Interview Skills

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Interview Skills

• Tutorial

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• This tutorial will introduce you to the three
  phases of the job interview, the types of
  interviews used by employers, and the qualities
  that employers said impressed them most during
  the interview.

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The Purpose of an Interview

• To give the employer an opportunity to learn
  about you, your qualifications and experience,
  and to decide if you are the best person for the
  job.
• To give the job seeker an opportunity to learn
  about the company, the position, its duties and
  expectations and to convince the employer that
  he/she is the right person for their
  organization.
• Point where hiring decisions are made.
• Screening tool for future interviews.

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Three Phases of an Interview

• Before
• During
• After

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Phase 1 Before

• Know Yourself
• Know the Employer
• Appearance
• Timing

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Before Know Yourself

• Think about how your interests, skills,
  education, experience, and values fit in with the
  type of organization and position for which you
  are being interviewed.

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Before Know the Employer

• Researching potential employers enables you to
  ask well informed questions and to see how you
  fit in the organization.
• Researching potential employers is expected by
  interviewers.

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Before Appearance

• Get a good nights rest
• Choose an outfit that doesnt wrinkle easily
• Avoid loud colors
• Avoid low cut blouses
• Avoid short skirts
• Avoid clanging jewelry, excessive make-up, and
  bold fragrances
• Avoid sandals and open-toed shoes

• Avoid character ties
• Be sure hairstyle is neat
• Be sure that your teeth are clean and your breath
  is fresh
• Be sure shoes are clean and polished
• Be sure facial hair is neatly trimmed

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Before Timing

• Know the exact time and location of the
  interview.
• Do a dry run prior to the interview to find
  accessible parking and entrances.
• If you are using public transportation, allow
  time for the inevitable.
• Arrive 15 minutes early to freshen up hair and
  clothes.

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Phase 2 During

• Most interviews will include the following
  structure
• Greeting / Opening
• Small Talk
• Questions Answers
• Closing

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During Opening

• The interview begins once you step into the outer
  office, so be nice to everyone you meet.
• Refrain from fidgeting or spreading out your
  belongings (e.g., coat, umbrella).

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During Small Talk

• Enter and greet the interviewer with a smile,
  good eye contact and firm hand shake.
• Always refer to the interviewer by their name
  (e.g., Mr. Brown).
• Keep a good posture, place feet firmly upon the
  floor, and put your belongings in your lap or
  next to your chair.

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During Questions Answers

• Listen to questions carefully.
• Answer questions in a brief, concise manner.
• Relate all answers to the job and your skills.
• Mention examples and results of your past work.

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During Questions Answers

• Take notes.
• When its your turn, ask questions, for this
  shows responsibility and alertness.
• Previously prepared questions will impress the
  interviewer even more.
• for a complete list of sample questions, refer
  to our Successful Interviewing Strategies guide

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During Closing

• Clues to indicate the interview is ending
• The interviewer may rustle papers, look at
  his/her watch or pack up his/her belongings.
• The interviewer will state that he/she has all
  the information needed.
• The interviewer will stand.
• Thank the interviewer, by name for their time,
  shake their hand, smile, and say goodbye.

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Phase 3 After

• This is the final phase of an interview. It
  includes two components
• Follow-Up
• Evaluation

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After Follow-Up

• Jot down important notes about the job and the
  organization.
• Send a thank you card or note or email to the
  interviewer.
• A phone call is good also.

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After Evaluation

• Take the time to evaluate the interview
  experience.
• What would you do differently?
• Where can you improve?
• What were your impressions?
• What can you expect next?
• Are you still interested in the position?

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Types of Interviews

• The interview is the last segment in the
  selection process. Employers use interview styles
  that assist in revealing those attributes of the
  candidate that are most essential for the job and
  most beneficial to the organization.

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Types of Interviews

• Exploratory/ Information
• Panel
• Group
• Sequential
• Stress
• Behavioral
• Telephone
• Screening

• Second
• Multiple
• Meal
• Testing/Performance
• Fly-In
• Cyber
• For more information refer to our Successful
  Interviewing Strategies guide.

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Did You Know?Qualities that employers said
impressed them the most about a candidate during
the interview.

• Verbal skills
• Enthusiasm
• Appearance
• Honesty / Integrity
• Preparedness
• Professionalism

• Past experience
• Self confidence
• Eye contact
• Manners / Etiquette
• Positive attitude
• Sense of humor

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Good Luck on Your Interviews!

• The End

If you have questions, please contact Career
Services via the Talk to a Career Counselor
link on our website or give us a call at
410-871-3305