Interviewing

March to Employment Success

…Time to Grab your Horn and make some noise!

Topic: Interviewing The information and presentation that follows was originally given at the 2005 NIRSA Region II Lead-on and is an overview of the interviewing process. The full presentation will be found on the March to Employment Success site.

Preparing for the National Conference and Beyond Part Two: The Dance Brooke Turner Melanie Freeman

Interviews

Types of Interviews    

Individual Group School Socials Meals

Interviewing 101  

“Networking gets you the interview, you get the job.” Arrive Early (15 Minutes) – “Early is on time, on time is late, late is unacceptable.” – Review Your Research – RELAX

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Attire – – –

Suit (Jacket, Pressed Shirt, etc) Shoes (Be Prepared to Walk) Bag (Snacks, Water, Pens, Supplies)

Portfolio     

Extra Resume Copies Notebook Paper Job Description Research Prepared Questions

Meeting the Interviewer 

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Face Where Interviewer Will Come From Sit Where You Are Ready To Go Be Ready To Go SMILE Firm Handshake Walk With Energy

Interview Tips       

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Sit on the Edge of Your Seat Write Down the Names of the Interviewers Make Good Eye Contact Never Lie Listen as Well as Talk Use Specific Examples from Your Life Be Proud of Your Accomplishments. Be Open About Your Background or Experience Don’t Give One Word Answers. They Want to Know What You Think

Interview Tips    

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Emphasize Your Desire to Work, Learn, Help, Achieve, and be a Team Player Don’t Chew Your Fingernails, Smoke, Drink, or Eat During the Interview Do Not use Profanity or Slang Bring Extra Copies of Your Resume, References, Transcripts or Any Other Pertinent Information Ask Appropriate Questions ALWAYS Thank the Interviewer

Life After the Interview  

Write a Thank You Note Talk to Professionals from Your School –

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Let Them Know Which Jobs You are Really Interested In

Go Out of Your Way to Say Hello

Follow up       

Phone Calls, Letters and E-Mails Subsequent Interviews Follow Application Procedures Handling Multiple Opportunities Sleep on Job Offers Accept with Enthusiasm If You Decline Keep the Door Open for Later

The Key to Interviewing

What’s With All the Questions?

What are Interviewers Looking For?          

Energy Level Professionalism and Presence Ability and Motivation Thinking on Your Feet Judgment and Common Sense Creativity and Problem Solving Skills Attitude and Potential Adding to the Program Response to Stress and Pressure Loyalty, Integrity, Honesty, Accountability, Responsibility

Beyond the Question 

Your use of examples when answering questions helps your past experience to “come alive” and to demonstrate that you take pride in your work and will take the responsibility to increase quality levels, ensure customer satisfaction, or meet deadlines

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Employers will “take a chance” on a less qualified candidate (can you do the job) IF the person demonstrates enthusiasm for learning (will you do the job) and IF the person appears to “fit in”

Answering Questions  

Answer the Question – Then Justify Your Answer STAR Technique – What was the Situation or Task & what were the Achievements & Results

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Continually Sell Yourself Focus on Positives Don’t Try to Justify Negatives – Turn Them into Positives Prepare Several Success Stories Prepare for the “Liability Questions”

Tricky Questions - John LaFerve      

What is Your Greatest Weakness? Where Do You Want to be in 10 Years? How Would You Evaluate Your Last Boss? What is Your Greatest Strength? Why Do You Want This Job? Tell Me About Yourself…

Common Questions             

Why did you choose your school and major? What will this job do for you? Give an example of a time when you took initiative. What qualities do you look for in a boss? Tell about a situation that didn’t work out well. Why do you want to work for this school? Tell me what your boss will say about you. What classes did you like? What were the hardest? Do you consider yourself a creative person? What is your greatest accomplishment? What book are you reading currently? Who is your favorite superhero and why? Why should I hire you for this job?

Turning the Tables

Questions to Ask 

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Structure, History, Department Structure Pro’s and Con’s of working here? Whom would I report to? What are you looking for in ideal candidate? What concerns if any do you have about hiring me? What’s the next step from here? What is the turnover ratio?