Interviewing with Success Presented By: Julie Melbye SkyWater Search Partners Questions at the end please Write them down and see if they aren’t answered by the end of presentation www.CrossroadsCareer.org Agenda  Approach to Selection  Preparing for Your Interview  The Interview – STAR/Behavioral Interviewing  Avoiding Common Interviewing Problems  The Skype Interview www.CrossroadsCareer.org Approach to The Selection Process The Recruiters Perspective Selection is a process of matching the experience, skills, knowledge, culture and behaviors required for the position and company with the most qualified candidate The choice to hire is the interviewer’s BUT….. www.CrossroadsCareer.org Approach to The Selection Process The Candidate’s Perspective …The Choice to Accept is the Candidates Consequences of a Poor Career Decision Poor match for the job Negative impact on your morale Underperformance Limited career progression Lower earnings Short-term employment www.CrossroadsCareer.org Preparing For The Interview   Research Company & Job  Resume Prep – Bring Copies  Prepare a Portfolio/Brag Book in a PROFESSIONAL BINDER Prepare for Commonly Asked Questions – Weakness – Why did you leave your last job? Walk me through your resume Prepare Open Ended Questions to find out their NEEDS Write out your STAR stories – experiences in your career Dress the Part – Arrive Early Role Play www.CrossroadsCareer.org Finding a Job is a Sales Process The only difference is that YOU are the PRODUCT An Interview is really a consultative sales call—which consists of 3 parts: 1. Uncover their NEEDS – Open ended questions 2. Match your experiences with the NEEDS – S-T-A-R Examples 3. Close the Sale – Ask for the job www.CrossroadsCareer.org #1 UNCOVERING THEIR NEEDS To transition into this phase: If they ask you to talk about your background – you can turn the focus around by asking: “I would be very open to describing my background further, but can I ask you a few questions first so I know what part of my extensive experience would be pertinent to our conversation?”          How many people do you have in this position currently? Why is the position open? What has been the background of the candidates that has worked well for you in the past? What hasn’t worked? What are the 3 criteria that this position will be critiqued on in 6 months? How would you describe the Company’s culture? What are you most hoping to find in the person you hire? What would be my first priorities on the job? I’ve read the business job description, but could you tell me about the position, the size of the team, & how it is organized and the intangibles you are looking for in this position? www.CrossroadsCareer.org #2 Match Needs with Experiences STAR/Behavioral Stories Based on the needs you uncovered in part #1 of the interview – why are you a good fit for the position? The best predictor of future performance… Is past performance in similar circumstances     Situation Task Actions – your personal actions Results – always use measurable results Write these out – Don’t wing it 5-6 situations in which you have displayed: Leadership, Teamwork, Communication, Tight Deadlines, Increased Sales, Decreased Expenses, Dealing with difficult customer/co-worker SEE HANDOUT OF SAMPLE QUESTIONS www.CrossroadsCareer.org #3 Close the Sale! ASK FOR THE JOB! Test the water first: Towards the end of the interview ask: “Based on our discussion, do you feel that I have the qualifications to succeed in this position?” Hard Close: “I AM VERY EXCITED ABOUT THIS POSITION AND WOULD BE INTERESTED IN DISCUSSING THE POSITION WITH YOU FURTHER. WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS?” “Will you be recommending me to move to the next round?” www.CrossroadsCareer.org Skye Interviews Setting up your camera – at top of computer Practice ahead of time with friend Location – lighting in front of you Dress – fully suited up and dark colors www.CrossroadsCareer.org Avoiding Common Problems  Typo’s in your resume     Slamming past employers “We” before “I” Generalities Joking  Talk too much -- LISTEN  Never talk about $  I would be willing to entertain your strongest offer!  At most – give ranges www.CrossroadsCareer.org My Best Advice If you’re not sure you’re answering a question correctly, ask  It’s a small world  Demonstrate confidence, not arrogance  Relax!  Be genuine www.CrossroadsCareer.org