1. Pam Hoctor Job Search Learning Labs Presentation August 28, 2009

2. THE SECRETS BEHIND THOSE TERRIFYING 101 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS “Have thy tools ready. God will find thee work.” -Sir James Murray

4. Most initial interviews last only about five minutes even though it is really thirty or sixty minutes in duration.

5. If you fail to convince the interviewer in the first five minutes you are the right person for the job you will not recover.

6. Make a personal connection with the interviewer immediately upon introduction by looking them directly in the eye and give a warm and friendly smile.INTERVIEWING FACTS

7. Interviewers will recommend people who are a reflection upon themselves and their selectivity “The Halo Effect” Anyone who is like me must be a good person INTERVIEWING FACTS

9. Q. “Did you have any trouble finding our office?”

10. A. “Not at all!” Even if you have been driving around in circles for the last thirty minutes!

11. It is not necessarily the words you say, but how you say them. INTERVIEWS CONSIST OF THREE DISTINCT STEPS

13. You are judged on attitude, work ethic, intelligence, honesty and personal ethics.

14. You will be at the whims of each individual interviewer.INTERVIEWS CONSIST OF THREE DISTINCT STEPS

16. If you have failed the conversation will probably turn to the weather, sports (neutral conversations.)

17. “We will be reviewing all of the candidates and get back with you.” OUCH! This usually means there is no interest on their part.

18. Even if there is no interest in you, continue to follow-up as if there is.INTERVIEWS CONSIST OF THREE DISTINCT STEPS

19. 1. Passion for the Business 2. Motivation and Purpose 3. Skills and Experience 4. Diligence and Professionalism 5. Creativity and Leadership 6. Compatibility with the Job TWELVE KEY INTERVIEW THEMES

20. 7. Personality and Cultural Compatibility 8. Management Style and Interpersonal Skills 9. Problem-Solving Ability 10. Accomplishments 11. Career Aspirations 12. Personal Interest and Hobbies TWELVE KEY INTERVIEW THEMES

21. 1. Credential Verification Questions 2. Work Experience Verification Questions 3. Opinion Questions 4. Dumb Questions 5. Math Questions 6. Case Questions 7. Behavioral Questions 8. Competency Questions INTERVIEWS CONSIST OF EIGHT TYPES OF QUESTIONS

23. The value of these are on the same level generated from a simple resume review. Predictive validity is 10% PREDICTIVE VALIDITY OF INTERVIEW TYPES

25. This places objective measurements on features of your background (resume fact finding)

26. Q. “Tell me about the last company you worked for.”

27. Q. “How has your education prepared you for your career?”EIGHT TYPES OF INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

29. Q. “What did you enjoy most/least about your last job?”

30. Q. “What were your responsibilities in that position?”EIGHT TYPES OF INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

32. Q. “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”

33. Q. “How would you handle a difficult boss or co-worker?”EIGHT TYPES OF INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

35. There are no wrong or right answers.

36. Demonstrates your ability to think on your feet.

37. Q. “What kind of animal would you be?”

40. Q. “What sort of decisions do you find the most difficult to make?”

41. Q. “Give an example of a time you identified a process that needed improvement and how you initiated changes to work toward that improvement.” The predictive validity in this case is 25% and slightly higher for consulting positions.

43. Q. “Have you ever had a project or idea criticized? What was your response?”

44. Q. “How do you resolve disputes with co- workers or bosses?” The predictive validity here is 55%

46. They are like a trip to the psychiatrists couch. They become more probing as you start to tell your behavioral story.

47. Employers predetermine which skills are necessary for the job you are interviewing for. Research on the company or a contact within the organization may help you understand the behaviors they want. THE BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW

49. Desired behaviors an interviewer may be looking for are:

50. Adaptability, Control, Analysis, Insight, Innovation, Judgment, Integrity, Energy, Teamwork, Work Standards, Rapport Building, Conflict Resolution, Persuasion,Negotiation, Delegation, CautionTHE BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW

52. Be prepared to use examples from work, classes, volunteer work and extra curricular activities.

53. Make ½ of your examples positive. These are accomplishments and goals you met.

55. T Task (Goal, problem to solve)

56. A Action (Planning and implementation)

57. R Result (Outcome, influence, change)NOTE: An interviewer may probe for contrary evidence after your response is given so be honest. THE “STAR METHOD”

59. Q. “Tell me about a situation when your personal initiative was involved in changing some aspect of your work environment.”

