Interviewing for Success

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Interviewing for Success

• Heidi Lender, M.A. Assistant Director
• Strommen Career and Internship Center
• LL of Anderson Hall

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Types of Interviews

• Screening Interview
• On-site Interview

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Before the Interview

• Research the organization
• Prepare questions
• Practice
• Have your outfit ready
• Know where to go

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Day of the Interview

• Remember... the interview starts as soon as you
  walk in the door and ends once you are out the
  door
• http//cswl.pbworks.com/Presentations-and-Videos

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Day of the Interview

• Arrive early
• Introduce yourself
• Be professional
• Watch your eye contact and body language
• May bring and use your portfolio

• Do not bring up salary or benefits
• Get business cards
• Close the interview
• Leave your phone in the car

6
Behavioral Questions

• Employers want to know how you have handled
  certain situations in the past
• Knowing this helps employers predict future
  behavior
• Answer according to the SAO method
• S Situation
• A Action
• O Outcome

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Sample Behavioral Questions

• Tell me about a time when you had a conflict with
  another employee and how you handled it?
• Focus on Communication and conflict resolution
  skills
• Tell me about a time you had a deadline and how
  you approached it?
• Focus on your organizational skills and ability
  to prioritize
• Tell me about a time you had to deal with a
  difficult or angry person and how you handled it?
• Focus on the old idea that The customer is
  always right. Talk about communication skills
  and your ability to calm someone down

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Other Sample Questions

• Tell me about yourself?
• Why are interested in this position/our
  organization?
• What are your strengths/weaknesses?
• How would others describe you?
• What are your career goals?
• Why did you leave your last job?

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After the Interview

• Send a thank you note
• Follow-up

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Networking

• involves connecting with those who work in a
  field you are wanting to learn more about or
  break into
• is the most effective way to learn about job
  positions and obtain job positions
• does NOT involve asking for a job

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How do YOU Network?

• talk to everyone about your job search or career
  path
• request informational interviews
• find a connection/conversation starter with
  people you want to network with
• follow-up with contacts you have made and keep
  your network active

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Informational Interviewing

• are a great way to begin to network, build
  connections, and gain insight into a career
• set up times to talk with people and interview
  them about their jobs and/or their employers
• follow-up after the interview and continue to
  keep in touch

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Careers and Internships Wiki

• http//cswl.pbworks.com/
• Interview Stream

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Questions?
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Upcoming Events

• November 15th Etiquette Dinner 10.00 register
  in our office by Nov. 10th
• Employers on campus to look at resumes and to
  answer questions
• November 15th Non-Profit/Social Service
• American Red Cross
• Lutheran Social Services
• Project for Pride in Living