Interviewing guide by UNCG Career Services Center

Interviewing Guide Career ID Code

#1 Elliot t Universit y Center • career_ser vices@uncg.edu • 336.334.5454 • w w w.uncg.edu/csc

Professional Development • SpartanCareers • InterviewStream • D.I.Y. Career • Summer 2014

Interviewing Preparation An interview is an opportunity for you and a potential employer to determine if you are a good fit for their company. Keep in mind that employers base hiring decisions on personality, as well as objective skills. Before you have the chance to accept a job offer, you have to conduct a successful interview!

Before the Interview •• Practice interviewing skills. See page 8 for the Mock Interviewing Program •• Research the organization! Lack of knowledge about the organization and position is a prime reason for not hiring someone. •• Be able to prove your skills/abilities relate to the core skills required for the position. Be prepared to give examples of how you developed them. •• Prepare questions for the interviewer. Avoid those that make the interviewer feel awkward. •• Double check the date, time, and location of the interview. Make sure you know how to get there and how long it will take. Drive by the night before if you are unsure. •• Prepare to dress appropriately for the position and industry. When in doubt, dress conservatively. •• Organize and/or prepare materials for the interview, including copies of your resume, your references, and a portfolio.

What to Wear Women •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• ••

Invest in a good quality suit (black, dark grey, brown or navy) Avoid anything that is too trendy or “loud” Conservative blouse; No low cut or see through blouses Maintain a “less is more” mentality with make-up, nail polish, lipstick, etc. Skirts should be no shorter than knee-length Wear simple jewelry and one pair of earrings Polish shoes/heels (avoid heels higher than two inches) Avoid open toed shoes Wear hosiery if you choose to wear a skirt

Check out this video on what NOT to wear— your career team helps you out! Go to You Tube and check out our channel.

Men •• Suit (pair of trousers and matching jacket); Dark colored (with or without a pattern), grey, dark blue, brown or black •• Long sleeve shirt – White or a solid light blue •• Dark, mid-calf socks that match shoe color •• Belt color should match shoes •• Jewelry – A watch and select rings; Avoid earrings •• Accompanied with a business portfolio or briefcase •• Silk tie – Solid color, stripes or small patterns Our Pinterest pages has boards devoted to what to wear in an interview. Click the logo to go there now, or search for our boards called UNCG Career Services 2

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During the Interview •• Plan to arrive about 15 minutes early. Treat everyone in a professional manner. •• Carry a portfolio or folder including extra resumes, your reference list (in case it’s requested), and a list of questions to ask. •• Greet the interviewer by formal name and with a firm handshake. •• Speak clearly and enthusiastically about your experiences and skills. Confidence without arrogance is important. •• Listen carefully. Answer the questions asked directly, keeping in mind that the interviewer is looking for answers that show how you fit into their organization. Remember that you are also gathering information about the company on which to base your decision. •• Be positive! Negative statements may reflect poorly on you. •• Pay attention to your nonverbal behavior. Maintain good eye contact and posture, and control nervous habits. •• At the end of the interview, ask about the next step in the process and if there is anything you can do to help move the process along. •• Thank the interviewer for his/her time, and let him/her know you look forward to the next step! If you want the job, say so (in a professional manner)! •• Obtain a business card from your interviewer(s).

After the Interview •• Send a thank you letter within one day after the interview. •• Restate your interest in the position and highlight important aspects of the interview. •• If the hiring decision will occur soon, send a well written email. If time allows, thank you notes may be handwritten on professional note cards and if you have neat, easy-to-read handwriting. Send a typed thank you letter if you are unsure what to send. •• Follow-up by phone if you have not heard from the company in the designated time period. •• Even if you aren’t offered a position, maintain a positive relationship with the organization. You never know when a new position may become available.

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Behavior Based Interview Questions Employers ask behavior based questions in an interview to evaluate a candidate's experiences and behaviors in order to determine their potential for success with their company. The employer identifies desired skills and behaviors, and then structures open-ended questions to elicit detailed responses from the candidate. Below are example questions to help you get familar with the format.

