INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES

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INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES
CAREER WORKSHOP SERIES

• Presented byCareer Resource Center
• University of Florida

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INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES
Learning Objectives

• Examine the basic components of the interview
  process
• Explore pre-interview preparation activities
• Learn tips for successful interviewing
• Identify post-interview follow-up activity

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INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES
Purpose of an Interview

• Two-way communication process
• Convey your abilities and skills
• Collect more information about the employer
• Remember-- this is a two-way process. You are
  interviewing the company too!

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INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES
Preparing for Your Interview

• Analyze your
• Strengths and weaknesses
• Career vs. personal goals
• Personal background
• Academic preparation
• Work and leadership experience
• Talents and hobbies
• Other skills

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INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES
Things to Know Before the Interview

• Know what YOU want
• Research the employer
• The competition and the industry
• Salary information
• Products and services
• Training programs
• Organizational structure and locations
• Growth and problems

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INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES
Make the Interview Work for You

• Be on time.be EARLY
• First impressions count
• Be prepared
• Be yourself
• Be positive
• Be honest
• Understand how you handle stress

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INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES
General Interview Etiquette

• Professional behavior with support staff
• Forms of address
• Firm handshake
• Maximize use of body language and tone of voice
• Dress for success
• Supplemental materials

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INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES
Dress For Success

• Dress conservatively, avoid fads
• Attire
• Women Skirt or pant suit
• Men Suit or sport-coat and tie
• Personal grooming
• Conservative hairstyles
• Avoid heavy perfumes or colognes
• Dont smoke or chew gum
• Be sure to check out our Dress for Success
  Workshops

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INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES
The Interviewer Looks for

• Personal Impressions
• Appearance
• Communication skills (Verbal and Non-Verbal)
• Maturity and integrity
• Career Goals/Job Interests
• Aptitudes and abilities
• Initiative and adaptability
• Qualifications
• Academic preparation, leadership and work
  experience
• Skills, hobbies and talents

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INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES
Types of Interviews

• Traditional Interview
• Structured, formal meeting
• Employer seeking detailed profile of experiences
  and accomplishments
• Sample Questions
• Tell me about yourself.
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• What are your short and long range goals?

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INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES
Types of Interviews (cont.)

• Behavioral Interview
• Past behavior predicts future behavior
• Questions designed to determine work related
  behavior
• STAR technique is the key to success
• S What was the SITUATION you faced?
• T What TASK were you assigned/assumed?
• A What ACTION did you take?
• R What was the RESULT?

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INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES
Types of Interviews (cont.)

• Sample behavioral questions
• Describe the most pressured situation you have
  dealt with in the past six months and how you
  handled it.
• Describe a time when you included others in your
  decision making and how you incorporated their
  input.
• How have you used your knowledge of work with
  diverse people to solve problems?
• Tell me about a time when you were disappointed
  with the results of your efforts.

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INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES
Types of Interviews (cont.)

• Screening
• Brief, 15-30 minutes
• Ex phone interviews, Career Showcase
• Group
• Candidates are interviewed with other candidates
• Employers looking at interpersonal skills of
  candidates
• Site Interview
• Typically second or third interview
• Candidate visits location of possible employment
• Frequently all day long including meals

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INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES
The Interview (Stage 1)

• INTRODUCTION STAGE
• Very brief
• First impressions count
• Biographical questions
• Follow the interviewers lead

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INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES
The Interview (Stage 2)

• DISCUSSION STAGE
• Expand resume information
• Evaluating
• Communication skills
• Problem solving abilities
• Experience with diverse clients
• Matches the candidate with the job

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INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES
The Interview (Stage 3)

• CLOSING STAGE
• Expand on any missed items
• Ask interviewer questions
• Inquire about decision timeline
• Ask for business cards from recruiters
• Exit gracefully- Last impressions count too!

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INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES
Sample Questions for the Interviewer

• How will my responsibilities be prioritized?
• Please describe the training and evaluation
  process.
• What are the opportunities for career
  advancement?
• What plans/projects are being developed to
  increase.?
• How does your company measure success?
• What is the work atmosphere like at your
  company?

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INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES
Post-Interview Checklist

• Critique
• The company
• Your performance
• Follow-up with any requested materials
• Send thank you cards or emails
• Attend the Job Search Correspondence Workshop
• Attend the Negotiating Job Offers Workshop

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INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES
Interview Success Obstacles

• Late for interview
• Poor appearance or demeanor
• Ill-defined career direction
• Inability to communicate
• Insufficient knowledge of company
• Lack of enthusiasm
• Over-qualified
• Poor environmental fit

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INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES
Legal / Illegal Interview Quiz

• How many years of experience do you have?
• L question directly relates to job
  qualifications
• What language is spoken in your home?
• I question has no bearing on work requirements
• Do you want to be addressed as Mrs., Miss or Ms?
• I question has no relevance to work performance
• Can you perform the essential functions of this
  job? If not, what reasonable accommodations do
  you need?
• L question directly relates to job performance
• Do you identify in any way other than
  heterosexual?
• L currently sexuality is not included in Title
  VII nationally

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INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES
Managing Illegal Questions

• Illegal topics include Age, Marital status,
  Personal characteristics, Disabilities, and
  Health
• Some EEO clauses also include sexual
  orientation
• Not illegal if the question is related to the job
  you are seeking
• Three options
• Answer the question
• Refuse to answer the question
• Examine the intent and respond to that
• Contact a CRC employee

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INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES
Other Resources

• Mock Interview Program
• Career Library
• www.crc.ufl.edu

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INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES
Questions?
Thank YouFor attending this CRC Workshop!
If you are interested in attending other
workshops or would like to request slides or
other information, please contact the CRC
at(352) 392-1601