61. Q. “What was the favorite part of your former job, and why?”

62. Q. “What do you like to do least, and why?” BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

64. Q. “Give me an example of a time you had to respond in a high-pressure situation?”The productive validity in this case is 55%

66. A fully developed competency model may have as many as 30 to 50 different competencies that are being evaluated.

67. The 12 most desired behaviors interviewers are looking for are:

68. Communication, Achievement, Customer Focus, Teamwork, Leadership, Planning and Organizing, Operational Awareness, Flexibility, Developing Others, Problem Solving, Analytical Thinking and Building RelationshipsCOMPETENCY INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

70. Q. “Describe a situation…”

71. Q. “Tell me about a time when…”

72. Q. “What would you do if…”COMPETENCY INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

74. P- PROBLEM (Describe the situation or task)

75. A- ACTION (The step you took)

76. R - RESULT (Describe the successful outcome by using figures and dates to illustrate the benefit to the company)

77. And always use “I” rather than “We” when explaining.THE “IPAR METHOD”

79. Q. “What was the basis for that decision?”

80. Q. “How exactly did you do that?”

81. Q. “Tell me exactly what steps you took to resolve that.”

82. Be honest with your answers because the interviewer may be looking for clues you may be exaggerating.COMPETENCY INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

90. “Does it have something to do with my current/past job or the one that I am applying for?”IN THE INTERVIEWERS MIND

91. “I FINALLY GOT THE INTERVIEW… “WHAT NOW?” HELP!

92. “One specific is worth a hundred generalities.” Turkish proverb

93. Q. “So, tell me about yourself.” THE QUESTIONS WE ALL HAVE TROUBLE ANSWERING

95. Greatest areas of knowledge

96. Greatest personality strengths

97. Things you do best

98. Key accomplishmentsIt is hard to talk about your abilities if you are not sure how it relates to their needs. Tailor your answer around the interviewers response. THE QUESTIONS WE ALL HAVE TROUBLE ANSWERING

100. Brief introduction.

101. Your key accomplishments.

102. Your key strengths demonstrated by these accomplishments.

103. The importance of the strengths and accomplishments.

104. Where you see yourself developing in the position.THE QUESTIONS WE ALL HAVE TROUBLE ANSWERING

105. Q. “What is your greatest weakness?” THE QUESTIONS WE ALL HAVE TROUBLE ANSWERING

107. “I always like to be the leader.”

108. “I am a workaholic.” These may be “safe answers” but they avoid answering the question. THE QUESTIONS WE ALL HAVE TROUBLE ANSWERING

109. A. “After assessing my overall traits and work ethic I have come to realize that my weakness has been that I try to over- extend myself and take on more than I can handle. To overcome this I have discovered ways to prioritize better and be more efficient in my duties. I have found I can be more productive while creating less stress for myself.” THE QUESTIONS WE ALL HAVE TROUBLE ANSWERING

110. Q. “Why should I hire you?” THE QUESTIONS WE ALL HAVE TROUBLE ANSWERING

111. A. “You should hire me because I am the best person for the job. I realize that there are likely other candidates who also have the ability to do this job. Yet I bring an additional quality that makes me the best person for the job—my passion for excellence. I am passionately committed to producing truly world class results. For example…” THE QUESTIONS WE ALL HAVE TROUBLE ANSWERING

112. Q. “What is your long-range objective?” THE QUESTIONS WE ALL HAVE TROUBLE ANSWERING

113. “Within five years, I would like to become the very best ______ your company has on staff. I want to work toward becoming the expert that others rely upon. And in doing so, I feel I’ll be fully prepared to take on even greater responsibilities which might be presented in the long term. For example…” …” THE QUESTIONS WE ALL HAVE TROUBLE ANSWERING

