Interview And Skill Development

Career Development Resources Interview Preparation and Skill Development

Introduction When you walk into an interview, you should be prepared to sell yourself and the skills you have that are relevant to the position. You will find topics in this guide which give you recommendations and suggestions for interviewing. The topics are as follows: •

Types of Interviews

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Interview Dos and Don'ts

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Interviewing Skills

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Resources

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Career Development Resources Interview Preparation and Skill Development Types of Interviews There are various types of interview formats that are used. Some of the more common interview techniques in use today include telephone interviews, board or panel interviews, non-structured interviews, and structured or targeted interviews. Here are some of the traits of each of these interview styles, and more in-depth examples of non-structured and structured/targeted interview questions. There may be some differences in interview formats at international locations; please contact your local Human Resource representative or other area resources for specific advice. Telephone Interviews Professional interviewers often conduct telephone interviews. They are most often used as a screening interview. The interviewer will use predominantly closed-ended questions. Usually these are quite short, lasting only 15 to 30 minutes. Telephone interviews are designed to verify information on a resume and gauge a candidate's interest in a position. These are used to determine whether it would be worthwhile to bring in a candidate for a formal interview. Whatever the situation, follow these simple rules to handle a telephone interview wisely. •

Do not go ahead with the interview if you are not prepared. Make arrangements to call back at a later time that same day.

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Do not try to give an interview with the children screaming, the dog barking, or the television on in the background. Set yourself up in quiet space or call back later.

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If you are expecting a potential employer to call your home, you may want to change the answering machine message. Keep it brief and do not play music or permit any background noises.

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Career Development Resources Interview Preparation and Skill Development •

With today’s technology, telephone interviews may include conference calls with several interviewers participating at one time. This can be confusing. It is perfectly acceptable to ask that a question be repeated or to ask who is speaking. Make sure to write down the names of all participants at the beginning of the call and refer to them by name throughout the interview.

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Listen very carefully at the beginning of the phone conversation to get the caller’s correct name and job title. You may need to refer to it later. If you don’t catch it the first time around, ask the caller politely to repeat his or her name.

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As with any interview, write a thank you note to the caller. Board or Panel Interviews

Board or panel interviews are exactly as they sound, interviews conducted by a group of people. These interviews are also rather short, lasting only 15 to 30 minutes. These interviews are usually fast-paced and highly structured. In many cases, individual interviewers will have responsibility over a given topic area, such as: technical knowledge, administrative knowledge, management skills, etc. Candidates who are interviewed by a panel seldom receive much feedback about the interview until all candidates for the position have been processed. To survive a panel interview, use the following codes of behavior: •

Keep your cool. It feels as if they’ve ganged up against you, but they haven’t. In fact, this can be a superb opportunity to impress everyone with your savvy and poise.

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Answer one question at a time and place equal importance on all questions asked.

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Pay careful attention during the introductions. When answering a question, address by name the person who asked you the questions.

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Career Development Resources Interview Preparation and Skill Development •

If you meet several people individually, offer each person a firm handshake. If they are future colleagues, ask them to tell you a bit about their jobs. Ask for business cards before you leave their offices.

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Be friendly, engaging, and succinct. Rambling is deadly during a panel interview.

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It is difficult to establish rapport during a panel interview because it is a group setting. Be especially aware of maintaining good eye contact with each person in the group.

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At the conclusion of the interview, ask what the next step is and express interest in the position.

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Be sure to remember everyone who participated in the interview process. Thank them by sending each one a thank you note afterwards. Non-Structured Interviews

Non-structured interviews are one of the more common types of interviews and are often conducted by non-professional interviewers. The questions that are asked tend to be vague and can lead to many different answers. Many questions deal with generalities, feelings, and non-quantifiable data. Structured or Targeted Interviews Targeted interviews are becoming more popular with large companies. They are designed to gather information about a candidate's past job performance and the questions are very job-specific. Candidates are measured against a standard established for a given position where specific job skills have been identified. Trained personnel who keep meticulous notes during the interview of what the candidate says conduct targeted interviews. The questions asked are designed to solicit information about a specific situation or task, the actions you took, and the results of those actions. Targeted interviews supply the most information about a

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Career Development Resources Interview Preparation and Skill Development candidate, but the candidate must provide specifics in order to be measured. •

In two-part questions, make sure you answer all parts.

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Always have follow-through on your answers.

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Career Development Resources Interview Preparation and Skill Development Interview Dos and Don’ts The Interview: "Dos" Here is a list of things to remember before you participate in an interview. •

Review the job specification or advertisement.

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Find out about the company and its products and services.

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Contact friends or others for relevant information.