Analytical Skills/Problem Solving

Initiative

•• Describe the project or situation that best demonstrates your •• Describe a project or idea (not necessarily your own) that analytical abilities. What was your role? was implemented primarily because of your efforts. What •• Tell me about a situation where you had to solve a difficult was your role? What was the outcome? problem. What did you do? What was your thought process? •• What was the best idea you came up with during your What was the outcome? What do you wish you had done professional or college career? How did you apply it? differently?

Communication •• Tell me about a recent experience in making a speech or presentation? How did you prepare? What obstacles did you face? How did you handle them? •• Give me an example of a time when you were able to successfully communicate with another person even when that individual may not have personally liked you (or vice versa). What obstacles or difficulties did you face?

Creativity •• When was the last time you thought “outside the box” and how did you do it? Why? •• Tell me about a problem that you’ve solved in a unique or unusual way. What was the outcome? Were you happy or satisfied with it?

Leadership •• Tell me about a team project when you had to take the lead or take charge of the project? What did you do? How did you do it? What was the result? •• Describe a leadership role of yours. Why did you commit your time to it? How did you feel about it?

Planning, Organization & Time Management •• How do you prioritize projects and tasks when scheduling your time? Give me some examples. •• Tell me about a project that you planned. How did your organize and schedule the tasks? Tell me about your action plan.

Teamwork

•• Describe a situation where others you were working with on a project disagreed with your ideas. What did you do? Decision Making •• Tell me about a time when you worked with a classmate or •• Give me an example of a time when you had to be quick in colleague who was not doing their share of the work. How coming to a decision. What obstacles did you face? What did did you handle it? you do? •• What is the most difficult decision you’ve had to make? How did you arrive at your decision? What was the result?

Goal Setting •• Give me an example of an important goal which you have set and tell me how you reached it. What steps did you take? What obstacles did you encounter? •• Tell me about a goal that you set that you did not reach. What obstacles did you encounter? How did it make you feel?

Addressing Behavior Based Interview Questions Utilize the STAR technique to successfully demonstrate your skills. Tell a story! 1. Situation: Set the scene. Describe a situation and context of the story (who, what, where, when, how). 2. Task: Highlight any specific challenges or constraints you encountered. 3. Action: Describe what you did to complete the task, highlight your strengths in relation to the job. 4. Result: Close with the result of your efforts. Include figures to quantify the result if possible. 4

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Click the star for more from The Interview Guys

InterviewStream Practice interviewing online ANYTIME! ANYWHERE! InterviewStream is a Free virtual interview practice service for UNCG students: 1. Students login through uncg.edu/csc. 2. Click Interview Stream logo in the toolbox . 3. Sign up with your UNCG email address and create your account. 4. Choose your interview type and GO! 5. If you choose, you can customize your interview and pull from over 6,000 questions!

Research the Company •• Thoroughly review all information on an organization’s web site, including the About Us section. •• Research recently posted articles about the industry and organization online (Google.com, CNN or other news sources) •• Check out our LibGuide, an online guide to databases. You can view information on companies through services like Hoovers and Duns as well as the local Business Journal for that company. Start at uncg. libguides.com/csc •• Utilize the Reference Department of Jackson Library or other public libraries to review articles in recent trade or industry journals. •• Look up the company on LinkedIn to see if you have any connections. Ask current employees questions to understand the company, before the interview. •• Remember, knowledge of the industry and organization can make or break an interview!

Types of Interviews Phone Interviews

Usually serves as a screening tool to determine who the company would like to bring in for a face-to-face interview. These phone screens usually last 10–40 minutes. You can have your application materials, resume and company website out and available to refer to during these kinds of interviews.

Panel Interviews

Usually where several company representatives meet with you at one time. This can be intimidating, but do your best to make eye contact with all the representatives and stay calm.