114. Q. “Why do you want this job?” THE QUESTIONS WE ALL HAVE TROUBLE ANSWERING

115. A. “I’ve been very careful about the companies where I have applied. When I saw the ad for this position, I knew I found what I was looking for. What I can bring to this job are my years of experience, and knowledge of the industry, plus my ability to communicate and build customer relationships. I have what you need, and you have what I want.” THE QUESTIONS WE ALL HAVE TROUBLE ANSWERING

116. Q. “What salary did you have in mind?” THE QUESTIONS WE ALL HAVE TROUBLE ANSWERING

117. If early in the interview… A. “What would a person with my background and qualifications typically earn in this position with your company?” A. “What is the general salary range for this position, and new hires?” THE QUESTIONS WE ALL HAVE TROUBLE ANSWERING

118. If late in the interview and you are interested… A. “I am ready to consider your very best offer.” A. “What I’m making is not important. What IS important is whether or not my skills are what you need, and I am confident the range will be fair.” THE QUESTIONS WE ALL HAVE TROUBLE ANSWERING

120. Get the employer to state a number first.THE QUESTIONS WE ALL HAVE TROUBLE ANSWERING

122. Do not be specific – you will lose and could cost yourself thousands of dollars or lose the job completely.

123. If pushed for a dollar amount make your low end as high as your comfort level allows.THE QUESTIONS WE ALL HAVE TROUBLE ANSWERING

124. If the amount is within your range… A. “I would encourage you to make a formal offer. What is most important is the opportunity to work for you and your company.” A. “That would be within my expected starting range, depending on the entire salary and benefits package.” THE QUESTIONS WE ALL HAVE TROUBLE ANSWERING

126. You not only want good pay, you want respect…don’t underbid yourself!

127. Research shows that 4 out of 5 companies are willing to negotiate compensation. Only a small % of candidates enter into negotiations with a prospective employer.THE QUESTIONS WE ALL HAVE TROUBLE ANSWERING

128. Q. “How long have you been looking for a job?” THE QUESTIONS WE ALL HAVE TROUBLE ANSWERING

129. A. “After I was laid off from my job, I took the opportunity to take some time out to examine my career goals and where I was going with my life. I have a definite goal in mind and have been selective about the positions I consider. Your company and this position are of great interest to me.” THE QUESTIONS WE ALL HAVE TROUBLE ANSWERING

130. Q. “Are you a team player?” THE QUESTIONS WE ALL HAVE TROUBLE ANSWERING

131. A. “Yes, I’m very much a team player. In fact, I’ve had opportunities in my work, school, athletics, church to develop my skills as a team player.” (Give an example) THE QUESTIONS WE ALL HAVE TROUBLE ANSWERING

132. Q. “Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or co-worker? How was it resolved?” THE QUESTIONS WE ALL HAVE TROUBLE ANSWERING

133. A. “Yes, I have had conflicts in the past. Never major ones, but there have been disagreements that needed to be resolved. I’ve found that when conflict occurs, it helps to fully understand the other person’s perspective, so I take time to listen to their point of view, then I seek to work out a collaborative solution.” THE QUESTIONS WE ALL HAVE TROUBLE ANSWERING

135. If you say no, the interviewer will keep drilling deeper to uncover a conflict.

136. The key is how you BEHAVIORALLY reacted to conflict and what you did to resolve it.

137. Make this approach to the answer work to your advantage.THE QUESTIONS WE ALL HAVE TROUBLE ANSWERING

139. Give an example of someone who has touched your life and how their impact has helped in your personal development.THE QUESTIONS WE ALL HAVE TROUBLE ANSWERING

140. A. “The key quality in a successful manager/account should be leadership. The ability to be the visionary for the people who are working under them. The person who can set the course and direction for subordinates. The highest calling of a true leader is inspiring others to reach the highest of their abilities. I’d like to tell you about a person whom I consider to be a true leader…” THE QUESTIONS WE ALL HAVE TROUBLE ANSWERING

142. The lack of questions shows a lack of interest, so grab the opportunity!

143. Don’t go to the interview with a “laundry list” of question. Have no more than three good questions in the initial interview.

