Sarah Rach-Sovich

Impressive Interviewing

Notes About Preparation…

Every interview is different

Each interviewer has their own style

You can never be certain…

You are creating impressions…

The way you present yourself makes a statement about how you feel about yourself

Nonverbal communication = 85%

The impression you make = Your BRAND!

What to wear?

Expected over unexpected To be safe…dress one level

above the norm for that jobNot just at the

interview!

Other influences

Hair Color & Style Tattoos & Body Piercings Facial hair Make-up Fragrance Breath

Jewelry Shoes & Socks Clothing Fit Cleanliness Hands/Fingernails Handshake

Do your homework!

Key info you should know

Company goals and mission Company history Products and/or services offered Recent changes How YOU fit in to all this!

How do you get this info?

Start with the company website Online searches (Google)Social Media sitesCompany brochures/flyersMagazines, newspapers, trade journalsTalk with employees

Schedule an observation/tour/informational interview

Today is the day!

What to bring…

Folder or briefcase

Materials for the committee:

Pre-filled application

Resume & cover letter copies

Extras – letters, work samples

PenList of questions to ask

PortfolioGood attitude!!

When you arrive

Arrive early… but not too earlyBe polite and professional with everyone Make eye contactFirm handshake

Creating a positive impression…

80% of hiring decisions are based on whether they like you and think you will be a good “fit”

How else can you display “fit”?

Energy levelEnthusiasmEye contactAttentiveness Listening skills

Speech Promptness ProfessionalismGenuine/AuthenticHumor

Body Language to Avoid

Crossed arms Biting nails Looking off into space Fidgeting

Dishonest Disinterested Lacking in confidence

*Typically people aren’t even aware…

Helpful Body Language

Good posture Sit attentively Lean a bit forward Maintain eye contact Feet flat on floor Hands in your lap

Great…. But what do I say??

Clydesdale and Donkey

Which would you rather…?

Have an idea how you will answer Naturally and conversationally What CAN you do & what CAN you offer What have you learned and how you

overcome challenges Prove it! Speak the truth Expect the unexpected

Helpful Tips

Do you care about this

job??

These are basic interview questions. If you have not

prepared an answer it will be assumed that you do not, in fact,

care about the job!

Tell me about yourself…

Provide a brief introduction & career summary Why are you interested in this position/company Tie your response to the needs of the

organization

What are your strengths?

PROVE IT!Pick a coupleand…

What are your weaknesses?

A “Challenge”

Do NOT choose something integral to the job Don’t forget to mention HOW YOU HAVE fixed

this or CURRENTLY ARE improving on this

Other Questions…

Why this job?

Why did you leave your last job?

Reduction in workforce Involuntarily separated

FOCUS ON: The positives Desired a more

challenging position Desire a job that offers

people contact

Seriously?! Don’t let this happen to you!

Behavioral Interviewing Questions

Tell me about a time when… Give me an example of… Describe a situation where…

STAR Method

Situation: describe the situation – could be from a past job, a volunteer experience, or any relevant event

Task: what was the task that you needed to accomplish

Action: describe the action you took and be sure to keep the focus on you. Even if you are discussing a group project, describe what you did

Result: What happened? How did the event end? What did you accomplish? What did you learn?

Difficult co-worker?

More questions…

Why should we choose you?

Prove it!

Do you have any questions for us?

NEVER say…

Should come from your natural curiosityDon’t ask questions the website can

answerUse this opportunity to share more!

AVOID these…

What sort of perks do you offer? What does your company do? My last boss was a real %$#*! My feet are killing me! I got fired from my last position. I just want a job -- any job!

Be yourself!!Humor, warmth and personality

Show interest and enthusiasmBe flexible/adaptableLifelong learningReiterate your interest in the job

Set yourself apart!

Always send a

Thank You!