1. Becoming an Effective
Interviewer
Valparaiso University Career Center
Kristen Anthony
Career Development Advisor
&
Jen Sommers
Graduate Assistant
Contact Us At:
www.valpo.edu/career
career.center@valpo.edu
219-464-5005

2. Presentation Objectives
 Identify the different types of interviews
 Summarize and discuss strategies for different stages of
interviewing
 Discuss strategies for self-exploration
 Identify different types of interview questions and
practice personal answers
 Recognize the STAR model for answering questions
 Identify ways to evaluate interviews
 Identify appropriate dress for interviews

3. Types of Interviews
 Phone interview
 Skype/video interview
 Committee interview
 Lunch/Dinner interview
 Group interview
 One-to-one interview
 Site visit

4. Phase of Interviewing
 Conducting
the Interview
 STAR Model
Situation
Task
Action
Result &
Relevance
 Questions
 Evaluation
 Follow-up
 Job-Fit
 Changes for
next interview
 Preparing for the
Interview
 Know yourself
 Know the
employer &
industry
 Know the
position

5. Interview Preparation
Know yourself, know the employer & industry, & know the position.

6. Know Yourself  Identify skills, interests, & work
values
 Reflect upon strengths &
weaknesses
 Note key accomplishments
 Identify short & long term goals
 Prepare examples
 Be able to articulate why you
want that position
 Create a portfolio (if applicable)
Knowing yourself better will help
you to better articulate your
answers to employers’ question.

7. Know the
Employer &
Industry
Knowing the company and
industry that you are applying
for shows the employer that
you are truly passionate about
the position and that you
understand the company &
what you are applying to
become a part of.
 Review mission & vision
statement
 Review annual reports
 Know the competitors & clients
 Understand the company’s
management structure
 Conduct informational interviews
 Know what is currently
happening with the company
 Know names & titles of
interviewers
 Prepare targeted questions

8. Know the
Position
 Understand the position
 Know your skills
 Be able to articulate your
skills withKnowing and understanding the
position will help you to tailor your
answers to employers’ questions
specifically to the position you are
interviewing for.

9. Figure out where your skills overlap with the needs of the position.
The Highlighter Activity

10. Conducting the Interview
Types of interview questions, the STAR Model, questions to
expect, how to answer those questions, questions to ask, &
other interviewing tips.

11. Types of Interview Questions
 Credential Questions
 Experience Questions
 Opinion Questions
 Dumb Questions
 Behavioral Questions
 Case Studies

12. Results &
Relevance
what

13. Questions to Expect - The BIG3
Tell me about
yourself.
 Create an outline
 Educational/
field/industry
background
 2-3 examples of
skills or
experiences
 Interest in the
position
What are your strengths
& weaknesses?
 Difference between
strengths & weaknesses
 Have 2-3 examples
 Weaknesses
 Do not cover up with
something that is a
strength
 Do not say something
required by the job
 Weakness management
Why should we (the
company) hire you?
 Create an outline
 Skills &
experiences
related to
position
 Passion/interest
in company/field
 Personal traits &
characteristics

14. Questions to Ask the Employer
 Follow-up questions based on interview questions:
 When you asked about this… how do you see that playing into
the day-to-day role of this position?
 Other possible questions to ask:
 What are some of the challenges faced in this position?
 What professional development opportunities are available in
this position?
 What are the company’s goals for the next 5 years?
 What is a typically day in the office consist of?
 What is your favorite thing about working for this company?
 What are the next steps in your hiring process?

15. Other Interviewing Tips
 Be early
 Greet all employees
 Positive attitude
 Use clear speech
 Make direct eye contact
 Use a firm handshake
 Think before you speak
 Emphasize strengths
 Incorporate research
 Keep questions focused
 Be prepared
 Bring a padfolio

16. How to Dress for the Interview
Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.

17. ACCESSORIES
ACCESSORIES

18. A Virtual Fashion Show
Different ways to dress like a professional.

19. Example Interview
Pay attention to the way these different questions are answered.

20. Time to Practice
“Practice makes the master.” –Patrick
Rothfuss, The Name of the Wind
1. Tell me about a time
where you had to work
on a team to accomplish
a goal.
2. What are your top
strengths? What is one
weakness that you have?
3. Give us an example of a
time where you went
above and beyond what
was expected of you.

21. Interview Evaluation
Follow-up, job-fit, & what to change next time.

22. Follow-Up
 Write thank-you letter/email
 Send to each person involved in the interview
process
 Send within 24-hours of the interview
 Format
Thank them for the interview
Reiterate your interest
Highlight your strongest qualification
Closing
 Check-in with the company periodically

23. Job-Fit
 Reflect upon the interview & other experiences
 Ask yourself the following questions:
 Is the job a good fit for your professional goals?
 What was your impression of the work environment?
 What was your impression of your potential co-workers?
 What is the potential for growth & advancement?
 Can I see myself working here for more than a year?

24. Making Changes for Your Next Interview
 Reflect upon your answers to interview questions
 Are there changes that you would make to your answers?
 Practice answering interview questions based on any
feedback you may receive

25. Career Center Services
 Assessments
 Career and job search counseling
 Professional development events
 Mock interviews
 Online resources
 Handshake
 Interview stream
 Glassdoor
Contact Us At:
www.valpo.edu/career
career.center@valpo.edu
Twitter: @valpocareers
219-464-5005

26. Questions

27. Please complete the presentation
assessment.
Thank you!