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Interviewing TIPS
The
Employment Application
Research the
position
Prepare
for the actual interview
The Panel
Interview
The
Assessment Center
Establishing
Rapport During the Job Interview
Making
a Good Impression with the Interview Panel
During the
interview
Interviewing
Don’ts
The
Employment Application
Most positions require the
completion of the standard employment application.
Complete all sections thoroughly and accurately with great
attention to detail. Follow
all instructions in their totality.
You may want to type it.
Research
the position
The more you know about
the job you are applying for, the better you will appear in the
interview. The interview
panel will be impressed by your interest and motivation, and you will be
able to explain how your skills match the position you are seeking.
Find out as much
information as you can about the position.
If possible, talk to people who are doing the same job.
Prepare
for the actual interview
-
Practice your answers to common
questions. (If you were
the supervisor/manager of this area, what would you want to know
from a prospective employee?)
-
Rehearse your interview with a friend. You should be able to convey all pertinent information
about yourself in about 15 minutes.
Tape yourself to check your diction, speed, and body
language.
-
Prepare your interview materials
before you leave your home. If
you have been requested to provide performance evaluations, work
samples, etc., make certain they are up to date.
-
Dress professionally and comfortably. You will be judged in some respects by what you wear.
When in doubt, dress conservatively. For women:
-
a straight-forward business suit is best
-
wear sensible pumps
-
be moderate with makeup and perfume
-
wear simple jewelry
-
hair and nails should be well-groomed
For
men:
-
a clean, ironed shirt and conservative tie are a must
-
a simple jacket or business suit is a good idea as well
-
shoes should be polished
-
face should be clean-shaven; facial hair should be neatly trimmed
-
hair and nails should be well groomed
-
use cologne or after-shave sparingly
The
Panel Interview
Panel
interviews are common practice. You
will face several employees of the company you are applying for who have
a say in whether you are hired. When
answering questions from several people, speak directly to the person
asking the question. It is
not necessary to answer the group.
You
will be asked to demonstrate your problem solving skills.
Typically, the panel will outline a situation and ask you to
formulate a plan that deals with the problem.
The panel members are looking for your ability to:
-
see all of the points of the problem
-
apply current skill set(s)
-
apply past experience (positive and
negative) in the same area
-
take on new challenges
-
demonstrate new skill set(s)
-
formulate a plan
Keep
in mind; the best predictor of future performance is past performance.
Assessment
Often
Assessment are included in the interview process to uncover the
leadership potential of prospective managers and employees who will be
dealing with the public. The
candidates are gathered together in an informal, discussion-type
interview. A subject is introduced and the interviewees are left to
discuss the subject. This
interaction may be observed by a small group of managers and Human
Resources staff. The goal
of the assessment center is to see how you interact with others and how
you use your knowledge and reasoning powers to win others over.
Establishing
Rapport During the Job Interview
By
establishing a rapport with the interview panel, you build “common
ground” between the parties. It
is important to listen and be sensitive to the interviewer’s style. This can make communication easier and the whole interview
more comfortable.
Listen
closely to the interviewer for cues on how you should act.
Is the interviewer being formal or informal?
How loudly is s/he speaking?
What sort of information is s/he trying to solicit: general,
professional, or personal? Try
to follow the interviewer’s lead.
You
may want to make some friendly observation about your surroundings.
If the interview is conversational, make small talk.
Be positive and upbeat (happy to be there).
All of these will help you to relax and establish a connection.
It
is important to appear open and friendly as well. Give each member of the panel a firm handshake if it is
offered and remember to smile. Make
sure you look attentive, with good posture and consistent eye-contact.
Making
a Good Impression with the Interview Panel
Before
the interview:
During
the interview:
· Show self-confidence.
- know the difference between self-confidence vs. arrogance
- know the difference between assertiveness vs. aggressiveness
· Remember to listen. Stick to the point.
· Don’t ramble.
- Save the amusing anecdote to share after you are hired
· Answer the question that was asked.
- If you
are not sure of the question and could answer in more than one way, ask
for clarification!
· Reflect before answering a difficult question.
Ask for clarification if you need it.
·
Avoid negative body language.
- Avoid crossing your arms
- Try not to appear distracted
· Show you want the job.
- A little pre-interview research goes a long way.
· Ask a couple of well thought-out questions
- based on the questions you were asked and your research.
· Do not ask questions that raise red flags.
Unless the panel brings up the topic, wait for the second
interview.
- The first interview is not the time to discuss:
· money
· vacation days
· driving requirements
· travel requirements
· evening and weekend scheduling
After
the interview:
-
End the interview with a handshake and
thank the panel for their time.
-
Send a “Thanks for the interview”
note.
-
Follow up with a phone call to the
Recruiter if you have not been contacted within two weeks.
Interviewing
Don’ts
-
Blame poor performance on past
employers, workplaces, bosses or co-workers.
-
Discuss personal pursuits unless you
are still in the small talk portion of the interview.
-
Appear too eager to discuss matters of
compensation, hours, or vacation time.
-
Show bad posture: don’t slouch, tap
your feet, strum your fingers, splay your legs or arms.
-
Let nervousness affect your actions.
Don’t fumble with objects in your hand, rearrange your hair,
jiggle pocket change or chew gum.
-
Let your message get muffled: don’t
slur, drop your eyes, or speak too quickly.
-
Let your phone or pager ring during
the interview. Turn them off!
-
Fumble with your belongings: put your
purse, portfolio, briefcase, etc., on the floor next to your chair.
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Ask for everything to be clarified.
You must generally understand what you are being asked.
Information
is power
Do
research about the company
Know
your Recruiter
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