Chapter 7: Successful Interviews

This is the maxim used to describe the marketability of a company (it can also be applied to an interview as the applicant must be able to differentiate themselves from competing applicants):

"Companies must differentiate themselves in one of three things - product, price, or service."

Order the following based on the simple steps in answering interview questions effectively

1. Listen carefully to understand the question 2. Answer honestly, without embellishments, and with specific examples 3. Have a calm closing sentence that leads the employer to the next question

Order of steps involved in a successful interview

1. Prepare for the interview 2. First impression 3. Face-to-face interview 4. Closing 5. Follow-up 6. Job offer and negotiation 7. Making your decision

Identify the Three-Step Formula

1. Understand what interviewers are really asking 2. Answer the question 3. Support you answer with specifics

This is an example of a "screening interview" process:

A large number of applicants are "speed interviewed" to narrow down the applicant pool

The following yields "proof" of skills to the employer:

A list of completed tasks A collection of recommendation letters from professionals A collection of grades

Control statement

A statement you make during the interview that changes the direction of the interview

STAR

A three-step acronym technique used to answer competency- or behavior-based interview questions; also known as SAR or PAR

Competency-based interview

An interview based on the premise that your past employment behavior will dictate your future behavior in the new position; also known as a behavioral-based interview

Phone interview

An interview conducted over the phone, usually before meeting the hiring manager in person

Technical interview

An interview during which technical questions are asked in order to demonstrate that you have the specific knowledge or skills the employer is seeking

Standard interview

An interview during which the applicant is asked a variety of typical questions; also known as a traditional interview

Structured interview

An interview in which each job candidate receives the exact same questions

Nondirective interview

An interview often used in fields where the candidate needs to demonstrate his or her skills or wares; also known as a work sample interview

Second interview

An interview that occurs after the initial interview and involves candidates who made the first cut and have been screened down to a small pool of people in which the company is truly interested

Lunch or dinner interview

An interview that takes place during a meal, and may be part of a daylong interview process, or it may be the interview itself

Panel interview

An interview that usually takes place around a conference table, where a group of individuals will collectively ask the candidate questions; also known as a group interview

Screening interview

An interview used to evaluate and narrow a large applicant pool; also known as a prescreening interview

Stress interview

An interview with the goal of seeing how you actually handle stress in the workplace, rather than just asking you questions about how you handle stress

What are some consequences of answering an illegal question

Answer correctly and you might lose the job Tell a lie and might lose in other ways Choose to litigate and lose the job for sure regardless of the outcome

Business casual

Attire that falls between jeans and a formal suit; each company defines what fits into this category

Identify some helpful tips for phone interviews:

Be ready to answer Use a stable phone line Understand time zones

After the interview is over, it is customary to do the following:

Check on the job status in about a week Send a thank you message the same day or next day

Identify behavior that would be helpful during the first impression and interview:

Comfortable presence Eye contact Positive attitude

Identify some illegal questions:

Do you have any disabilities? Are you a United States citizen? How old are you? Have you ever been arrested?

What do you need to do whether you have had an interview in person, by video, or by phone?

E-mail and mail thank-you notes

True or false: There isn't much you can prepare for an interview. It's not like you will know the questions that the interviewer will ask of you

False: A well prepared candidate can learn a lot from the company website and other sorts of public data sources. In fact, the typical qualified applicants will know most of the questions before they are asked because they have done their "homework"

True or false: During lunch or dinner interviews, if the employer orders an alcohol drink, it's fine for the interviewee to do the same.

False: In Western cultures, it's generally considered inappropriate to order any alcohol during any interviews

True or false: Prior to the interview, it is not acceptable to contact the employer.

False: It's fine to contact the employer to confirm the interview date and any additional information he/she might require. It gives you one more opportunity to give a good impression and show initiative.

Identify a few tips for having a good interview:

Give specific examples when answering questions Answer the questions within about 2-3 window

A question asked by an employer during an interview that results in successful litigation is called a(n) _____ question.

Illegal

Data suggests a person's first impression is generated ______.

In the first 15-30 seconds

What are some benefits of conducting a mock interview?

Increasing your confidence They are the perfect setting to convey your skills in a controlled way Requiring preparation, execution, and follow-up

What should you do when presented with an illegal question?

Make a personal choice

What should part of your interview preparation be?

Mapping the route, including figuring out transportation time and parking

The following can make lunch or dinner interviews tricky

Meal options could impose challenges How the applicant engages the serving staff are all variables You must show proper manners

Which step for the interview seems to be the most important?

Preparing in advance for the interview

What might an employer do when there are a few good applicants that are too similar to decide on?

Request a second interview

What is the first step in the interview process?

Researching the position and the company

Mock interview

Simulated interview for practice

What should you do when you walk into the employer's office to meet with them

Stand until asked to sit down

What should you do if using some form of technology that goes wrong for the interview process?

Take complete responsibility for any failures because it is your responsibility to test it prior to the interview

What question is considered the MOST popular interview question?

Tell me about yourself.

True or false: It is customary to negotiate benefits AFTER the job offer is made to the person

True: It is considered rude to begin negotiation of salary/benefits prior to the job offer

Identify any "right" question to ask during an interview

What is the next step in the process? What other departments would I work with? What is the typical day like in the position? When do you plan on making a decision? Why is the position open? Who do I report to?

Identify some common questions found in a standard interview:

Why do you want to work here? What are some of your strengths and weaknesses?

What should you say at the end of the interview?

"Thank you." "I want the job." "I want to do the work."

What is an appropriate voice message for prospective employers to hear?

Your professional voice saying your name and your current unavailability, please leave a message

During the interview your cell phone should be _____.

turned off and kept out of sight