Preparing for job interviews means reviewing questions you anticipate they will ask and being to respond in a clear and concise fashion.

profileEva Chan
TheJobInterview2.pptx

The Job Interview

Getting to know you

Planning your Response

Prepare ahead of time

Take 60-90 seconds to answer each question

Be positive

Respond using a structure

Common Interview Questions

Tell me about yourself.

What do you know about our company? What interests you the most?

Why should we hire you?

Describe your ideal job.

What’s your greatest strength/weakness.

Why are you leaving your current position?

What are your career plans (short- and long-term)?

What are your salary expectations?

Common Behavioral Questions

Tell me about a time when you…

Used your analytical skills

Demonstrated planning skills

Delegated responsibility

Worked successfully under pressure

Failed

Used persuasion to change someone’s point of view

Made a difficult decision

Use STAR for Behavioral Questions

Situation—what was the situation or problem you were faced with

Task—how do you overcome the challenge or handle the situation

Action—what action did you take

Result—what was the successful outcome (offer concrete examples)

Situation

Task

Action

Result

“What questions do you have?”

Ask about the Company

Mission statement on a day-to-day basis

Plans for long-term growth

Typical career paths

Support for professional development

Advice when you started here

Ask about the position

Typical day

Greatest challenges of the role

Performance evaluation: how and by whom

Questions for predecessor

Working daily with…

Hiring decision

Preparing for Online Interviews

BODY LANGUAGE

Dress for success.

Smile genuinely.

Uncross your arms.

Lower your vocal pitch.

Sit up straight.

Focus eye contact on the camera located slightly lower so you don’t tilt your head back.

Slow down hand gestures.

TECHNOLOGY

Find a quiet area where you will not be disturbed.

Practice with the technology beforehand.

Log on 2-3 minutes early.

Use phone audio (in case your internet connection is unstable).

NOTES

Post notes at eye level so you can maintain comfortable eye contact.

Write down names, job titles, and 1-2 memorable topics discussed per interviewer.

CONVERSATION

Greet people professionally.

Thank each interviewer before leaving the meeting.

Avoid jokes or sarcasm or responding to negative comments.

Assignment: Responding to Interview Questions

Pick one common interview question (see slide 3). Use S-E-T to structure your response. Record your response.

Pick two behavioral interview questions (see slide 4). Use S-T-A-R to structure your response. Record your response.

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