prayer
There are all different kinds of voices calling you to all different kinds of work . . . (and) the place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet. — Frederick Buechner
Opening…
Stand Up Find a Partner next to you Write partners name on rate card Pick which person will talk first That person will ask a question (to be shown) When the bell rings – switch Silence please
TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF?
When the bell rings – switch
Have the other person ask the question
RATING …
Rate YourselfRate Your Partner
“You had me at Hello!”
First, and lasting, impressions are formed in the first 2-5 minutes of a conversation….including interviews.
Anticipate: Be prepared Set the stage : What's your opening line? Take control: Exhibit confidence from “go”
What Impacts First Impressions
Facial expressions – do you smile or frown? Voice, tone and expression – are you sincere or sarcastic? Eye contact – do you look directly at others when speaking to
them? Handshake – is it firm or like a cold fish? Body position and posture – do you stand straight, with your
shoulders back and head up or slouch? Clothing and grooming – do you convey a sense of style –
neatly pressed and clean?
What is the Interviewer Thinking/Reacting to?
Halo Effect Horn Effect Generalizations Stereotypes Central tendencies
Bottom Line? First impression is a lasting impression. Your role?
– Differentiation – what makes you special? – Need to know and be comfortable with you…your “Brand”.
What do you think of when you see… what do you feel…..
A Red Bull's-eye Golden Arches Swoosh on a pair of tennis shoes
What does Brand represent?
Clear statement– Recognizable– Differentiates
Goodness– Implies quality, reliability, value
Builds loyalty– Meet or exceed expectations
What’s your brand?
The personal qualities that make you distinctive from your competitors or peers.
What you are known for. What you do that adds remarkable, measurable,
distinctive value (this goes beyond your job description). What you do that you are most proud of. What you have done that you can brag about. What you do with your boss, peers, team members, your
guests and others that benefits them.
Defining Your Personal Brand
1.Jot down some words that describe you 2.How would others describe you? 3,What does the above say about your brand? 4.Write your personal brand statement
Example: 1. Funny, responsible, industrious, hard working, reliable, smart. 2. Easy to work with, follows through on commitments, flexible, willing to try new things. 3. Overall, hard working and good to work with. 4. I am hard working, do what it takes to get the job down and have fun at the same time.
Next Step? Translate your brand into your Elevator Speech/Commercial. (HANDOUT)
Elevator Speech – Personal Commercial
A 30 second elevator talk is a metaphor for a self introduction that can be used in when connecting with others.
Instructions: Write an elevator speech. You can use the scripts below or write your own. Be prepared to share.
Sample outlines: Hi, my name is . I’m currently a (fill in with specifics of what you do).
I’m looking for a new opportunity in ____ _______ (fill in your vision). I enjoy___________ (gifts, strengths, interests) and feel I can bring _______________ (knowledge, skills. abilities) to any situation because I _________________ (Unique Selling Position or Accomplishment).
OR
Hi, I’m_________________ I’m currently looking for a job change. I’d like to learn more about new opportunities in _______________ (fill in your vision). I enjoy _________________ (gifts, strengths, interests) and feel I can bring ________________ (knowledge, skills. abilities) to any situation. because I _________________ (Unique Selling Position or Accomplishment).
Case
Phone Interviewing
Traditional
Behavioral (Situational)
Types of Interviews
THE INTERVIEW…
Case Interviewing
A Case Interview is where you are introduced to a business dilemma facing a particular company.
Case interviews present a specific case or problem for you to solve.
Case interviews are broad, two-way discussions, rather than one-way tests and there is no perfect answer.
You will be assessed more on how you go about dealing with the problem, rather than on the specific answers you come up with.
http://www.quintcareers.com/case_interview_resources.html
Phone Interviewing/Screening
Used for identifying and screening candidates
Used to create the foundation for an interactive meeting
A way to cut down on expenses involved in face to face interviewing (reduces time)
Help employer discern your verbal communication and listening skills
Traditional Interview
Is a casual interview where you are asked a series of straight forward questions
Top 5:– What are your strengths?– What are your weaknesses?– Where do you see yourself in 1year, 5 years?– Why should we hire you?– Why are you looking for work?
Behavioral/Situational Interview
Asks ‘how did you behave’ Examples
– Tell me about yourself…– Describe a Describe a situation where you had to
handle a difficult client or member of your team?– Give an example of an occasion when you used
logic to solve a problem– What do you do when…
Control your Destination – Interview Preparation
Be ready to:
Discuss your strengths (accomplishments) efficiently and effectively
Discuss key business issues Discuss your problem solving process Discuss your weaknesses Discuss how you would get results that would impact all
audiences (manager, HR, and team) Answer the Salary question Be prepared to answer questions from a from a variety of
stakeholders to the position (other departments in the company)
Ask strategic questions that get results
Before the interview:
Think about who your interview audience is (HR, Hiring Manager, Team and more)
Write out your answers to as many interview questions as possible
– Extensive Interview Question Database: http://www.quintcareers.com/interview_questions.htm
l Write down key questions to ask (think about your audience) Research the company Research the people you are interviewing with (LinkedIn) Practice with a friend – role play – talk out loud Get Ready to Dress for Success
Become a STAR
STAR is an interview response technique that helps you answer the interview question:
Tell the… Situation
Provide … Task Share… Action
Report … Result
Handout example
GET READY for Round 2…
Take a minute to review your materials…
Speed Interviewing
Find a New Partner Write partners name on rate card Pick which person will talk first That person will ask a “different” question When the bell rings – switch Silence please
WHY SHOULD WE HIRE YOU?
When the bell rings – switch
Have the other person ask the question
RATING …
Rate YourselfRate Your Partner
GROUP DEBRIEF
1. How would you compare round 1 to round 2
2. What was your ah-ha?
3. How do you feel?
4. What will you change?
5. How much time will you take to prep next time?
Asking Key Questions
Making a lasting impression
How to Ask Smart Interview Questions
Define what it is important for you to discover– Work Fit (skills, abilities, knowledge of the job)– Organizational Fit (values, management
practices)– Team Fit (values of the team, styles, behaviors)– Personal Needs Fit (Salary, Benefits, Rewards,
Continued Education)
“I ‘strength’ ”+ Question
Begin your question with a personal strength or value
Begin your question with data you’ve discovered about the organization
Practice asking the tough questions before the interview
Ask the right person the right question.i.e. personal needs ask HR
Samples “I ‘strength’ ”
I am very good at anticipating the immediate needs of others and I enjoy jumping in to help; can you tell me about how the team works together?
I enjoy problem solving, what are the short term challenges you are hoping to accomplish?
The Interview
Arrive early Stay calm and in control of your situation Be an active participant: show energy, smile,
listen, build rapport Have your questions written down and ask
them Close with your strengths Get contact information Write a thank you note
What Not to Bring to the Interview
Gum/Food/Coffee or soda Turn off Cell phone Technology that will distract you
(ipod) Bad Attitude (it’s better to re-
schedule)
Above All…Remember
Preparation is Power Tell your story with outcomes Be yourself and be honest God has given you gifts and has a plan for
you. Trust in him.