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Your Interview Career Services Brigham Young University Hawaii

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<ul><li>The interview is one of </li></ul><ul><li>the most important </li></ul><ul><li>phases of the job </li></ul><ul><li>search process. </li></ul>

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BEFORE THE INTERVIEW: <ul><li>Prepare and Practice </li></ul>

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Evaluate and Know Yourself <ul><li>Interviewers ask questions to measure: </li></ul><ul><ul><ul><li>Experience </li></ul></ul></ul><ul><ul><ul><li>Skills </li></ul></ul></ul><ul><ul><ul><li>Preparation </li></ul></ul></ul><ul><ul><ul><li>Maturity </li></ul></ul></ul><ul><ul><ul><li>Interests </li></ul></ul></ul><ul><ul><ul><li>How well you will 'fit' with the employer/organization </li></ul></ul></ul>

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Evaluate and Know Yourself <ul><li>Prepare to verbally &quot;market&quot; your skills. </li></ul><ul><li>Practice describing your accomplishments, experience, education, skills, goals etc. </li></ul><ul><li>Practice answering questions out loud. </li></ul><ul><li>Determine the fair market value salary range. </li></ul>

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Research the Employer <ul><li>It is important to learn: </li></ul><ul><ul><ul><li>what an employer does </li></ul></ul></ul><ul><ul><ul><li>why they exist </li></ul></ul></ul><ul><ul><ul><li>how financially stable they are </li></ul></ul></ul><ul><ul><ul><li>what the work culture is like </li></ul></ul></ul><ul><ul><ul><li>what jobs are available </li></ul></ul></ul>

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<ul><li>Be prepared to state WHY </li></ul><ul><li>you want to work for </li></ul><ul><li>the employer. </li></ul>

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Research the Employer <ul><li>HOW: </li></ul><ul><li>Study job descriptions. </li></ul><ul><li>Read annual reports and study employer web sites. </li></ul><ul><li>Research an employer’s ownership, size, products/services, customers, training programs, etc. </li></ul><ul><li>Attend company information meetings on campus. </li></ul><ul><li>Meet with employers at career fairs. </li></ul>

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<ul><li>Research will help you to prepare to answer interview questions from employers: </li></ul><ul><li>What do you know about us? </li></ul><ul><li>Why do you want to work here? </li></ul><ul><li>What qualifies you for this job? </li></ul>

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DRESS PROFESSIONALLY <ul><li>It is always better to be over-dressed than under-dressed in an interview. </li></ul><ul><li>Dress to impress </li></ul><ul><li>and look like a professional. </li></ul><ul><li>If in doubt, wear a suit! </li></ul>

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DRESS PROFESSIONALLY <ul><li>Matching suits and shined shoes for men and women. </li></ul><ul><li>Wear a suit unless an employer specifies business casual attire. </li></ul><ul><li>“ Business casual” is still “business.” Be conservative. </li></ul><ul><li>Dark colors: navy blue, dark grey, brown… </li></ul><ul><li>Choose natural fabrics that don’t wrinkle. </li></ul><ul><li>Neat hair and minimal jewelry. </li></ul><ul><li>Prepare in advance! </li></ul>

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MEN: <ul><li>Shoes and belt should be the same color </li></ul><ul><li>Conservative silk ties </li></ul><ul><li>Be clean or close shaven </li></ul>

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WOMEN: <ul><li>Skirts at or below knee length </li></ul><ul><li>Women’s skirted suits are more formal </li></ul><ul><li>Wear long sleeved blouses and closed toe shoes with hose </li></ul><ul><li>Keep makeup understated and natural </li></ul><ul><li>“ Stylish, but conservative.” </li></ul><ul><li>The Smart Women’s Guide </li></ul>

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What to Bring <ul><li>Documents to bring might include: </li></ul><ul><ul><ul><li>resume </li></ul></ul></ul><ul><ul><ul><li>transcripts </li></ul></ul></ul><ul><ul><ul><li>applications </li></ul></ul></ul><ul><ul><ul><li>list of references </li></ul></ul></ul>

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DURING THE INTERVIEW: <ul><li>Presentation and Performance </li></ul>

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Presentation and Performance <ul><li>Listen attentively and be aware of your body language. </li></ul><ul><li>Answer the question that is being asked. </li></ul><ul><li>Ask questions about the job/organization. </li></ul><ul><li>Thank the interviewer, express interest, shake hands, etc. </li></ul><ul><li>You must effectively sell yourself. </li></ul>

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<ul><li>As soon as possible, </li></ul><ul><li>write down what was discussed </li></ul><ul><li>and send a thank you letter . </li></ul>

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What will they ask? <ul><li>Interview questions assess: </li></ul><ul><ul><ul><li>educational preparation </li></ul></ul></ul><ul><ul><ul><li>skills / work experience </li></ul></ul></ul><ul><ul><ul><li>campus involvement </li></ul></ul></ul><ul><ul><ul><li>personal characteristics </li></ul></ul></ul><ul><li>Practice describing your success stories and </li></ul><ul><li>situations where you demonstrated skills and </li></ul><ul><li>characteristics required for the job you seek. </li></ul>

