TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL JOB INTERVIEWING Lunch and Learn Series Session 1: Preparation 1
Tips for Successful Jobs Interviewing Session 1: Preparation Purpose of the interview What to expect from the interview How to put your best foot forward Session 2: Interview Questions Types of Questions Behavioral Interviewing Session 3: Interview Tips and Open Forum Potential for additional sessions based on your feedback. 2
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Purpose of the Interview 1. The interview is one of the most important phases of the job search process. Your resume and cover letter are simply tools to get you to the interviewing stage. Selection Committee Candidate 2. The interview is your opportunity to convince an employer that you are the right person for the job. The Selection Committee s role is to evaluate the candidate s fit for the position. The Candidate s role is to evaluate the position for fit with their personality and career goals. 4
What to Expect During the Interview You will be questioned about: your work experience and education as it relates to the position your core competencies as it relates to the position There will be an opportunity to ask questions of the selection committee. Take the time to prepare in advance and the whole process will be much more comfortable. 5
Preparing for the Interview Job interviews are always stressful - even for job seekers who have gone on countless interviews. The best way to reduce the stress is to be prepared. Most applicants are rejected at the application stage of recruitment so, if you have been invited to an interview, you have already impressed the employer. So, you can be confident and prepare thoroughly for the interview to give yourself the best chance. Focus 50% of your efforts on preparation Fine tune your resume and cover letter tailor them to the specific position/notice of job competition Mentally prepare yourself for the questions you may be asked, and what you would like to talk about 40% during the interview, and 10% after the interview for follow up. 50 40 30 20 10 0 Focus of Effort 6
How to Put Your Best Foot Forward Too many of us miss out on the job we have wanted for so long because we did not represent our skills and experience to the best of our abilities. These days, you can t just show up at an interview without doing your homework first and expect to ace it. Make sure that you are as prepared as possible Research Review Rehearse 7
Research Research the job review the College website examine the specific department s profile browse the Strategic Plan study the position description or job fact sheet read the job posting You will want to be able to answer the following: how did you prepare for today s interview how does the department fit into the plan how does the position help the department reach plan goals 8
Review Review the job description and job posting, write down the skills, education, competencies and experience that are required for the job. Review your education, skills, experience and accomplishments that are applicable to the job you are applying for. Create a T graph and on one side list the jobs requirements and on the other map your skills, experience and accomplishments to them. What is required? What do I have? 9
Review (Continued) Recall past situations and develop examples that exemplify your abilities to perform the tasks and responsibilities of the job. BE SPECIFIC! Give facts, figures, dates, where, when and how. Write out the examples. This not only crystallizes and organizes your thoughts, but logs the details in your mind. 10
Rehearse Rehearse your answers for the difficult types of questions until you have them down pat. Rehearse your accomplishments until you know them inside out and backwards. You want to be able to highlight any skill or competency that you think can be thrown at you. Rehearse the interview in your head or with another person. Practicing a mock interview can: boost your confidence provide feedback in a low stress environment, and help you realize where your strengths and weaknesses are prepare you to navigate the behavioural based questions All the great athletes visualize success before they go and compete. Do the same, play the interview in your head and see yourself confidently answering all those questions easily. By the time you actually are interviewing, it will be like an old hat, as this is at least the fourth time you've gone through it. 11
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