Interviewing

 Interview Like a Pro

• Projecting enthusiasm and a positive attitude in interviews professionalism smiling, dressing neatly and appropriately, and being clean and neat

• Using positive verbal communication; using positive terms; and avoiding grammatical errors, slang and credibility robbers

• Using positive body language in the first 30 seconds of and throughout the interview to project trust and credibility quickly

• Making the sale by delivering a polished interview commercial that emphasizes your qualifications and includes measurable accomplishments whenever possible

• Being prepared and organized; taking to the interview and Interview Marketing Kit that contains appropriate portfolio items

• Closing the interview skillfully; paying close attention to the interviewer’s signals for closure; running the commercial one more time to focus on your capabilities; and finding out how to follow up and when a hiring decision will be made

Master the Art of Getting Interviews

• When requesting an interview, emphasizing your qualifications before you make the request to give the receiver a reason to answer yes

• When making a request for an interview in person, preparing as though it were an actual interview because the first impression you make can influence the outcome

• Preparing a script and practicing asking for an interview before making a real request

• Treating gatekeepers courteously and professionally because they are often the key to connecting with the hiring authority

• Tapping into the hidden job market because resourceful applicants create jobs by researching employers’ needs and by showing exactly how their abilities meet those needs

Be Prepared for Any Interview Style

• Overly structured interview: Being friendly and positive to establish rapport and a relaxed tone

• Behavioral interview: Providing proof-by-example descriptions of you capabilities

• Screening interview: Finding out what the next step is and who will make the hiring decision

• Board, panel, or team interview: Learning and using the names of all the interviewers

• Stress interview: Remaining calm and not reacting negatively

• “Tell me about yourself” interview: Focusing completely on you job qualifications

• Multilevel or corporate ladder interview: Keeping your answers consistent and maintaining energy

• Telephone interview: Posting your resume and your 60-second Commercial close by, standing up, smiling and eliminating distractions

Navigate Interview Questions and Answers

• Focusing on proof by example; responding persuasively to questions about your abilities; and citing examples of applying your abilities in work, school, and other activities

• Preparing and rehearsing responses to typical interview questions

• Anticipating the stress of inappropriate interview questions and practicing careful responses

• Preparing and practicing responses to stress questions; staying cool, breathing deeply, using positive self-talk, and taking time to think; and demonstrating stress management skills – thinking the questions through and remaining composed

• Preparing and asking appropriate questions

• Avoiding asking questions that diminish your liability, including questions that are too direct, questions that your research should have answered, and questions that make you appear immature or uncommitted to the job

Practice for Your Successful Interview

• Scheduling practice interviews to improve your actual interview performance and confidence

• Preparing for a practice interview as though it were real, participating seriously, and applying interview success strategies

• Asking interviewers to evaluate your proactive and dress-rehearsal interview

• Summarizing thoroughly what you have learned from your practice and dress-rehearsal interviews

• Sending thank-you letters to those who helped with your practice interviews

Interview and Follow Up

• Preparing a written script for a follow-up telephone call; if necessary, including questions not asked or information omitted in the interview

• Drafting a brief follow-up message to send after making a follow-up telephone call

• Drafting a longer follow-up letter to add important information or to use when no call is made

• After each interview, taking steps to improve areas of weak performance, and completing all necessary follow-up activities