The Key to a Successful Interview

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The Key to a Successful Interview
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Phone Interviews

• While you're actively job searching, it's
  important to be prepared for a phone interview on
  a moment's notice.
• You never know when a recruiter or a networking
  contact might call and ask if you have a few
  minutes to talk.

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Be Prepared to Interview

• Prepare for a phone interview just as you would
  for a regular interview.
• Compile a list of your strengths and weaknesses,
  as well as a list of answers to typical interview
  questions.
• Plan on being prepared for a phone conversation
  about your background and skills.

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Phone Interview Tips

• Keep your resume in clear view, on the top of
  your desk, or tape it to the wall near the phone,
  so it's at your fingertips when you need to
  answer questions.
• Have a short list of your accomplishments
  available to review.
• Have a pen and paper handy for note taking.
• Turn call-waiting off so your call isn't
  interrupted.

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More Phone Interview Tips

• If the time isn't convenient, ask if you could
  talk at another time and suggest some
  alternatives.
• Clear the room - evict the pets, family and
  friends. Turn off the TV. Close the door.
• Unless you're sure your cell phone service is
  going to be perfect, use a landline rather to
  avoid a dropped call or static on the line.

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Practice Interviewing

• Talking on the phone isn't as easy as it seems.
• Conduct a mock interview and tape record it so
  you can see how you sound. You'll be able to hear
  your "ums" and "uhs" and "okays" and you can
  practice reducing them from your conversational
  speech.
• Rehearse your answers to those typical questions
  you may be asked.

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During the Phone Interview

• Don't chew gum, eat, or drink.
• Do keep a glass of water handy, in case you need
  to wet your mouth.
• Smile. Smiling will project a positive image to
  the listener and will change the tone of your
  voice.
• Speak slowly and enunciate clearly.

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• Use the person's title (Mr. or Ms. and their last
  name.) Only use a first name if they ask you to.
• Don't interrupt the interviewer.
• Take your time - it's perfectly acceptable to
  take a moment or two to collect your thoughts.
• Give brief answers.
• Remember your goal is to set-up a face-to-face
  interview. After you thank the interviewer ask if
  it would be possible to meet in person.

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After the Interview

• Take notes about what you were asked and how you
  answered.
• Remember to say "thank you." Follow with a thank
  you note which reiterates your interest in the
  job.

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Face-to FaceInterviews
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Proper Interview Attire

• In a conservative business environment appearance
  DOES MATTER
• 55 perception base on appearance
• Employers initial impression is made within the
  first minute of seeing you.
• Always err on the side of conservatism
  (overdressed is better and underdressed)

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Men

• Suit conservative, solid color
• Dark dress socks and shoes
• Little or no jewelry
• Trimmed nails
• Shoes shined
• Clothes presses
• Button your jacket when you stand

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Women

• Suite conservative, solid color
• Moderate dress shoes
• Minimal accessories
• Manicured nails
• Tan or light stocking
• Clothes presses
• Dont wear anything too tight or revealing

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EMPLOYER EXPECTATIONS ARE INCREASING!

• 1985
• Come to work

15
EMPLOYER EXPECTATIONS ARE INCREASING!

• 1985
• Come to work
• 1990
• Problem solving
• Process Improvement
• Team Involvement

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EMPLOYER EXPECTATIONS ARE INCREASING!

• 1985
• Come to work
• 1990
• Problem solving
• Process Improvement
• Team Involvement
• 1995
• Problem Solving
• Process Improvement
• Safety Ownership
• Team Involvement
• Customer Interface

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EMPLOYER EXPECTATIONS ARE INCREASING!

• 1985
• Come to work
• 1990
• Problem solving
• Process Improvement
• Team Involvement
• 1995
• Problem Solving
• Process Improvement
• Safety Ownership
• Team Involvement
• Customer Interface
• 2000
• Problem Solving
• Process Improvement
• Safety Ownership
• Team Involvement
• Customer Interface

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EMPLOYER EXPECTATIONS ARE INCREASING!

• 2007
• Team approach to
• Problem Solving
• Process Improvement
• Safety Ownership
• Increased Literacy Communication Skills
• Customer Interface
• Multi-tasking Skills
• Peer Interviews, Training Reviews

• 1985
• Come to work
• 1990
• Problem solving
• Process Improvement
• Team Involvement
• 1995
• Problem Solving
• Process Improvement
• Safety Ownership
• Team Involvement
• Customer Interface
• 2000
• Problem Solving
• Process Improvement
• Safety Ownership
• Team Involvement
• Customer Interface

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Etiquette

• Be on time no exceptions
• If faced with unforeseen circumstances, call
  immediately to apologize, explain, and try to
  reschedule (but may not be enough to get you the
  second chance)
• Treat the receptionist with respect
• Walk with confidence
• Be enthusiastic, eager, and smile

