Interviewing

And Interview BLOOPERS For Fun

what is interviewing?
A formal meeting in which

one or more persons question, consult, or evaluate another person.

Applicant Blooper
Someone brought in their high school yearbook to show the employer that they were voted Most Popular by the senior class.

Types of Interviews
The Directed Interview

Impersonal, seeks to reveal facts Interviewer takes notes using an outline and checklist Compares you to others

The Undirected / Meandering Interview

Unstructured, an open discussion of your qualifications Tell me about yourself The Stress Interview Hazing in a sense; creates discomfort How do you deal with stress? Remain calm and tactful

Types of Interviews
(Continued) The Second/Follow-Up Interview

Serious candidates; confirmation Difficulty deciding on a candidate Other decision makers want to gain a sense of you Be prepared to negotiate compensation More in-depth questions

The Telephone Interview

Have copy of resume nearby Speak a bit slower than usual and dont worry about pauses Make sure roommates or family are quiet

Types of Interviews (Continued)

The Behavioral Interview

Interested in past behaviors, Describe a time that required problem-solving skills, adaptability, leadership, conflict resolution,and How did you deal with this? Be prepared to have stories to demonstrate A simulation or brief exercise to evaluate your skills Inquire specifically about the instruction Take ownership of your work

The Audition

Types of Interviews
(Continued)
The Group Interview

Several applicants at one time Provides a sense of your leadership potential and style How do you interact with peers? Keep an eye on the interviewer

The Panel/Board Interview

Several interviewers are present Positions are usually with govt agencies or large organizations Maintain eye contact when answering questions: questioner, each group member, back to questioner

The Mealtime Interview

Jobs that require interpersonal acuity How you handle a fork, how you treat your host, other guests and the serving staff May be structured, informal, or socially situated; allow the interviewer to lead conversation Take cues from the interviewer Food: order quickly, non-messy foods

Purpose of the Interview

Your opportunity to shine Your abilities, talents, interests, personality, work experience, education, and motivation Informs you about the employer Employer needs, history, work environment, business activities, and future plans Requires skill and preparation

Purpose of the Interview

(continued)
The Interviewer wants to determine:

Can the candidate do the job? Will the candidate fit in? Is this the best candidate for the position?

The Interviewee wants to determine:

Do I want this job? Can I do this job? Does this job offer me the opportunities I want for advancement or experience?

Dealing with Interview Anxiety

Interviewing for a job is often filled with anxiety and fear but it doesnt have to be that way. (Being prepared is the best way to reduce anxiety and help ensure a successful job interview.) There are things we can do to prepare ourselves and become more self-confident and relaxed.

Preparing for the Interview

Gather work samples, copies of resume, references and place in a nice case or folder Remember to bring a pen Rehearse your answers Write down your questions about the job or organization Review your work history Practice your answers to common interview questions Sleep tight. Be prepared for surprises

Before the interview

Research the company Read about the job/occupation. Practice interviewing Dress for success Have an agenda, know what you want the interviewer to learn about you Anticipate what questions will be asked Know your Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Accomplishments Relate your KSAs to the position for which you are applying Know who is interviewing you Prepare and practice answers to typical questions

Before the interview

Ask Some Questions

How many people will be interviewing me? Will I be the only one interviewed during this time? What kind of questions will be asked? How can I best prepare for the interview? What are the names of my interviewers?

Beginning the Interview

Firmly shake hands Greet all involved in the interview process and try to remember names. The first words you speak count ,

It is a pleasure meeting with you , Thank you for scheduling this time to meet

Be friendly to everyone Follow the interviewers lead (direction, selecting a seat, drink, etc.) Walk with vigor and show confidence

People who walk 10% faster than they normally do are perceived as getting more done

Applicant Blooper
A balding applicant abruptly excused himself and returned to the office a few minutes later wearing a hairpiece!

During the Interview

Be on time Be friendly Show your enthusiasm Be positive and honest Maintain eye contact Express yourself Dont criticize previous employers

Be aware of body language Be a good listener Emphasize your strengths Be yourself Avoid personal issues Be confident Discuss ways you can contribute

Applicant Blooper

During this applicants interview, an alarm went off in his briefcase. He took it out, shut it off, apologized and said he had to leave for another interview!

When the Interview is Finished

ASK when you can expect a decision and if you should call

FOLLOW UP the interview with a thank-you note or letter

Express thanks for their time

DO NOT GET DISCOURAGED! Learn from the process and be patient

Concerning Salary
Dont raise the topic of salary in first Be Realistic meeting Dont undersell yourself Research the average salary Negotiate Know what you want

KNOW WHAT YOURE GETTING !

Applicant Blooper
An applicant said, Ive already accepted another position but I thought I would show up for this interview just in case the pay was better!

