Interviewing is a structured meeting between a candidate and employer to determine fit. It is a two-way process where employers evaluate candidates and candidates decide if the role and company align with their goals. Successful interviews involve preparation like researching the company, practicing common questions, and ensuring proper hygiene, attire, body language and communication skills during the discussion. Following up with a thank you note after is also important.
3. Interviewing-What is it?
3
A structured meeting between
you and an employer.
Interviewing is a skill that can
be enhanced by training.
PRACTICE makes PERFECT
4. Interviewing is a two-way street
4
Employers are attempting
to determine if you are an
appropriate fit for the job
and their culture.
You decide if the work
environment is right for
you.
8. Speak
clearly Bring your
Be on time résumé
and show
that you
Look and
have
sound friendly
prepared
yourself Dress
appropriately Be clean
for the
interview
8 What Makes a Successful Interview
• Ensure you have a high level of hygiene
• Answer all the questions the best way you can
11. Do Your Home Work
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Research position, company and industry.
Know who you will be interviewing with.
Be ready for a variety of interviewer styles.
Be ready to discuss your strengths and weaknesses
Know How to reach the location.
12. Know Your Self
12
Be able to articulate skills, strengths, accomplishments, and
career goals
Familiarize yourself with your resume
Make a list of five accomplishments that you enjoyed.
Make a list of five things you have done with proud.
Make a list of how your colleagues, staff, and supervisors
describe you. Include the positive and negative
feedback.
13. What To Take To The Interview
13
Copies of your resume.
Copies of letters of recommendation, and a typed
reference sheet to be given to the interviewer;
Other material relevant to the interview;
Pen and paper, so that you can note the name of
the interviewer, time for future interviews and other
pertinent information.
17. Ways you can Exhibit a Good Attitude
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• Concentrate on being likable and friendly
• Positive language and non-verbal cues
• Demonstrate enthusiasm
• Demonstrate interest
• Excellent Listener
• Be Professional
18. What do Employers seek for :
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Time Communicating Working Well
Management Effectively in a Team
Problem Using Initiative Being Well
Solving Creativity Organized
Being Customer/
Adaptable Leadership
Client Relations
20. Interview Questions : Initial Tips
20
Tough Questions
Questions can vary and may be categorized under
Personal Assessment, Education and Experience, Career
ambition and Plans, Company or Organization.
Expect the unexpected
Turning a Negative into a Positive
21. The Balance of Listening and Talking
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• Do not be afraid to ask clarifying questions about
the interviewer’s questions.
• Listen well so that you can identify opportunities to
link your skills and qualifications to what the
interviewer is looking for.
• It is acceptable to take notes.
• Do not interrupt the interviewer.
• Take time to formulate your thoughts before
answering a tough question and balance talking with
listening.
• Be as clear and concise as you can in your answers.
22. Questions To Ask
22
What are the responsibilities of this position?
What are the reputations, academic training and
tenures of the employees in this department?
Do you support professional development? How?
What do you see as the biggest challenge that
someone would face during the first month on the
job?
………….
23. Arriving Early
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Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time
to arrive at your destination (you may
want to conduct a dry run prior to your
interview day)
Try to arrive 10-15 minutes early at
the site to allow you to park, walk to
the interview, use the restroom, or just
gather yourself
30. General Interview Strategies
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-Be prepared to talk about yourself and your
experiences
-Master the art of storytelling
-Provide specific and concrete examples of your
results/accomplishments
-Remain positive, enthusiastic, poised, and confident
throughout the interview process
31. General Interview Strategies
31
Remember an interview is a formal conversation--
avoid filler words like “Um”, “Ah”, & “You know”
Avoid indecisive phrases like: “I think,” “I guess,”
“probably,” or “pretty good”
Think before speaking
Avoid long verbose answers--limit your response to 1-
2 minutes
If you do not hear or understand a question, ask them
to repeat or clarify it for you
32. General Interview Strategies
32
Remain calm, relaxed,
and be yourself
Try to focus on the
message you are
trying to convey--NOT
how well you are
doing!
33. Reasons Why Candidates Receive Rejection Replies
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Lack of proper career planning – purposes and goals
Lack of knowledge in field of specialization
Inability to express thoughts clearly and concisely.
Insufficient evidence of achievement.
Not prepared for the interview.
No real interest in the organization
34. Dressing for Success-Men
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Suit-Single or double
breasted
Polished shoes
Solid white shirt
Conservative tie
Neatly groomed hair,
beard, and mustache
Avoid strong colognes,
earrings, and body
piercing
35. Dressing for Success-Women
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Pant or skirt suit
Pumps with small to
medium heels
Light makeup, perfume,
and jewelry
Wear neutral color
hosiery
36. FOLLOW-UP
36
Ask good questions
Thank the interviewer
Request a business card
Inquire about next steps in the process
37. FOLLOW-UP CONT
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Send a thank you note within
24 hours
Letter may be handwritten or
typed; e-mail is also
acceptable
Tailor each one to the
individual.
38. Suggestions
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Conduct a test run the day before the interview
Practice! Practice! Practice!
•Obtain a list of practice interview questions
and jot down short answers
• Stand in front of a mirror and rehearse your
answers
Get a good night’s sleep-be well rested and
alert for the interview
Be relaxed and be yourself!