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Attitude

• Know your interviewers name and title before you
  arrive
• Do not address him or her by their first name
  unless otherwise directed to do so
• Dont sit until youre invited to, and sit up
  straight
• Practice good eye contact

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The Handshake

• Wait for the interviewer to extend his/her
  hand
• Stand up straight
• Make good eye contact
• Grasp hand firmly
• NO limp hand
• Avoid pumping/loose arm

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Maintaining a Positive Impression

• Space - Be assertive but do not invade
  interviewers space
• Being seated - Remain standing until interviewer
  sits or indicated you may be seated
• Good posture helps you look confident and more
  professional
• Lean forward in interest, fold hands in your lap,
  cross legs at the ankles, and tuck them slightly
  under your chair
• Be aware of and control nervous habits like foot
  tapping

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Body Language

• Always maintain good eye contact
• Dont watch the clock or your watch
• Smile !

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PREPARATION
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Research the Company

• Research the company thoroughly
• Where do you fit in (skill set)?
• Tailor your skills to companys needs (review job
  description)
• Information you uncover reflects your interest
  and enthusiasm in position
• Establishes a common base of knowledge for
  questions

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What Do You Need To Know?

• Age of company
• Services or products
• Competitors within the industry
• Growth pattern
• Reputation
• Divisions and subsidiaries
• Locations/length of time there
• Size
• Number of employees
• Sales/assets/earnings
• New products or projects
• Culture and values

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Develop Career Goals

• Have a focus--at least act like it, even if you
  dont have a clue
• Identify challenges you are looking for and
• know what you want to accomplish

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THE INTERVIEW
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Tell Me About Yourself

• Create a 60-second sound byte
• Include
• Geographic origins
• Reason for choosing major
• Educational background
• 2 or 3 strengths related to position
• Specific expertise and accomplishments
• How you can contribute to company
• Identify your career goals
• Speak clearly and honestly

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What Are Your Strengths

• Relate them to the job
• Give examples of where you have demonstrated
  these
• How were they developed
• Identify your mentors and/or role models

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Answer Questions with aSTAR Approach

• S ituation
• T ask
• A ction
• R esults

STAR provides an outline for answers
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Write Down Answers/Scenarios

• Draft written answers to potential interview
  questions
• Develop job appropriate scenarios based on your
  research
• A solution to one of their problems

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What are your Weaknesses?

• Relate these to your work
• Show the positive side of these
• Identify the steps you have taken for improvement
• Detail the results and/or time
  frames expected

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Questions You May Be Asked

• Describe yourself
• Can you take lots of information, organize it and
  present it concisely?
• Why should we hire you?
• How will you be able to fit into the culture of
  our company?
• How would your peers or former employer describe
  you?
• Tell me what you know about our company
• Speak confidently and stress qualification and
  experience that apply to the position you are
  interviewing for.

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Write Out Questions for the Interviewer

• Demonstrate your knowledge of the company
• Why is this position available?
• Is this a new position? 
• How long has this position existed?
• How many people have held this position in the
  last two years?
• What do you like about working for this company?

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• What are the current plans for expansion or
  cutbacks?
• What kind of turnover rate does the company have?
• How financially sound is this company?
• What projects and assignments will I be working
  on?
• Who would be my supervisor?  To whom would I
  report?
• Will I receive any formal training?
• Can you describe a typical day for someone in
  this position?

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If you are being interviewed by the person who
you will directly report to?

• What are the day-to-day expectations and
  responsibilities of this position?
• How will my responsibilities and performance be
  measures?
• Can you describe the companys culture?
• Can you describe your management style

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Practice Your Soft Skills

• Greet people with a firm handshake
• Stand up to meet people
• Keep your guard up during lunch or dinner
• Practice your dining etiquette
• Remember please and thank you
• Be good at chatting and small talk

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What to Bring to an Interview

• Several copies of your resume
• Your portfolio, if applicable
• New notebook and a nice pen
• Leather folder or portfolio
• Names, addresses, and phone numbers of references

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Illegal Topics

• Topics to avoid include
• Nationality/race
• Marital status
• Religion
• Affiliations
• Disability or medical history
• Pregnancy, birth control, child care
• Age

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Details Needed for Follow-up

• Ask for their business card
• Use interviewers name
• Send a short thank you note within 24 hours
• Remind them of key points from the interview
• Emphasize your interest

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Follow-up the Interview

• Send a short thank you note within 24 hours
• Remind them of key points from the interview
• Emphasize your interest
• State when you expect the next contact to be

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Evaluate/Retrain

• How did you do overall?
• What were your strengths?
• What needs improvement?
• Develop a follow-up chart for tracking