Job Interview Training

In the job interview you are selling yourself. What makes you worth buying?

Excellent resource web site: http://careers.msn.com/

1.  Self assessment - your resume and letters of recommendation

  1. Do one and submit it even if it is not required.
  2. Keep it short (one page – best, two pages - OK)
  3. Use bullets
  4. Heading include: education, experience, goals
  5. Be truthful
  6. Have it proof read by several people
  7. Have letters of recommendation
  8. Must be from qualified people
  9. Prepare a draft of letter in case someone asks

2.  Research the job you want and the company, department, center where the job is

  1. Talk to as many people as you can who have worked the job
  2. Get the names of key people at the location (if you know the location) and inquire about them
  3. Go online and find out all you can about the organization and the job
  4. Get a copy of the job description if possible (Call HR and ask)
  5. Every organization has a political structure (and possibly substructures). Be very sensitive to politics.

3.  Present yourself professionally (halo effect)

  1. Dress for the part
  2. Hair
  3. Conservative clothes
  4. Very little jewelry
  5. Posture
  6. Smile
  7. Greet interviewers professionally
  8. A note pad is acceptable
  9. Names of interviewers
  10. Help you organize your thoughts
  11. Have notes from your homework

4.  Be mentally prepared for the interview questions

  1. The problem solving questions (usually the majority of the interview)
  2. Repeat the questions, such as “What you are asking is …” or reword the question
  3. These questions must be answered
  4. Draw from the job description as to the types of problems
  5. Ask for clarification if necessary
  6. The more information you give the better, but do not repeat yourself
  7. Remember you do not work in a vacuum – refer to others as resources for solving problems
  8. Refer to policies and procedures
  9. The personal question (at least one question of this sort is usually asked: “What are your career goals?”; “What do you see as your deficiencies?”; etc.)
  10. These questions do not require elaborate answers.
  11. For the highly threatening type of question, think in terms of “ying & yang”, opposite sides of the same coin.
  12. shy, quiet … considerate of others
  13. critical … high standards, very interested
  14. opinionated … very verbal, expressive
  15. pushy, dominating … involved, goal oriented
  16. Express any negative aspect in a positive fashion

5.  Have questions prepared for the interviewers.

  1. Do not ask about pay, vacation, sick leave, or other benefits

b.  Ask at least one question about the job performance standards or the organization. (This is a great place to show that you have done your homework.)

c.  Do not ask threatening questions.

6.  Have a positive ending

  1. State that you believe you would be a good fit for the job
  2. Thank each person individually
  3. Send thank you letters or emails

7.  Do you know the “you” in you?

  1. Extrovert or Introvert
  2. Feeling or thinking
  3. Judging or perceptive
  4. Sensing or intuitive

8.  Do you have not “you” skills?

  1. Your awareness of differences
  2. Showing a whole person

9.  How do you rate on these organizational parameters?

  1. Change
  2. Authority
  3. Problem Solving/Initiative
  4. Team Work
  5. Dependability
  6. Organizational Structures
  7. Communications