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List your questions for the employer.

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Review your resume. Make copies to take with you to the interview.

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Practice answers to expected questions.

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Organize materials to take with you, including pen and paper.

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Go to the interview alone and be timely. Arrive 10-15 minutes early.

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Get a good night's rest before the interview.

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Dress in clothes that are appropriate for the position for which you are applying.

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Give a firm handshake, if offered.

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Relax! Be natural and friendly, but business-like.

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The use of silence can be a powerful conversational tool. It can pace the dialogue, emphasize a point, and allow you a moment to collect your thoughts prior to answering a question.

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Be prepared to explain what you can do for the company or position.

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Be prepared to talk about your career goals.

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Take time to think before you answer the interviewer's questions.

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Be prepared to talk about benefits.

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Write a brief follow-up note to each person who interviewed you. Thank them for their time and summarize the one or two ways you can contribute to their company/position.

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Keep index cards on all the people you talk with, and make notes on the insights gained.

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Career Development Resources Interview Preparation and Skill Development The Interview: "Don'ts" There are also things you should not do on an interview. Here is a list of don'ts. •

Do not interrupt the interviewer.

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Do not use slang words.

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Do not act overbearing or overaggressive.

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Do not appear to have little confidence.

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Do not speak negatively about employers or school.

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Do not make personal comments to the interviewer.

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Career Development Resources Interview Preparation and Skill Development Interviewing Skills What Is the Real Question? Interviewers often ask open questions to determine how well you fit with both the job and their organization. It is often helpful to think about what is really meant by a particular question and to form your response around the true meaning. Use the following table to help you prepare to answer the real question.

Question 1.

Tell me about yourself.

Meaning What about you and your experiences make you a good candidate for this job?

Your Response Describe yourself by using facts, examples, and experiences.

How well can you organize and articulate your thoughts? 2.

What are your strengths? What characteristics would State examples of your you bring to this position strengths. that would enable you to perform the job and fit into our organization?

3.

Give me an example of when you ... (tied to strength question).

How have your past experiences in a certain area prepared you for success in this position and organization?

Give one PAR example by stating the:

(Often provides a clue to what characteristics are important to this particular employer.)

Result

Stress professional skills.

Problem Action

4.

How would you describe yourself?

How effectively do you communicate?

5.

Why should I hire you for this job? (rather than someone else)

How are your contributions State past job more valuable than recognition and someone else’s? accomplishments.

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Career Development Resources Interview Preparation and Skill Development Question 6.

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Meaning

What are your expectations about this job?

Have you been listening to job descriptions?

Why are you interested in this company?

What kind of research have you done?

What kind of research have you done prior to the interview?

What is important to you in a job? 8.

Please describe a situation where your work was criticized. Please describe a situation where you were asked to do something a different way.

9.

What is your attitude toward change, or willingness to change your behavior as a result of receiving feedback?

What do you see yourself Are your expectations doing five years from realistic? now? Are you able to set goals?

Your Response Explain how your work values and skills compare to this job.

Give examples of how your work values match the company's. Communicate your openness to feedback. Talk about how you felt and what you did differently. End on a positive note. Don't criticize others. It is all right to give a general response to this general question, e.g., "To continue to be productive, working in areas which are meaningful to both my company and myself."

10. Why did you choose the career that you are in?

What are your interests, strengths, and personal values?

Explain how your interests and skills help you choose your career.

11. How would you describe the ideal job for you?

Do you know what you want in a job? Would you fit into this job?

This is your chance to let them know what is truly important to you.

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Career Development Resources Interview Preparation and Skill Development Question 12. What are your longrange and short-range goals and objectives?

Meaning How do your personal goals fit into this organization?

Your Response Focus on professional improvement, satisfaction, and growth.

How long will you stay? Are you goal-oriented? 13. What type of boss do you What working environment prefer? and values are important to you? Can you work with any boss in our company?

Describe your willingness and ability to share responsibility for making the employee/boss relationship work, regardless of management style--give one PAR example. Problem Action Result

14. What did you like least about your old position?

Same as above--may be used to see how you react when given an opportunity to be critical. Don't focus on individuals.

Express how a negative experience does not apply to the new employer.

15. What are your three biggest weaknesses?

What will you say that will disqualify you?

Use PAR, ending on a positive statement illustrating your successful attempts to change a negative or weakness.

16. How do you work under pressure?

How stable are you? Can you remain productive in times of stress?

Give a PAR example of being able to handle stress--but be realistic.

17. What two accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction and why?

What has this employee done in the past that might be of value in the organization?

Tie these accomplishments to the skills needed to do the job for which you are applying.