Group Interviews

Usually the opposite of a panel, this is where several job applicants will be interviewed by the company at the same time. Try to have your voice heard without dominating the discussion.

Task Oriented or Testing Interview

Usually this is where you will be given some exercises to demonstrate your creative and analytical abilities. A company may ask you to take a short test to evaluate your technical knowledge and skills. Sometimes a presentation to a group is necessary to determine your communication skills. Try to relax as much as possible. UNCG Career Services Center • www.uncg.edu/csc

Questions for Employers Always ask the employer questions at the end of your interview. It shows you’re informed and interested in the job.

Example Questions •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• ••

How is an employee evaluated and promoted with this company? Tell me about initial training and/or professional development opportunities offered here. What are the company plans for future growth? How has this company fared during the recent recession? What makes your firm different from its competitors? How would you describe the company’s workplace culture? What are the expected work hours, start date, work locations, travel requirements, dress code, and relocation prospects? How does this job and department fit into the organization as a whole? Describe working relationships with other departments in the company. What are the company’s values and ethics? How are these manifested in relationships with employees, customers, and suppliers? What characteristics best describe a successful person at your company? Why do you like best about your job/ company? Is this a new position or am I replacing someone? Upon what criteria will my performance be evaluated? How will this be done and by whom? Describe the kind of people who thrive in your company. What are the key competencies of a successful employee? (Be ready to describe why you fit those criteria)

ALWAYS Ask

What’s the next step in this process? When should I expect to hear from someone or should I contact you? Adapted from the Northwestern Report

Reasons for being Rejected You thought the interview went well, but the employer just called to say they hired someone else! Why were you rejected? Below are some of the most common reasons you don’t make it past the interview. Talk with a career team member today on ways you can improve and get the job offer! •• Poor Personal Appearance

•• Lack of social skills

•• Inability to express themselves (voice, grammar, diction, language skills)

•• Indecisive

•• Overaggressive, arrogant

•• Lack of vitality

•• Lack of confidence

•• Little sense of humor

•• Lack of interest, passion, enthusiasm

•• Unwillingness to relocate

•• Overemphasis on money and benefits

•• Cynical attitude

•• Doesn’t know enough about the job/ organization

•• Lazy

•• Unwilling to pay dues—expects too much too soon •• Lack of courtesy •• Condemnation of past employers 6

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•• Poor eye contact

•• Inability to take criticism •• Doesn’t share organizational values/ poor fit with organization •• Poorly selected questions about position/organization

Tips for International Students Knowing Yourself and the Company

•• Employers in American job interviews will be evaluating how well you fit in with the work environment, your abilities to do the work, and what kind of employee you will be. As international students, they will also evaluate your language abilities •• Show you are familiar with the company/organization and the position by doing your research before the interview. •• Know how you will fill their need. To do so, you will need to know about the company/organization, the position, the work environment, and the strengths/challenges of the company/organization. •• For many students from cultures outside the USA, speaking about your past accomplishments can sometimes be challenging. In an American interview, you will need to speak confidently about past accomplishments in order to market yourself well.

Nonverbal Communication •• •• •• •• •• ••

Body language in an interview can be challenging for many international students: Typically, when you arrive for an interview the employer will shake your hand. You want a firm (but not too firm) handshake, shake hands with all interviewers in the room. Other kinds of physical contact during the interview are not expected and can hurt your impression. Be calm and maintain good posture. Show enthusiasm for the job. When answering questions in the USA, making eye contact with the interviewer creates the impression that you are honest, personable, and confident in your answers. If you are from a culture where less direct eye contact is the norm, try to get some practice with direct eye contact with people you are comfortable with first. •• Sometimes focusing on the person’s eyebrows helps give the appearance that you are making eye contact •• If you are being interviewed by multiple people, make eye contact with all of them when answering their questions. •• When the interview concludes, you will be expected to shake hands with the interviewer(s) again.