144. Think positive and save the rest for the second interview!NOW IT IS YOUR TURN TO ASK THE QUESTIONS

146. “What are the three most important attributes for success in this position?”

147. “What are the opportunities for growth/advancement for this position?”

148. “How is your company responding to competition in the area?”

149. “Please tell me a little bit about the people I will be working with.”QUESTIONS FOR THE INTERVIEWER

151. “What kind of training should I expect and for how long?”

152. “How long has this position been available?”

153. “How did this job become available?”

154. “Is this a new position or a replacement?”

155. “How many candidates have you interviewed?”QUESTIONS FOR THE INTERVIEWER

157. Identifies the specific areas of need you can address during the course of the interview.QUESTIONS FOR THE INTERVIEWER

159. Answers are compared to a pre-set answer or list of keywords.

160. Each answer is scored accordingly and the ones with the highest score most likely wins the job or, at least, the second interview.ARE INTERVIEWS SCORED?

161. HOW YOU ARE SOCRED

163. Enunciation is the key.

164. Keep hands away from your mouth.

165. Maintain your vocabulary level. No fancy stuff!

166. Don’t speak in acronyms. People are not impressed, only confused.THE ARTICULATION FACTOR

168. “To tell ‘ya the truth”

169. “Honestly”

170. “Basically”

171. “Okay” and “Yea”

172. “Well”

173. “Truthfully”

174. “Y’know”

175. “Huh?”WATCH YOUR CHOICE OF WORDS

177. This is based on the fact that we like people who are like us.

178. The halo effect…anyone who is like me must be a good person.

179. Know your own personality range first. For some, your range may be too narrow and you may feel uncomfortable doing this.PERSONALITY MATCHING TECHNIQUE

181. The rate of speech (tempo) is more important than the pitch.

182. Remember, you may be speaking at 78 RPM’s but the interviewer may be listening at only 33 1/3!

183. Reflect the facial expressions and posture of the interviewer without going to extremes.PERSONALITY MATCHING TECHNIQUE

185. An effective handshake mirrors the handshake being offered. And just hope they are not the type to give you the “limp noodle” handshake.

186. Match the handshake the way you would their voice or posture.HANDSHAKE MATCHING TECHNIQUE

188. Don’t give them added fuel. Answer the question in a calm, composed manner.

189. Stay confident and be careful what you say.

190. Don’t let the interviewer’s negative tone bait you into saying something you might later regret. There could be work or personal issues causing the behavior.HOW TO DEAL WITH A HOSTILE INTERVIEWER

192. Try to make a connection with the interviewer. Ask about their first job in the company or how long they have been with the organization. It is hard to be abrasive when talking about oneself!

193. Address it directly -

194. Maybe they don’t realize they are coming off so negatively and will adjust their attitude if the issue is raised. Do it gently.HOW TO DEAL WITH A HOSTILE INTERVIEWER

196. Remember, it could be a test!

197. It is possible the interviewer is acting difficult on purpose to gauge your reaction. HOW TO DEAL WITH A HOSTILE INTERVIEWER

199. Grin and try to make the best of it. Chances are other candidates have been put off by the same interviewers negative approach. Maybe they didn’t stick it out and you did!

200. Finish the interview with flair. Show you can deflect their bad attitude and maintain your own positive attitude.

202. Restate your interest in the job.

203. Ask for the job!WHEN THE INTERVIEW IS COMING TO A CLOSE

205. Have stamped thank you cards with you. Write your thank you and mail on your way home.

206. AS A NOTE: Not only sending a thank you AFTER the interview, why not set yourself apart and send a thank you LETTER for the interview appointment? How many people do that? Set yourself apart.AFTER THE INTERVIEW IS OVER

208. Two pens and note paper.

209. Breath mints, mirror, comb, tissues.

210. Full company name and address, name and position of contact person/interviewer and contact number.

211. Department or building where interview will take place and where you are to park. Get good directions.THE NIGHT BEFORE INTERVIEWCHECKLIST