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Career Development Resources Interview Preparation and Skill Development The 60-Second Commercial This activity will give you an opportunity to sell yourself. There is no need to be modest. The interviewer needs to be aware of what you can contribute. Who else knows better? Use the following templates to help you build a response to the interview question: "Tell me about yourself…" Timing First Ten Seconds

Topic Early History

Your Commercial ________________________ ________________________

Example: I was born in Indiana but have spent most of my life in Illinois. I worked for five years as a public school math teacher, which helped me hone my communication skills. I then returned to college to study business administration. Second Ten Seconds

Education/Training

________________________ ________________________

Example: I received my bachelor's degree from Northwestern University in 1995, graduating with honors. Next 25 to 30 Seconds

Career Highlights

________________________ ________________________

Example During my career, I worked in the transportation industry, with positions at Amtrak and United Airlines. At Amtrak I advanced from an entry-level position to a supervisory position. During my five years at United, I worked with a variety of different people as a team leader and then as a supervisor. What I enjoyed most was the opportunity to use both my analytical and leadership skills. Last 10 to 15 Seconds

Objectives

________________________ ________________________

Example: I am looking now for a supervisory position in a corporate environment requiring excellent skills in leadership, analysis, and team-building.

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Career Development Resources Interview Preparation and Skill Development Here is a second template to help you build a response to the interview question: "Tell me about yourself…" Timing First Ten Seconds

Topic Early History

Your Commercial ________________________ ________________________

Example: I was born in Indiana, but have spent most of my life in Illinois. My parents loved to travel, so I had the opportunity to see most of the United States and Canada in my youth. I also traveled in parts of Europe. Second Ten Seconds

Education/Training

________________________ ________________________

Example: I graduated from high school in 1996 and went to work for United Airlines. While there, I learned to use both IBM and Macintosh computers to operate word processing and spreadsheet programs. Next 25 to 30 Seconds

Career Highlights

________________________ ________________________

Example: For the past four years, I have worked as a secretary in the __________ department. In addition to my secretarial responsibilities, I monitored all communication in and out of my office and assisted the professional staff in the development of publications to be sent to other departments at United. Last 10 to 15 Seconds

Objectives

________________________ ________________________

Example: I am looking now for a senior secretarial position in a corporate environment requiring excellent skills in word processing and desktop publishing.

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Career Development Resources Interview Preparation and Skill Development Questions to Ask Your Interviewer Remember the interview is a two-way conversation. It is equally important for you to ask the interviewer questions. This shows interest in the company and the position. The following questions may be of interest to you. 1. What are the key strengths you are looking for in the person you hire? 2. What are the responsibilities of this position? 3. Over time, do you see a significant change in the role and responsibilities of the position for which I am interviewing? 4. What is the first challenge that needs attention? 5. You said I would be reporting to Mr. Smith. Can you tell me about his management style? 6. What is the culture of the division in which I would work? 7. Where does the Department/Division plan to be 3 years from now? 5 years from now? 8. How do you see the future of United? 9. Will United's mission or vision statement change significantly from where it is today? 10. Can you tell me the first things you will want done? What are the top priorities for this position? 11. Are there any things you hope will be done better or different from the way they were done before?

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Career Development Resources Interview Preparation and Skill Development Interview Report and Evaluation As you go on interviews, it is helpful to document your experiences and reflect back on them. Doing so will allow you to gain valuable insight about your interview situations, and enable you to go into your next interview with more confidence. Date of Interview: __________________________________________________ Position: _________________________________________________________ Interviewer (Name/Title): ____________________________________________ Others with whom you met (Names and Titles): __________________________ ________________________________________________________________ Overall Interview Evaluation: ________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ Things you did particularly well: ______________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ Things you could have done better: ___________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ Tough or unusual questions asked that you should practice before your next meeting: ________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ Next Steps: Thank You Letter/Email on: _________________________________________ Follow-up Call on:__________________________________________________

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Career Development Resources Interview Preparation and Skill Development Resources Websites Here are examples of Internet sites that offer additional resources for this topic. Jobweb: Interview Pitfalls: 10 Steps to a Successful Interview: Art of Interviewing Well: www.jobweb.com/resources/library/interviews_resumes/default.htm Job Interviewing: Getting Down to Basics: www.careerplanning.about.com/library/weekly/aa052498.htm Resumes and Interviews: www.jobweb.com/Resumes_Interviews/default.htm#interview Books The Interview Rehearsal Book: 7 Steps to Job-Winning Interviews Using Acting Skills You Never Knew You Had, by Deb Gottesman, Buzz Mauro Interview Skills & Self-Marketing Strategies for Success, by Michael W. Hall, John Childress

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