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Basic Interview Skills: An Overview

The document provides an overview of basic interview skills, including what an interview is, common interview formats, how to prepare, proper attire, what to bring, body language tips, the typical stages of an interview, behavior-based interview questions, techniques for answering questions, following up after the interview, potential reasons for rejection, and general reminders.

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MJaved Kalburgi
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329 views13 pages

Basic Interview Skills: An Overview

The document provides an overview of basic interview skills, including what an interview is, common interview formats, how to prepare, proper attire, what to bring, body language tips, the typical stages of an interview, behavior-based interview questions, techniques for answering questions, following up after the interview, potential reasons for rejection, and general reminders.

Uploaded by

MJaved Kalburgi
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Basic Interview Skills

An Overview

What is an interview?
An interview is a

Structured meeting between you and the employer Interviewing is a skill to be developed Practice makes perfect

The purpose of an interview is to


1.

2.

Allow you to assess the position and nature of the organization to determine if theres a fit between your professional goals and the job Allow the Interviewer to gather information regarding your interests, skills, & abilities to determine if you will meet their needs

Interview Formats

Phone or Screening Interview: Used to narrow the field One-on-One Interview: Most common type; usually conducted by hiring official Group/Panel Interview: Conducted by several people at once Meal Interview: Used to see how you interact in a social situation Second/Site Interview: Tour of the workplace, meet the staff, and asked additional questions by employer; usually or full day

Before for the Interview

Research the company and position Company website Information sessions Know yourself and be able to articulate (sell yourself): Skills Strengths Accomplishments Career goals Areas of development Why you should be hired Based on your research and knowledge of yourself, communicate your fit with the company Be prepared to ask and answer questions and provide specific examples Be prompt and prepared Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early Scout location/parking prior to interview date Bring extra copies of resume Bring Reference List (name, title, complete address, telephone, and e-mail) Bring list of questions for interviewer

Professional Dress
Men

Women
Two-piece suit; single or double breasted (dark blue or gray; avoid brown or sport coats) Solid colors and tighter-woven fabric

Conservative, tailored suit or suit dress (skirt length: top of knee down) Simple tailor blouse Accessories should be simple Basic medium/low heeled pumps Conservative jewelry coordinated with outfit (no dangles) Handbag should be small and appropriate with outfit

Simple pattered tie Polished shoes with socks high enough so no skin is visible when sitting or crossing legs Neatly groomed hair and beard/mustache Avoid strong colognes, earrings and body piercings

What to Take to the Interview


Nice notepad in leather folder Good pen Any completed application materials Teaching portfolio Portfolio Performance pieces (audio, video, live performance) Your own business cards Breath mints Extra money for parking garage or public transportation

Body Language
Tips for projecting a positive image

When entering the room, give the appearance of high energy and self-confidence. Walk briskly and SMILE! Shake hands firmly but dont crush bones Maintain eye contact throughout the interview Sit up straight Demonstrate that you are listening intently to the interviewer occasionally nod your head Dont let your hands or fingers fidget (with themselves or other objects such as a pen, paper, or your hair) Avoid folding your arms across your chest

Stages of the Interview

Introduction Interviewer will attempt to establish a rapport with you 1st impression very important Review Background (education and experience), interests, abilities, career goals, traditional or behavioral questions Discussion Potential opportunities and how you can possibly fit (present & future) Conclusion Points can be clarified by both parties and questions asked and answered by each Interviewer may explain procedural matters and discuss how and when further contact will be made

Behavior-Based Interviews

Behavior-Based

Targeted Skills:
Alertness Assertiveness Commitment to task Coping Creativity Decision making Goal setting Leadership Listening Management Communication Organization/planning Perception Problem solving Team building

Based on the idea that past behavior is the best predictor of future success Relies less on general questions and more on specifics Questions usually begin with Tell me about a time when. . . Give me an example of . . .

Interview Techniques

How to answer behavior-based questions (storytelling)


SAR Situation Action Result Review your resume for examples and write down potential answers to major skill areas

After the Interview

Thank you notes/letters


Send thank you note to each individual with whom you interviewed (business cards) Each note should be individualized Should be sent within 24 to 48 hours Handwritten notes are still the norm E-mail thank you is acceptable if you know interviewer will not be in his/her office to receive your note in a timely fashion What did you like? What didnt you like? Determine if the job is right for you?

Make Notes

Evaluate

Environment Culture Location

A good fit will lead to a more successful, fulfilling career

Reasons for Rejection may Include


Inability to express self clearly and/or poor communication skills Uncertainty about future goals and/or career plans or unrealistic goals Poor personal appearance Lack of enthusiasm or interest in the jobs or organization (failure to ask questions) Excessive interest in salary, benefits, and vacation Lack of courtesy, maturity, or tact Lack of knowledge about the organization Lack of confidence or over-confidence Evasiveness

Remember

Behave professionally Practice initial greeting and handshake (firm) Smile Maintain eye contact Remain calm and confident Obtain a business card from each interview (thank you letters) Dress professionally Be prepared to talk about yourself and your experiences Education Work Volunteer/community service Learn to be a storyteller Provide specific, concrete examples of results & accomplishments Remain positive, enthusiastic, poised and confident throughout the entire process An interview is a formal conversation avoid filler words such as um, ah, and you know. Avoid indecisive phrases such as I think, I guess, probably, or pretty good If you do not hear or understand a question, ask interviewer to repeat or clarify

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