INTERVIEW OUTLINE I. Why is Interviewing Important a. It is the second step in obtaining a job b. Your goals of an interview i.

Tell the employer about you ii. Learn more about the employer iii. Determine if you want to work there c. Employer goals of an interview i. Tell you about their organization ii. Learn more about you iii. Determine if you are right for their organization How to prepare for an interview a. Attend interview clinics sponsored by CCO dates and times are on the website at www.cco.purdue.edu b. Mock interviews sponsored by CCO call 494-3981 to make an appointment c. Know yourself i. What makes you unique? 1. What personality traits and values are most important to you? 2. Which skills and talents would most like to use and develop? ii. What do you want to do? 1. Do you have a target industry? 2. Do you have a target city or cities? 3. Can you identify key functions you want to perform? 4. Can you identify key skills and talents you hope to use? iii. What kinds of stories will demonstrate that you have what it takes to succeed? Use the STAR format to answer questions 1. Situation 2. Task 3. Action 4. Result Know the company a. Read the Web Site b. Attend Information Sessions What to expect a. Introductions, small talk, discussion of informal topics b. Questions by the interviewer i. Prepare to tell about specific events to back up your answers ii. Look for good example questions to ask yourself iii. For sample questions, see the CCO job search manual on line at
https://www.cco.purdue.edu/student/Manual.shtml

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c. Your questions for the interviewer d. Closing comments

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Behavioral Interview a. Focus is placed on past behavior to predict future behavior b. Asks questions about responses to past personal and business situations c. See article in CCO Job Search Manual on-line at
https://www.cco.purdue.edu/student/Manual.shtml

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Questions you can prepare for a. Questions that put you on the spot and require forcused answers i. Tell me about yourself ii. What do you feel about your strengths and weaknesses? iii. Where do you see yourself in 1/5/10 years/ b. Questions about i. Decision making process ii. Problem solving iii. Teamwork iv. People skills Questions about personal life, age, race, marital status, etc. a. Answer the question directly OR b. Respond by asking how the questions pertains to the position Questions from you a. Prepare questions ahead of time b. Dont ask questions for which you should already know the answer c. Ask questions to get them to sell the organization to you The day of the Interview a. Dress appropriately and professionally b. Get directions to the interview site; all time for traffic, construction, etc. c. BE ON TIME! Helpful Hints a. 65% of conveyed message is non-verbal i. Appearance is important ii. Body language is key 1. firm handshake 2. sit up straight and attentive 3. make positive gestures (smile, nod) 4. maintain good eye contact Nine Factors in an Interview a. Personal Impression b. Competence c. Likeability d. Communication e. Poise/Maturity f. Motivation/Enthusiasm/Commitment g. Outside Interests h. Relationships i. Thank You

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Concluding the interview a. Verify contact information by asking for a business card b. Say Thank You and give a firm handshake Send a brief thank you note to the interviewer a. After an interview, it is advisable to send a thank you note to the recruiter, both as a professional courtesy and as a method of establishing communication with the company. b. Send within 1 day of the interview/job fair/employer event c. State the date and place of the interview/job fair/employer event and reiterate your strongest selling points. Refer to something that was said in the interview/job fair/employer event to help the recruiter connect the letter with a face d. If you spoke with more than one person, send the letter to the main contact, or to all of the people with you whom you spoke. e. If you havent heard back form the company in the designated time period i. Call to express continued interest ii. Find out status of application How can I ruin the interview? a. Ask about salary, benefits, or vacation time at the first interview b. Take advantage of the organizations hospitality c. Dont prepare or do any research d. Dont go to the information session Finally, a. Know the company the more they have to talk about it, the less they get to know about you b. Be yourself c. Keep an interview journal i. Write down thoughts after an interview ii. Keep track of contact information d. Relax and enjoy the Interview!

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