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Topics and skills interviewers question students about: <ul><li>education </li></ul><ul><li>career experience </li></ul><ul><ul><li>internships </li></ul></ul><ul><li>campus & community involvement </li></ul><ul><li>communication skills </li></ul><ul><li>interpersonal skills </li></ul><ul><li>teamwork & teambuilding </li></ul><ul><li>computer & technical skills </li></ul><ul><li>learning quickly/learning from mistakes </li></ul><ul><li>decision-making </li></ul><ul><li>knowledge in academic discipline </li></ul><ul><li>project experience </li></ul><ul><li>achievement & goal orientation </li></ul><ul><li>presentation skills </li></ul><ul><li>leading & managing others </li></ul><ul><li>time & stress management </li></ul><ul><li>conflict resolution </li></ul><ul><li>analytical thinking & problem solving </li></ul><ul><li>integrity & ethics </li></ul>

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Traditional Interview Questions <ul><li>Tell me about yourself. Why do you want this job? Why should I hire you? </li></ul><ul><li>How has your college experience prepared you for this job? </li></ul><ul><li>Why are you interested in working for this company? </li></ul><ul><li>What do you consider to be your top 4 strengths? Name 3 of your weaknesses. </li></ul><ul><li>Tell me how you meet the qualifications for this job. </li></ul><ul><li>List and describe three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction. </li></ul>

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Behavioral-Based Interview Questions <ul><li>Ask for specific examples </li></ul><ul><li>of past situations that the employer </li></ul><ul><li>wants to find in the “ideal” candidate. </li></ul><ul><li>Demonstrate: </li></ul><ul><ul><ul><li>Skills </li></ul></ul></ul><ul><ul><ul><li>Competencies </li></ul></ul></ul><ul><ul><ul><li>Work Behaviors </li></ul></ul></ul>

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Behavioral-Based Interview Questions <ul><li>To prepare: </li></ul><ul><li>Analyze the skills/qualifications that are required </li></ul><ul><li>Identify situations where you demonstrated those behaviors </li></ul><ul><li>Give detailed examples, describing the </li></ul><ul><li>situation you were in, tasks and challenges </li></ul><ul><li>you faced, your actions and behaviors , </li></ul><ul><li>and the results/outcomes. </li></ul>

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Behavioral-Based Interview Questions <ul><li>EXAMPLES: </li></ul><ul><li>Tell me about a situation when you demonstrated your leadership ability. </li></ul><ul><li>Describe a problem you’ve had on a job. What actions did you take to resolve it? </li></ul><ul><li>Tell me about a time when you performed well in a stressful situation or crisis. </li></ul>

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What do you need to know to decide if you want to work for this employer? <ul><li>Develop insightful questions designed to show your knowledge of the employer and interest in the job you are seeking . </li></ul>

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Example Questions to Ask: <ul><li>What type of projects and assignments could I expect as a new employee? </li></ul><ul><li>What are the goals and objectives of the company’s training program? </li></ul><ul><li>What do you like most about your job and working for this organization? </li></ul>

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Reflection and Evaluation <ul><li>After each interview: </li></ul><ul><ul><ul><li>Evaluate what you did well </li></ul></ul></ul><ul><ul><ul><li>Determine how you might improve </li></ul></ul></ul><ul><ul><ul><li>Identify your strengths and weaknesses. </li></ul></ul></ul><ul><li>Make each interview a learning opportunity and strive to continuously improve. </li></ul>

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AFTER THE INTERVIEW: <ul><li>Reflection and Evaluation </li></ul>

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Reflection and Evaluation <ul><li>Did you arrive on time, dress professionally, and act appropriately? </li></ul><ul><li>Did you indicate you had researched the employer/job? </li></ul><ul><li>Did you state your career goals? </li></ul><ul><li>Did you answer questions with details to support your skills and accomplishments? </li></ul><ul><li>Were you positive and enthusiastic? </li></ul><ul><li>What questions did you do well on? What questions could you have answered better? </li></ul><ul><li>Afterwards, did you mail a thank you letter within 24 hours to the interviewer? </li></ul>

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TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS <ul><li>Many employers conduct preliminary interviews with candidates by telephone. </li></ul><ul><ul><li>Be prepared with your resume, paper, pen, etc. </li></ul></ul><ul><ul><li>Speak as if the interviewer could see you. </li></ul></ul><ul><ul><li>Avoid “ yes ” and “ no ” answers --- provide details. </li></ul></ul><ul><ul><li>Be polite and do NOT interrupt the interviewer. </li></ul></ul><ul><ul><li>Write down ANY important details. </li></ul></ul><ul><ul><li>T hank the interviewer. </li></ul></ul>

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<ul><li>Your GOAL for a </li></ul><ul><li>telephone interview is </li></ul><ul><li>to get an </li></ul><ul><li>in-person interview. </li></ul>

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SECOND INTERVIEWS <ul><li>Allow employers to </li></ul><ul><li>assess your qualifications </li></ul><ul><li>and personal characteristics . </li></ul><ul><li>Also, continue marketing yourself </li></ul><ul><li>and gathering more information to help you </li></ul><ul><li>decide whether you would like to work there. </li></ul>

