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Job Interviews

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Questions For Thought

What have your job interview experiences been?

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→ 3.6 million executive leaders are set to retire in 2017. (MRInetwork)

→ 75% of the global workforce will be made up of millennials by 2025. (Deloitte)

→ 69% of job-seekers will not accept a job with a company if that company has a bad reputation. (Glassdoor)

→ The interview process takes an average of 22.9 days. (Glassdoor)

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Getting The Call - Setting Up Your Interview

  • Check Your Schedule
    • Look To Make Time
    • Be Honest If Time Offered Is Tight
  • Take Time Off From Current Job Ahead Of Time
  • If You Don’t Drive Make Sure You Can Get To The Interview
  • Most Of All → Set A Reminder!

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Before The Interview

  • Prepare Yourself
    • Have Answers Ready
    • Research The Business/Company
  • Look The Part Of Success
    • Dress To Impress
    • Notebook & Pen
    • Turn Off The Phone...Seriously It Can Wait
  • Arrive Early
    • Check Your Route

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INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

  • Speak Clearly
  • “Uhm” and “Like”
  • Confident Speech
  • Look The Interviewer In The Eye

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“Tell me about yourself?”

  • What the question is getting at
    • Tell me about yourself as a professional.
    • What do YOU think is important for the job?
    • How are you going to fit in with the company and provide value?
    • Can you answer an “unstructured” question on the fly?
  • Preparation helps you not ramble and list the unnecessary
  • Do NOT repeat what’s on your resume/cover letter
  • What accomplishments do you have - Fit to the company
  • What have you been a part of - What makes you you!

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What is your greatest strength/biggest weakness?

WEAKNESSES

  • How You Say > What You Say
  • Bad Answers → Denial, Strength = Weakness, Make it funny, Tell All (Shrink), Admit Everything!
  • Take Introspective Approach
    • Did You Learn From It - How Have You Grown
    • Show you recognize the weakness - Be Honest
  • Always Show You Have A Plan To Get Better

Rarely asked together...BUT… if they do answer with weakness first and strengths second

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What is your greatest strength/biggest weakness?

STRENGTHS

  • Bad Answers → Irrelevant, Cocky, Weakness
  • Answer Based On The Situation/Job
    • What does the company/business value?
    • Key words
  • Be Confident
  • Do NOT Ramble!

BAD: “Uh, wow. Well for starts, I have a super good grip so my mom has me open all her jars for her. Yeah, that’s a good strength. And I have a wicked backhand in tennis.”

GOOD: “I’ve always been known for my work ethic. I am committed to meeting deadlines and taking responsibility for the quality of my performance. A few months ago I was working with a client who had us on a tight deadline. There was a mix-up in the delivery of some key paperwork and it didn’t get to our office until closing the night before the deadline. Rather than go home and ignore the problem, I stayed late and finished the project, making sure that our deadline was not only met, but that the report was accurate.”

Common Strengths Used

  • Solid Management Skills - Positive
  • Willingness to take on responsibilities - Organized
  • Ability to meet deadlines - Able to work independently
  • Determination - Hard Working
  • Problem Solver
  • Flexible
  • Clear attention to details
  • Quick Learner
  • Strong People Skills
  • Team Player
  • Creative
  • Reliable

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Why do you want to work here?

  • Why It’s Asked
    • See Your Motivation, Priorities
    • Make Sure Your Really Interested
  • Answer By…
    • Doing Research (Company Website, news, your network)
    • Commending An Aspect About The Company
      • Reputation, Leadership, Growth, Admiration
    • Showing True Desire
  • Don’t Be General and Plain

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Describe a tough situation/challenge and how you overcame it?

  • Good Answer Shows You Are Quick On Your Feet
  • Context, Short, and Focused
  • S.T.A.R. Method
    • Situation - 1-2 sentences to clearly describe the challenge and how it came to being
    • Task - What did you do and what was your role
    • Action - The sequences that you were part of in overcoming the issue *BONUS: Include thought process
    • Result - The positive ending

“During my summer internship at a public relations firm, a client suddenly wanted to change an entire campaign strategy two days before launch. The client was unhappy with my team’s first draft, so we were tasked with redoing the entire plan. We organized a late-night brainstorm that evening. After hours of work, I asked to take the lead on putting together a new deck. This was challenging because it was my first time putting a deck together and also our one chance to make the client happy again. I overcame this challenge by looking at previously successful presentations for the client, analyzing the feedback they gave on our initial presentation and incorporating all of the team’s ideas into the new deck. The client was ultimately thrilled with the fresh plan, and all of the new ideas we included!”

Experiences To UseIn Life Right Now

  • Academic/School Challenge
  • Work Challenge
  • Athletic Challenge
  • Personal Tragedy
  • Personal Goal
  • Ethical Dilemma

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How do you handle stress/pressure?

  • Use Examples
    • Don’t Use Self Imposed Stress Situations
  • Focus On The “Overcome” Part
    • Not The Level Of Stress
  • Factor In The Job
  • What About Failure?
    • Reaction > History

Stress is very important to me. With stress, I do the best possible job. The appropriate way to deal with stress is to make sure I have the correct balance between good stress and bad stress. I need good stress to stay motivated and productive.

I react to situations, rather than to stress. That way, the situation is handled and doesn't become stressful.

I actually work better under pressure and I've found that I enjoy working in a challenging environment.

From a personal perspective, I manage stress by visiting the gym every evening. It's a great stress reducer.

If the people I am managing are contributing to my stress level, I discuss options for better handling difficult situations with them.

I find a fast pace to be invigorating, and thrive when the pressure is on.

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What are your goals for the future?

  • Where do you want to be down the road
    • Always Changing
  • Keep Them Company Related
    • What Are You Going To Accomplish With This Job
  • Be Professional & Relevant
    • Stick With Work Related Goals
      • Learning/Education - Self Growth - Soft Skills
    • Family/Personal Goals Only If Asked
  • Biggest Turn Off = Bragging
    • “I hope to be CEO in five years”

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Do you have any questions?

  • Typically Last Question
    • Have Something Prepared
  • Can Add To Your Great Qualities
  • Allows You To be The Interviewer
    • Eliminate Surprises
  • Guidelines
    • No “Me” Questions (Putting yourself ahead of the employer)
    • Stick To One Question At A Time
    • No “Yes” and “No” Questions
    • Stay Away From Personal Topics

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Other Interview Questions

Do you work well with other people?

What can you do better than other applicants?

Why did you leave your last job? Or Work History Related Question

What are your salary expectations?

What’s your ideal work environment?

https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/100-potential-interview-questions

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Interview Types

  • Phone Interview
  • Panel Interview (Multiple Interviewers)
  • Group Interview (Multiple Candidates)
  • Sequential Interview (Multiple/Separate Interviews)
  • Lunch/Dinner Interview
  • Video Interview
    • Live Video/Skype
    • Pre-Recorded

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Walk Around Activity

Walk around the room with your marker and answer the questions with your best ideas

Ways To Prepare For An Interview

Do’s Of An Interview

Dont’s Of An Interview

Interview Fears & Worries

Questions To Ask The Interviewer

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