ACE Your Interview. Rollins Alumni Webinar. Office of Career Services

Transcription

1 ACE Your Interview Rollins Alumni Webinar Office of Career Services

2 Housekeeping notes: Join the audio portion that works for you: Use Phone audio: select I will call in from the drop-down menu and then a toll free number, access code, and participant ID number will be provided to you. Use the speaker on your phone to listen to the webinar. Use Computer for audio : select Call using computer ; you may use your computer speakers for the webinar (a microphone is not necessary).

3 Additional housekeeping notes: Webinar Support: Career Services: Q&A: Please send questions to presenter. Quick Survey, PowerPoint slides, online resources, and any additional materials will be ed following the webinar.

4 Important questions Does the first impression really matter? What do I need to do to feel prepared? How should I answer all these questions? Are there questions I should ask?

5 Short answers first (more detail to follow)

6 Does the first impression really matter?

7 First Impressions Early arrival Well-groomed appearance Appropriate dress Women s attire Men s attire A firm handshake

8 What do I need to do to feel prepared?

9 Research! Sources for Your Research Job description Company / Organization website Annual Reports Online articles / references to the company Trade publications Related professional organizations

10 Research! Gather information on specifics including Company culture Mission & goals Reputation & market share Products & services Plans for expansion & growth

11 How do I answer all these questions?

12 Apply Your Research and Rehearse!* * Specific techniques and resources will be introduced later in the webinar

13 Are there questions I should ask?

14 Always Ask Questions At a minimum: Ask, When do you hope to have someone in place? or What is your timeline for making a decision? Ask questions based on your research Ask for business cards from all participants

15 More details

16 Webinar Agenda Today s webinar will provide more details on: Interviewing and what to expect from the experience Illustrating your fit with the position Constructing effective responses Interviewing DOs and DON Ts

17 The Interview Your opportunity to: Make a positive first impression (show investment) Demonstrate your preparedness (show interest) Illustrate your fit with the position (show through examples how your qualifications relate to the job) Collect information for your decision making (show the depth of your research-based knowledge of job/company)

18 The Interview Experience Types of interviews to expect Free-form or non-directive interviews have a less formal approach with no set plan Structured or standardized interviews are more highly organized and designed to gather specific information Panel interviews involve several interviewers, often from a variety of departments or perspectives

19 The Interview Experience Other types of interviews Webcam or Skype interviews are conducted online Do a test run A simple, uncluttered setting and minimal movement are essential for webcam and Skype interviews

20 The Interview Experience Other types of interviews Telephone interviews are often used to pre-screen candidates Dress for success Use a dependable telephone line Make sure your environment is distraction-free Keep important items nearby your resume the job description a glass of water tissues

21 The Interview Experience And another type of interview Behavioral-Based Interviewing Popular with employers Based on the premise that past behavior predicts future behavior How can you spot a behavioral interview? The Interviewer asks for examples, typically starting with Tell me about a time when you Describe a situation in which you

22 The Interview Experience The experience may vary Responses can be prepared ahead of time! Think of relevant examples Show evidence of your skills and qualifications Edit in advance not live and in person Some questions can be anticipated Common interview questions Job-specific questions The unexpected questions

23 How should I answer all these questions?

24 Which is more memorable? A list of your top strengths A story that illustrates your top strengths?

25 (I hope you answered...) A story that illustrates your top strengths

26 Prepare Your Answers STAR formula for developing responses ST=Situation / Task Describe the situation you were in Describe the task for which you were responsible A=Action Describe the specific action you took to address the problem R=Result Detail the results of your action(s) (R)=Reflect If the results were disappointing, reflect upon your learning. What might you do differently?

27 Prepare Your Answers Sources for STAR content Work experience Academic accomplishments Internships Activities & campus involvement Volunteer work & community service

28 Prepare Your Answers STAR Is Storytelling! Beginning, middle, end Vivid language is used to create interest and to provide a mental movie clip

29 Prepare Your Answers Common Questions Prepare STAR responses to anticipated questions Tell me about yourself. Why are you interested in this position? What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? What are your short-term and long-term goals? Google search interview questions to see more questions!

30 Illustrate Your Fit Job Description Read carefully for explicit and implicit qualifications Examples Brainstorm examples that illustrate your strengths, weaknesses, accomplishments, and relevant skills Compose and edit your responses in advance Editing on-the-spot vs. editing in advance Preparation vs. memorization

31 Illustrate Your Fit Connect your self knowledge to the job requirements Use STAR formula (don t forget the R ) Share concise descriptions of past experiences that illustrate your fit with the job requirements Articulate clearly how your past experience illustrates what a great fit you are for the job!

32 Questions?

33 An employer perspective on interviewing

34 DOs and DON Ts Before, during, and after the interview

35 Before the Interview DO: Dress appropriately Check appearance before meeting your interviewer Research the company and the position thoroughly

36 Before the Interview DO: Practice your responses verbal and non-verbal Practice your interviewing skills Develop questions to ask the interviewer Do a practice drive to determine drive time

37 Before the Interview DON T: Wear cologne, fragrance, or perfume Wear excessive jewelry

38 During the Interview DO: Arrive at least 10 minutes early for your interview Be polite to the Receptionist and everyone you meet Stand to greet people Introduce yourself Offer a firm handshake

39 During the Interview DO: Nod responsively, but not excessively Be naturally expressive; smile occasionally Speak at a moderate rate and enunciate clearly Ask questions!

40 During the Interview DO: Bring at least two copies of your resume Sit at a comfortable proximity; lean in to show interest Make eye contact

41 During the Interview DON T: Close yourself off with folded arms Speak too slowly or too quickly Fidget or use distracting gestures Use verbal pauses (um, ah, uh, like, you know, etc.) Yawn or close your eyes

42 During the Interview DON T: Chew gum or smoke (or smell of smoke) Slouch or sit with legs apart Look away or stare vacantly into space Sit far away or turned away from the interviewer Speak negatively of past employers

43 After the Interview DO: Use spell check before sending any messages Send a thank-you letter within 24 hours US Postal Service Smile when recording message

44 After the Interview DON T: Call or more than once Do not send an when angry or emotional

45 Questions?

46 Additional Resources Practice Your Interviewing Skills InterviewStream Any location Webinars available Mock Interviews Office of Career Services Appointment required

47 ACE Your Interview Rollins Alumni Webinar Thank you for attending this Career Services webinar.