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SECOND INTERVIEWS <ul><li>If it includes lunch or dinner: </li></ul><ul><ul><ul><li>Use good etiquette </li></ul></ul></ul><ul><ul><ul><li>Participate in the discussion </li></ul></ul></ul><ul><ul><ul><li>Ask pertinent questions </li></ul></ul></ul><ul><ul><ul><li>Stick with safe conversational topics </li></ul></ul></ul><ul><li>Show your ability to </li></ul><ul><li>mix business with pleasure! </li></ul>

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Second Interview Etiquette Tips: <ul><li>Elbows off the table </li></ul><ul><li>Order food that is easy to eat </li></ul><ul><li>Taste food before seasoning </li></ul><ul><li>Use the proper silverware </li></ul><ul><li>Cut food one bite at a time </li></ul><ul><li>Never talk while chewing </li></ul><ul><li>Keep napkin in your lap until you leave the table </li></ul>

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Some things to remember: <ul><li>If everyone asks you the same question, answer it enthusiastically every time. </li></ul><ul><li>Act so that each interviewer recognizes your ability! </li></ul><ul><li>Provide details about your skills and qualifications. </li></ul><ul><li>Ask questions and get a feel for the employer’s operating environment. </li></ul><ul><li>Dress professionally. </li></ul><ul><li>Be confident, enthusiastic, and polite. </li></ul><ul><li>Ask when you can expect to hear regarding the hiring decision. </li></ul><ul><li>Send a thank you letter . </li></ul>

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ILLEGAL QUESTIONS <ul><li>Employers should ONLY ask questions related to your ability to perform the job duties . </li></ul><ul><li>If you are asked inappropriate questions, you will need to choose how to respond without being angry or defensive. </li></ul>

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Possible responses: <ul><li>Answer the question. </li></ul><ul><li>Don't answer. </li></ul><ul><li>Guess what is behind their question formulate a response. </li></ul><ul><li>&quot;I'm not sure how this relates to my ability </li></ul><ul><li>to perform the job. Would you please clarify </li></ul><ul><li>your question for me so that I can better </li></ul><ul><li>understand your concerns?&quot; </li></ul>

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SALARY <ul><li>Negotiate salary AFTER a job offer is extended, but BEFORE you accept. </li></ul><ul><li>Before interviews, determine your “worth” based on your skills and experience . </li></ul><ul><li>Please come into the Career Services Center </li></ul><ul><li>for assistance in evaluating job offers and </li></ul><ul><li>preparing for salary negotiations. </li></ul>

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EVALUATING JOB OFFERS <ul><li>When you receive a job offer, </li></ul><ul><li>evaluate everything about it, </li></ul><ul><li>NOT just the salary and benefits. </li></ul>

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Things to Consider: <ul><li>Would you like this job? Happy working here? Living in this city? </li></ul><ul><li>Matches your skills, interests, and career goals? Challenging? </li></ul><ul><li>Co-workers and supervisors you like and respect? </li></ul><ul><li>People seem happy/enthusiastic about working here? </li></ul><ul><li>Skill development through training and career advancement? </li></ul><ul><li>Best work environment for personality/career needs? </li></ul><ul><li>Salary and benefits to meet your financial needs? </li></ul>

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Accepting Job Offers <ul><li>If you want the position, you may accept immediately . </li></ul><ul><ul><li>You may accept an offer in person or by telephone, but also write and mail a formal acceptance letter. </li></ul></ul><ul><li>If you want to think about the offer, you may ask for a little more time to consider the offer. </li></ul><ul><li>Ask when they need your decision to show you are treating the offer seriously. </li></ul>

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<ul><li>Accepting a job offer </li></ul><ul><li>should be done in good faith . </li></ul><ul><li>Once you have accepted an offer, </li></ul><ul><li>professional ethics suggest that you </li></ul><ul><li>withdraw from further interviews </li></ul><ul><li>with other employers. </li></ul>

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Declining Job Offers <ul><li>Do NOT stall in replying to an offer in hopes of receiving a different offer from another employer. </li></ul><ul><li>In this case, contact the other company. Let them know you have an offer and want to know when they will make a hiring decision. </li></ul><ul><li>If you have an offer from another organization that requires a reply, you should contact the company representative to make the most informed decision. </li></ul>

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<ul><li>When you accept a job offer, please inform Career Services . </li></ul>

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<ul><li>Check out the resources at the Career Center. </li></ul><ul><li>Learn about how to interview. </li></ul><ul><li>Research employers. </li></ul><ul><li>Determine what you need to know to decide if you would accept a job. </li></ul><ul><li>Develop questions to ask during interviews. </li></ul><ul><li>Study job descriptions. </li></ul><ul><li>Evaluate how you can market yourself. </li></ul>

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<ul><li>BYU Hawaii Career Services </li></ul><ul><li>(808) 293-3533 / FAX: (808) 293-3975 </li></ul><ul><li>EMAIL: [email_address] </li></ul><ul><li>http://www.byuh.edu/career </li></ul>