Interview Techniques

1
Interview Techniques

• Career Advising Services
• Lewis-Clark State College
• www.lcsc.edu/cas

2
Overview of This Session

• Pre-Interview Preparation
• Know yourself and your resume
• Know the Employer
• Practice techniques
• Participation in the Interview
• What to take
• Clothing, make-up, and accessory choices
• Dos and Donts
• Post-Interview Follow-Up
• How to thank the employer

3
Practical Points in the Job Search Process

• The Seven Ps
• 1 - Prioritize Your Goals and Values
• 2 - Prepare to Promote Yourself
• 3 - Package Your Professional Appearance
• 4 - Practice, Practice, Practice
• 5 - Profile The Employer
• 6 - Present Yourself at the Interview
• 7 - Perform Proper Post-Interview Follow-Up

4
P 1 Prioritize Your Goals and Values

• 1) Self-assessment
• 2) Application of Results

5
P2Prepare to Promote Yourself

• Know Your Resume
• Work Accomplishments
• Private Life Accomplishments
• Extracurricular/Volunteer Experiences
• Anecdotes
• Your Career Goals
• Strengths/Weaknesses
• Qualifying Details

6
P3Package Your Professional Appearance

• The Three Goals
• Looking appropriate and fitting in with the
  setting
• Demonstrating confidence
• Feeling comfortable with yourself

7
Package Your Professional Appearance

• Lets start from the beginning
• Shower. Shave. Brush. Youll feel better and
  youll look fresh.
• Do not wear cologne or perfume. You never know
  who will be allergic to, sensitive to or reminded
  of someone by what you are wearing.
• Do wear antiperspirant! The best scent is fresh
  (a high quality bath soap should do the trick).

8
Make-Up Choices

• Cheery Cherry Smoky Serious
  Pretty Peach
• Best for the interview!

• According to a survey done in fall 2004 of human
  resources professionals, by a communications
  consulting firm, Employers admit they are more
  likely to employ a woman who wears make-up than
  one who doesnt.

9
Jewelry

• Less is more.
• Wear nothing that makes noise or dangles.
• Men should avoid wearing any jewelry unless it is
  a wedding ring, class ring or metal watch.
• Women No more than one earring in each ear, one
  necklace, one ring on each finger, and one item
  on each wrist. Thenremove at least one item.
• Generally unacceptable facial piercings, tongue
  jewelry or visible tattoos.

10
Which one would you pick
11
Which one would you pick
12
How About These?
13
Suiting Examples for Women

• Be sure waist isnt too lowbend over and look
  behind you in the mirror to check!

Full shoes (not sandals) with hosiery are
recommended for the interview.
Skirts should be no more than 2 above and 2
below the knee.
14
Mens Suiting
15
Inappropriate Interview Shoes
16
Womens Mens Dress Shoes
17
P4 Practice, Practice, Practice

• Interviewing is a learned skill
• The PIE Concept
• ? P ractice to prepare
• ? I nformation Interview
• ? E mployment Interview

18
P5 Profile the Employer

• How should you conduct the necessary research?
• What should you know about the employer?

19
P6 Present Yourself at the Interview

• When you are invited to the interview, ask some
  questions...

20
Types of Interviews Long Short Telephone Formal
Informal Panel Test Individual Group Presentatio
n
21
What should you take with you to the Interview

• Extra copies of your resume
• Reference list
• Transcripts
• Writing utensil/paper
• Social Security Number (Card)
• List of questions to ask
• Other supporting materials
• Spending money

22
The most Important Way to Begin (and end) the
Interview

• Four Point First Impression
• Four Point Final Impression

23
Dos in The Interview Points to remember

• Get a good night's sleep before the interview.
• Use the restroom before the interview begins.
• Arrive Early - 10 minutes is appropriate.
• Maintain good eye-contact with each individual
  that you meet.
• Use each person's name that you meet, to help you
  remember .
• Let the interviewer direct the conversation.
• Listen to each question carefully, without
  interrupting.
• Take time to think through your answers - pauses
  are OK.
• Keep your answers between 20 seconds and 2
  minutes, which is statistically the optimum time
  period for answering a question.
• Speak positively about previous employers and
  co-workers.
• Be constantly aware of your body language and
  that of the interviewer.
• Let the employer lead into discussion about
  salary benefits.
• Ask at the end of the interview when you will
  hear from the interviewer again, If the
  information is not offered.
• Be sure that everything you say in the interview
  is verifiable.

24
Donts in the Interview Points to remember

• DONT chew gum, tobacco, or candy during the
  interview.
• DON'T touch, lean on, or pick up anything on the
  interviewers desk.
• DON'T address the interviewer by first
  name,unless first invited to do so.
• DON'T touch your hair, adjust your clothing, bite
  your fingernails or anything else that may be
  distracting to the interviewer.
• DON'T use slang or profanity, even if the
  employer does.
• DON'T be a comedian. Be pleasant, but remember
  that the interview is serious.
• DON'T answer questions with just one word.
• DON'T be overly negative about anything or
  anyone.

25
P7 Perform Post Interview Follow-Up

• Five Reasons why you should send
• thank-you notes after an interview
• 1 - They prove you are courteous and good with
  people
• 2 - They help the employer remember you.
• 3 - They can be used to reiterate your interest
  in the job.
• 4 - They can provide you with opportunities to
  reinforce certain points made in the interview
• 5 - A thank you note may be the one factor that
  positively sets you apart from others
  interviewed!
• (The 10 Minute Rule)

26
Interview TechniquesYour chance to let your
personality shineMake it count !

• Career Advising Services has additional
  interview, job search, and career resources in
  the office at Reid Centennial Hall, 110
• Trained staff can assist you with your interview
  questions
• CAS has three computers available for your job
  search needs
• Visit LCSC Career Advising Services Reid Hall
  110
• Debra Lybyer, Director
• Debi Mundell, Associate Director
• Susan Lawson, Career Counselor
• Andrea Masom, Career Advisor
• Green Baggett, Staff Volunteer
• Denise Harris, Administrative Assistant
• Monday Friday
• 800 a.m. 500 p.m.