Additional Considerations

For the employer hiring a new employee, the main goal is to hire the best person for the job. For international students, it can be more complicated. In some cases, employers are involved with national security issues (e.g. defense contractors or U.S. government jobs) and specify that they will only interview U.S. citizens or permanent residents. However, if an employer is not involved with this type of work or does not specify who is eligible to apply, you are eligible to apply for the position. Being invited for an interview is great news— the employer has decided from your resume and cover letter that you meet their needs for the position!

What You Already Have to Offer

Focus on your special skills and qualifications for the job. This is essential to the employer. Remember that, as an international student, you actually have certain advantages over U.S. students: •• You have spent several years living and studying in a totally different culture. By doing so, you have already demonstrated how adaptable you are to new environments. An employer wants to hire someone who will adapt well in a new job environment. •• You are statistically one of very few people from your country who have uprooted themselves to come to the U.S. for an education. This means you know how to take initiative. U.S. employers like employees who take initiative. •• If your native language is not English, you have successfully pursued an educational program in a foreign language. This means at least two things: 1. If the organization has offices overseas, you may be useful because you have demonstrated your ability to perform successfully in a foreign language. 2. You had to work harder than native speakers of English to be successful in your academic program. Therefore, you have demonstrated that you can work under non-optimal conditions and that you are persistent in working toward goals that you have set for yourself. During your interview, take the opportunity to emphasize these characteristics that are highly regarded in the American workplace.

UNCG Career Services Center • www.uncg.edu/csc

Phone Interview Tips Some considerations for a phone interview: •• Make sure you have a quiet place that won’t be interrupted and where you have clear cell phone coverage. •• Have your resume out in front of you for reference, as well as the job description, and paper to take notes on who is on the call and any information you need to know regarding the position. •• Obviously on the phone, your attire is not a concern, however if being more formally dressed can positively influence how you will address the call, consider dressing in business casual beforehand. •• Your voice is the only thing you can provide in this kind of interview. Smile while on the phone—it can be heard in your voice. Also be sure you speak clearly and slow enough for them to understand you. If you need to think about your answer, communicate that to them so they don’t think the call was lost. •• Ask friends or a career team member to practice with you so you know how you sound on the phone. •• Practice hearing your own voice—InterviewStream is available 24/7. Check out this About.com article for tips

Mock Interview Program Interview Practice and Preparation for Students

In today’s instantly connected world, you must plan for and expect to find yourself participating in interviews conducted in a variety of different formats. The Career Services Center is here to assist you in your efforts to prepare, practice, and perform successfully when you interview for jobs, internships, and admission to graduate programs. The Career Services Center provides a variety of ways for you to practice and develop your interviewing skills: •• In-Person (face-to-face) Interview Practice •• Online Recorded Practice Interviews with InterviewStream •• Telephone Practice Interviews •• Live Video Chat Interview Practice In-Person (face-to-face) Interview Practice is available by scheduled appointment with the Career Services Center. You may call or stop by our office to schedule an appointment for an in-person Mock Interview. Please contact the Career Services Center by phone at 336-334-5454, or stop by our center located in the Elliott University Center (EUC) on the ground floor next to Subway. InterviewStream is an interactive, web based interviewing tool which uses a webcam to record your practice interview from any computer, anytime. We also have a technology room available at the Career Services Center for students to use if they don’t have a webcam on their own computer. Available to enrolled UNCG students, InterviewStream provides feedback and tips about non-verbal behavior and verbal communication skills. Check out InterviewStream for yourself at www.uncg.edu/csc/students. Then click on the InterviewStream logo in the toolbox on the webpage. To get started, sign up and create an account for free using your UNCG email address and then create your own password. Telephone and Video Chat Practice Interviews are available to students by scheduled appointment. Please contact the Career Services Center by phone at 336-334-5454, or stop by our center located in the Elliott University Center (EUC) on the ground floor next to Subway.

UNCG Career Services Center • www.uncg.edu/csc