213. Copies of resumes. We should know this by heart…but we don’t…so review!

214. Copies of your reference list.

215. Relevant work samples

216. Business cards.

217. Company background research and your questions to ask the interviewer.THE NIGHT BEFORE INTERVIEWCHECKLIST

219. Review resume and answers prepared to possible questions.

220. Practice responses out loud or ask someone to do a mock interview with you.

221. Practice proper body language and voice tone.

222. Get a good night’s sleep and eat breakfast. You don’t want your stomach to overshadow your interview!THE NIGHT BEFORE INTERVIEWCHECKLIST

224. Blouses: Simple style; white or soft colors. No low-cut or frills.

226. Purse: Not necessary, but if you bring one it should be of small or medium size in a color that goes with your outfit.

228. Shirts: A good quality white button-down or white classic collar is preferred. Iron ALL of it. Not just the cuffs, collar and front!DRESS GUIDELINES FOR MEN

230. Belts: Don’t just grab any belt! Make sure it matches your shoes and coordinates with your suit.

231. Shoes: Highly polished slip-ons or laced dress shoes; brown or black.DRESS GUIDELINES FOR MEN

234. DO NOT smoke once you are dressed and on your way to the interview. Light up AFTER the interview! People who don’t smoke can smell it instantly and may be put off by the stale smell. Winter time increases the smell on clothes even more. DRESS GUIDELINES FOR MEN AND WOMEN

235. INTERVIEW CHECKLISTS

237. The Vault Online Career Library - www.vaultcom

238. WetFeet - www.wetfeet.com

239. CareerSearch - www.careersearch.net

240. Factiva - www.library.nd.edu – Click “F”

241. Market Insight - www.library.nd.edu – Click “M”INTERVIEW CHECKLIST RESOURCES

243. Action Without Boarders - www.idealist.org

244. Guidestar - www.guidestar.org

245. Nonprofit Times - www.nptimes.com

246. Indiana Nonprofits - www.indiana.edu

247. Idealist.org - www.nonprofits.org

248. Foundation.org - www.foundations.org

249. Alliance for Nonprofit Management Career Bank - www.allianceonline.orgINTERVIEW CHECKLIST RESOURCES

251. LSU Libraries Federal Agencies Directory - www.lib.lsu.edu/gov/fedgov.html

252. State and Local Government on the Net www.statelocalgov.net/state-in.cfm

253. Library of Congress - www.loc.gov/rr/news/stategov/stategov.html

254. First Gov - www.firstgov.gov/

255. OMB WATCH - www.ombwatch.orgINTERVIEW CHECKLIST RESOURCES

256. PERSONAL WORK SHEETS

257. PERSONAL WORK SHEETS

258. PERSONAL WORK SHEETS

259. PERSONAL WORK SHEETS

261. Other School Data Input Sheet

262. Graduate School Data Input Sheet

263. Activities Date Input Sheet

264. Awards & Honors Data Input Sheet

265. Military Service Date Input Sheet

266. Language Data Input SheetPERSONAL WORK SHEETS

268. YOU CAN LEAD PEOPLE TO BELIEVE BY TELLING STORIES.

269. STORIES SELL!

270. Know not only the company’s background, but your own. KNOW YOUR RESUME AND Be able to recall personal events.REMEMBER

272. www.careercenter.nd.edu/for-alumni/interviews

273. Quintessential Careers (Has 150 interview questions with sample answers) www.quintcareers.com

274. Best-Job-Interview (Has a wide range of specific profession interview questions. Take special note of “Surviving a Layoff” and “Job Offer Help.”) www.best-job-interview.com SOURCE MATERIAL

278. 301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions, by Vicky Oliver - $10.15 (4 ½ star rating)

279. Acing The Interview: How To Ask And Answer The Questions That Will Get You The Job, by Tony Beshara - $11.53 (4 ½ star rating)

280. Winning Job Interviews, by Dr. Paul Powers - $10.30 (5 star rating) BOOKS OF INTEREST