Interviewing For Grad Training

Before The Interview Activity # 1 Write down 3 thoughts you have about our interviewee and be prepared to share with the group.

Interviewing: Training the Trainer Graduate Intern Training University Career Services August 18, 2009

Interviewing: Training the Trainer Agenda Preparing for a mock interview Advice for before the interview Advice for during the interview Advice for after the interview Thoughts and questions

Preparing for a Mock Interview As interviewer, think about: Resume Look at their objective Understand past experience & education Job description Get a sense of the skills being sought and information about what is important to the company Industry & company info Do a quick search of their site and the internet for info Needs of the student Ask what they hope to get out of the session

Advice for before the interview

Before The Interview What does the interviewer want to know: Can you do the job? (ability/skill) Will you do the job? (motivation) Are you “promotable? Are you a good fit for company culture? Will you work well with the team? Do you have an adequate background?

Before The Interview Preparation is the key: Understand yourself Determine your job objective Identify what you can offer the employer Review your resume or application Understand the company Research the employer Ask about interview format (group, one-on-one, etc.) Practice for the interview

Before The Interview Employable qualities: Top 10* Communication skills Computer skills Strong work ethic Teamwork skills Initiative Analytical skills Flexibility/adaptability Interpersonal skills Problem-solving skills Technical skills * National Association of Colleges and Employers, Nov. 2008 Preparation begins with introspection!

Before The Interview Types of questions you might encounter ABOUT YOU Open ended (“tell me about yourself”) Probing the resume Behavioral/situational Role play/scenarios ABOUT COMPANY/ INDUSTRY Understanding of Position Knowledge of news/trends Knowledge of company

Before The Interview Resume questions Be prepared to elaborate on resume content Know your resume inside & out – refer to it, as appropriate Don’t apologize for shortcomings – focus on positives Mock interview tip: Pick random experience bullet or activity from resume and ask for more information. Use response as a teachable moment, as above.

Before The Interview Behavioral questions Best predictor of future behavior is past behavior Identify 6-8 situations you faced successfully What skills/characteristics were demonstrated? Prepare mental outline for each (STAR) Choose most recent, most relevant, most powerful

Before The Interview Behavioral question examples Tell me about a time when… … you demonstrated leadership … faced an ethical dilemma. … solved a difficult problem … took a risk and failed … served as a member of a team Mock interview tip: Choose a few behavior questions that are obvious for industry/position, but creatively select a few that might be unexpected.

Before The Interview STAR format S ituation T ask A ction R esult (BAR format, if easier: background, action, result)

Before The Interview Role play/scenario questions If a difficult client walked in demanding a service that was not offered, how would you respond? If you strongly disagreed with a co-worker about a new project you were working on, how would you handle it? How would you pitch our company to someone who knew nothing about it?

Before The Interview CASE interviews Primarily use by consulting and finance firms Used to see a candidate’s thought process in action Employer looking to see if candidate can: Ask the right questions Develop logical approach to analyzing the issue Arrive at a recommendation

Before The Interview Activity # 2 Develop your own STAR statement to this question: Tell me about a time that tested your communication skills. Pair up and ask each other the question above Give constructive feedback on effectiveness

Advice for during the interview

During The Interview Proper attire Conservative, Well groomed Dark suit Hose/closed-toe shoe “ Unadventurous” Tie Minimal jewelry Little or no perfume/cologne Portfolio Mock interview tip: encourage students to dress for mock as they would for actual interview.

During The Interview Five Minute Rule: Most interviewers determine how they feel about a candidate within the first five minutes of an interview. Sometimes faster!

During The Interview What’s in a good handshake? Start with a good smile Go for the thumb Firm, not strong Up and down, not side to side or back and forth Adjust duration (2-3 shakes is good) Mock interview tip: Don’t feel shy about having them practice their handshake and giving feedback – nothing is too rudimentary!

During The Interview Non-verbal communication Keep good posture Remain professional, even if interviewer is relaxed/informal Lean toward interviewer, not back in chair Maintain appropriate eye contact Be aware of gesturing Mock interview tip: Use web cam to record mock interviews when possible – students are often surprised by what they see of themselves!

During The Interview Verbal communication Be aware of volume (too soft, too loud) Minimize your “filler” words (umm, like, you know) Think before you answer, clarify any confusion Be concise (STAR!) Use proper grammar; Don’t use slang

During The Interview Always ask good questions Prepare at least 5 good questions ahead of time Take quick notes during interview Sources to use while developing your questions: Job description Company website Google news search

During The Interview Question examples What do you think would be my biggest challenge in the first three months of the job? Can you describe your ideal candidate? How would you describe the organization’s culture? I read about your new “project xyz” … I saw the news about “initiative abc”… Mock interview tip: Have a list of sample questions for them to take or URL to visit later

During The Interview Closing the interview If not told, ask about next steps in process Ask if it is okay to follow up and preferred method Shake hands of all involved with interview Ask for business cards from all involved Some positions (sales, for example) expect you to “close the deal.” Tread lightly in other industries!

Advice for after the interview

After The Interview Immediate actions: Exhale Take notes of everything you can remember Try to connect specific comments and questions with particular interviewers, rely on business cards to help you visualize faces with names and comments Write and send thank you letters

After The Interview Thank you letters: Emails are okay if quick action expected, follow with printed letter Customize each letter, referencing specific comment or question for each interviewer, whenever possible Printed letter is business format, 2-3 paragraphs Depending on culture/organization/industry, hand written thank you card may be appropriate Reinforce your strengths and your “core message” from interview Restate plans for follow up, per interview Mock interview tip: Ask if they have ever written a thank you letter. Provide example letters.

After The Interview Follow up etiquette: Per instructed during interview, act on follow up Stick to company’s preferred method of contact If no follow up action prescribed in interview, type and timing of follow up is judgment call Consider connecting with interviewers on linkedin.com

After The Interview Interview and job search ethics: Always be honest about your credentials There is no such thing as a “little white lie” Verbal acceptance of an offer is acceptance Do not renege on an accepted offer

Interviewing For Grad Training

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Interviewing For Grad Training