Advanced Interviewing Beyond the Basics!
3 Main Reasons Why An Interview Goes Wrong You can t articulate yourself ad communicate why you are the perfect person for the job Your unprepared so you can t give the right answer to the behavioral interview questions Your too nervous You can t control your nerves and you lose control during the interview
Prepare for Interview!! Professional outfit Research The principal products or services Their types of customers Their parent companies, type of ownership Their announced future plans Their mission Practice Interviewing Friends, record (video and audio), mock interview Have money Know where it s located & arrive 15 minutes early No Research Bad Interview Performance
Does Dress Matter? What About Attitude?
Dressing For Success First-round candidates are quickly eliminated by inappropriate dress 3 seconds to determine whether they like you or want to do business with you Appearance translates to performance Companies may have relaxed the internal company dress code Interviews still follow the conservative standard
Attitude is EVERYTHING The key element to successful interviewing can be summed up in one word: ATTITUDE! Have a Can Do Attitude. 25% 10% 40% Attitude Appearance Communication 25% Job Qualifications
Attitude! Incorporate into your interview Positive attitude" Excellence" Striving to be my best" Show by your stories and examples Show when, where and how you have put forth extra effort above and beyond the call of duty Show how you beat a deadline, how you excelled in a project, or how you made a difference by going the extra mile
Introductions Structure of an Interview Develop rapport - Exchange basic information Body of the Interview Acquisition of specific information Close Re-emphasize your specific qualities and skills Ask questions - Obtain information Thank you letter
Introductions How important is this? Very important What to expect Walk in self-assured What Be to confident do First impressions What This to sets avoid up the remaining of the interview (can t be undone)
Interview Types Initial/Screening Personal and Informal Personal and Formal Progressive Group
Initial/Screening: Phone Phone interviews are used to narrow the pool of applicants Group or one-on-one Reminders: Don't smoke, chew gum, eat, or drink Keep a glass of water handy, in case you need to wet your mouth Smile Speak slowly and clearly Don't interrupt the interviewer Take your time - it's perfectly acceptable to take a moment before answering Prepare in advance - put your information in front of you
Initial/Screening: Skype
Personal and Informal: Personal and Informal One-on-one with only one person Can take place anywhere
Personal and Formal: Personal and Formal One-on-one with only one person Strict time frame Set questions
Progressive Progressive Interview (on-site) Meet with 2 or more individuals Try to make a contact and not to carry on the same conversation
Group Group/Panel/Committee Interview Most intimidating Engage each person and focus on the person asking the question
Behavioral-Based Interviewing Concept - Past will predict the future There are no Correct answers General Categories Academics/Co-curricular Strengths/Weaknesses/ Abilities Maturity Work and Volunteer Experience Goals Projects Computer Skills
Answering Questions S. T. A. R. S Situation The name of the project, company, class T Task What was the task at hand - your role A Action What did you do? R Result How did it turn out? Quantify Paint a Picture
Tell me about yourself?
Why should we hire you?
Why should we hire you?
How do you want to be remembered?
Nonverbals What you say is not nearly as important as how you say it! Top 5 Nonverbals Eye Contact Facial Expressions Posture Gestures Space
To Ask or Not to Ask? Always ask questions in the closing Areas to ask about: Training programs, supervision Company culture ( why do you like working here?) If you could describe your company s culture in 3 words, what would you say? Explain the history of this position (new/retirement/fire) Describe what my first day, week, and month will look like Describe the ideal candidate for this position Timeline for the hiring process, next steps
To Ask or Not to Ask? Salary: Never appropriate until interviewer brings it up Research industry to understand approximate amount Wait until offer of employment BEFORE negotiating When looking at salary, remember everything that is included: Benefits Health (medical, dental, eye) Retirement/Stock shares Vacation time Professional Development Other perks (gym membership/childcare)
After the Interview Write a Thank You Send the same day as the interview or within a very short time frame Email vs Mail Typed or Hand Written Call? Ask in closing of interview No sooner than 1 week Waiting. Can be brutal but keep applying elsewhere
Mock Interview By Going To: https://csufresno.optimalresume.com
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Questions? /fscareers /fscareers Office Hours Monday - Friday 8am to 5pm @fs_careers Thomas Building, Room 103 559.278.2381 www.fresnostate.edu/careers