Focusing Too Much On Salary

Evaluate the interview What questions were asked? What did you say that seemed to interest the interviewer? Did you present your Knowledge, Skills and Abilities well? Did you learn what you need to know about this job? What did you forget to say? Did you get a commitment from the interviewer? Do you know what the next step is in the hiring process? Write a thank you note to the interviewer Follow up Contact the interviewer for feedback Express your interest in the position even after the position is filled

Possible Interview Questions

The Equal Employment Opportunity Act outlaws questions about age, national origin, marital status, sexuality, and religion Be prepared for the possibility If it happens, dont over react. If you are uncomfortable, kindly respond that you would rather not answer the question.

Central themes of questions

Suitability Credibility Capability Compatibility Affordability

Applicant Blooper #5
An applicant was asked, If you were an animal, what kind of animal would you be? She said that she would be a cat because they are lazy and lie around all day!

Possible interview questions

Tell me about yourself Why did you leave your previous job? What appeals to you about this job? Why should I hire you? What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? Tell me something negative youve heard about our company? Would you accept this job if it were offered to you? If you take this job, how long would you stay? How much salary do you want?

Tell me about yourself

Tell your academic record Your skills Your qualification Time: 3 minutes Prepare written answer for this question and rehearse

Applicant Blooper #15

Too much information

Why did you leave your previous job?

Never lie about having been fired

(if not fired ) Best reasons would be more money Opportunity responsibility growth.

Applicants Blooper

Why Did You Leave Your Previous Employment?

My boss was stupid and would always argue with me about how to do my job

What appeals to you about this job?

To achieve through heights work hard learn and quench my thirst of knowledge To be unique in decision making skills

Why should I hire you?

I understand your needs I know the right contacts I know the methods I know the Principles I know successful techniques

Applicants Blooper
Q. Why should I hire you?
A. Because they say you should always hire people who are better than you.

What are your strengths ?

subject knowledge Good communication skills. problem solving skills, ability to work under pressure, ability to focus on projects, professional expertise, leadership skills and positive attitude.

Applicants Blooper
This applicant was asked to show his strength

What are your weakness ?

Disguise your weakness As strength

Tell me something negative youve heard about our company

Just remember the rule never be negative

Applicants Blooper

Q. What five or six adjectives best describe you? A. Really, really, really, really, really COOL.

Would you accept this job, if were offered to you ?

Yes/No (give reasons)

If you take this job , how long would you stay ?

Do not commit yourself to a specific time Ask how long they would expect you to stay with them.

Applicants Blooper

Q. Describe your management style.

A. Don't do anything you can make someone else do for you.

How much salary do you want

I am sure that company has already established range for this position

The Purpose of Off-the-Wall Questions

Test your ability to operate under pressure Demonstrate your problem-solving skills Opportunity for you to think quickly, question and communicate

Remember

Dont find the right answer -show them you know the right way to come up with the answer Usually no right or wrong answers

Questions You May Want to Ask

What are the organization's/company's strengths and weaknesses compared to its competition? What would my responsibilities and duties be? How would my performance be evaluated? How would I be supervised? What opportunities for advancement exist?

Questions You May Want to Ask

Is there a training program? Who would I be working with? Where will I be working? What percentage of routine, detailed work will I encounter?

Tip : Your questions must show your own thought process

Dress for Success

From head to toe should reflect impeccable grooming. Suite, tie , shoes and other accessories should be reflection of quality person you are. It is a fact of life that we do judge books by their covers.

Image Tips for Men

Suits

Invest in a conservative color (black, navy or gray).

Shirts

Long sleeve white shirt is the best option A light blue is an alternative Shirts in 100% cotton are a good investment Have it professionally ironed for the interview

Other accessories
Belts and Shoes

Leather belts in black and dark color to match your shoes are best

Ties

Fiber of tie should be silk Use a bright colors. The tip of the tie should barely touch the top of your belt buckle The knot should be small

Image Tips for Women

Dark or conservative colors are best option Avoid excessive jewelry Keep make up conservative Shoes should be leather or fabric Purse should be small and coordinate with your dress

Posture / Body language During the Interview

Enter into the room confidently Firmly shake hand Wait for an offer to sit Sit straight Body should be in line while sitting Make eye contact with interviewer

Voice Image

Speak with confidence clearly Project your voice so that you are heard Adjust your voice according to situation

Remember

Nervousness is normal Take a deep breath and try to be RELAX Dont be panic

Avoid bad habits

Nail biting Pen clicking Playing with paper weight Tapping your fingers Dont chew gum or smoke Dont bring family or friends to the interview Dont use slang language Dont just say yes or no in your answer give some brief if necessary

The Key to a Successful Job Interview?

Be Prepared!