Interviewing Techniques

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Interviewing Techniques

• Career Services, CBU
• Special Topics Career Planning

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Definition of an Interview

• A formal gathering or
• meeting . . .
• To converse with,
• exchanging questions and answers . . .
• (Websters)

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E-X-C-H-A-N-G-E

• E EXAMINE WHO YOU ARE
• Self Assessment
• Know your Transferable Skills
• What are your values and perspective on life?
• What type of environment makes you flourish?
• Go on a Treasure Hunt of who you are!
• Dont be a mystery to yourself!

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X X MARKS THE SPOT!

• Have a ready response but not a rehearsed
  response!
• Hiring managers are seeking
• Authenticity
• Critical Thinking Skills
• Communication Skills
• Project your adaptability to fit in their work
  culture

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C COME PREPARED TO ANSWER 3 DIFFERENT TYPES OF
INTERVIEWS

• Behavioral Basic premise is that past behavior
  is a good forecaster for future behavior
• Peer Group interviews are becoming more common
  also its about the fit
• Aptitude Hypothetical or actual, e.g., a
  writing sample, a marketing plan, or solving a
  computer programming crisis

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H HONE YOUR ENGLISH SKILLS

• Use informal but proper English
• Respond in complete sentences
• Dont try to impress by using highly technical
  terms unless it relates to the position pursued
• Practice articulating your responses

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A ALWAYS RESEARCH THE COMPANYS WEB SITE

• Learn about companys profile
• Type of business
• Company Culture formal or casual
• Locations local or national
• Potential for growth
• Vision long and short-term
• Mission Statement

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N NEVER FORGET ABOUT THE NON-VERBAL INTERVIEW

• First impressions are very important
• Conservative, well-groomed look is best
• Be on time
• Never, never chew gum
• Dont touch your face
• Dont tap your pen

Miss Braywood, call 911 . . . Tell them weve
got another case of interview burnout on our
hands. - Tom Cheney
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G GO WITH YOUR QUESTIONS FOR THE INTERVIEWER

• Have 3 to 5 questions prepared
• Use a 3x5 card alleviate stress
• Never ask about salary, vacations, tuition
  reimbursement or holiday with pay
• Remember, this is an exchange

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E ENTHUSIASM IS INFECTIOUS!

• Sell yourself!
• Always have a ready smile and a willing hand
• Prepare a closing statement, summarizing your
  strengths and your desire to be a part of this
  team

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THANK YOU NOTES

• Regardless of the outcome, SMILE!
• Fewer than ½ of those interviewed send thank you
  notes
• Refer to the sample given in handout materials
• Write a thank you note to every interviewer
  within 24-48 hours

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REMEMBER . . . E-X-C-H-A-N-G-E

• Interviewing techniques are developed skills
• Choose to make it a time of sharing dreams and
  goals
• Seize this adventure, and you will never be the
  same!