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