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| Job Interview Tips Sept_08 | | | | ASQ Toronto Section 0402 - TIP SHEET ON INTERVIEWING September 2008 Two common types of Job Interviews- for more information contact Desmond at jobs@asqtoronto.org There are various types of job interviews ranging from behavioral interviews, exit interviews, group interviews, phone and video interviews, second interviews, and dining interviews. The two most common interviews that are prevalent in todays industry are the individual behavioral interview and the phone interview. Behavioral is based on finding out how the interviewee acted in specific employment-related situations. The logic is that how you behaved in the past will predict how you will behave in the future i.e. past performance predicts future performance.In a traditional interview, you will be asked a series of questions which typically have straight forward answers like "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" or "What major challenges and problems did you face? How did you handle them?" or "Describe a typical work week. In a behavioral interview, an employer has decided what skills are needed in the person they hire and will ask questions to find out if the candidate has those skills. Instead of asking how you would behave, they will ask how you did behave. They want to know how you handled a situation, instead of how you may act in a given situationBehavioral InterviewBehavioral interview questions will be more pointed, more probing and more specific than traditionalinterview questions: Give an example of an occasion when you used logic to solve a problem. Give an example of a goal you reached and tell me how you achieved it. Describe a decision you made that was unpopular and how you handled implementing it. Have you gone above and beyond the call of duty? If so, how? What do you do when your schedule is interrupted? Give an example of how you handle it. Have you had to convince a team to work on a project they weren't thrilled about? How did you do it? Have you handled a difficult situation with a co-worker? How? Tell me about how you worked effectively under pressure.Follow-up questions will also be detailed. You may be asked what you did, what you said, how you reacted or how you felt.Preparation for the Potential Behavioral InterviewWhat's the best way to prepare? Remember you will not know if the interview will be traditional or a mix of both so its best to refresh your memory and consider some special situations you have dealt with or projects you have worked on. Take an anecdotal approach that illustrates times when you have successfully solved problems or performed memorably. Review the job description, if you have it, or the job posting or ad. You may be able to get a sense of what skills and behavioral characteristics the employer is seekingDuring the interview, if you are not sure how to answer the question, ask for clarification. Then be sure to include these points in your answer: A specific situation The tasks that needed to be done The action you took The results i.e. what happenedIt's important to keep in mind that there is no right or wrong answers. So, listen carefully, be clear and detailed when you respond and, most importantly, be honest. If your answers aren't what the interviewer is looking for, this position may not be the best job for you anyway.Phone interviewPhone interviews are often used to screen candidates in order to narrow the pool of applicants who will be invited for in-person interviewsAlways be prepared for a phone interview on a moment's notice. You never know when a recruiter or a networking contact might call and ask if you have a few minutes to talk.Be Prepared to InterviewPrepare for a phone interview just as you would for a regular interview. Compile a list of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as a list of answers to typical interview questions. In addition, plan on being prepared for a phone conversation about your background and skills. Keep your resume in clear view, on the top of your desk, or tape it to the wall near the phone, so it's at your fingertips when you need to answer questions. Have a short list of your accomplishments available to review. Have a pen and paper handy for note taking. Turn call-waiting off so your call isn't interrupted. If the time isn't convenient, ask if you could talk at another time and suggest some alternatives. Clear the room - evict the kids and the pets. Turn off the stereo and the TV. Close the door. Unless you're sure your cell phone service is going to be perfect, consider using a landline rather than your cell phone to avoid a dropped call or static on the line.Talking on the phone isn't as easy as it seems. I've always found it's helpful to practice. Have a friend or family member conduct a mock interview and tape record it so you can see how you sound over the phone. Any cassette recorder will work. You'll be able to hear your "ums" and "uhs" and "okays" and you can practice reducing them from your conversational speech. Also rehearse answers to those typical questions you'll be asked.During the Phone Interview Don't smoke, chew gum, eat, or drink. Do keep a glass of water handy, in case you need to wet your mouth. Smile. Smiling will project a positive image to the listener and will change the tone of your voice. Speak slowly and enunciate clearly. Use the person's title (Mr. or Ms. and their last name.) Only use a first name if they ask you to. Don't interrupt the interviewer. Take your time - it's perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to collect your thoughts. Give short answers. Remember your goal is to set-up a face-to-face interview. After you thank the interviewer ask if it would be possible to meet in person.After the Interview: Take notes about what you were asked and how you answered. Remember to say "thank you." Follow with a thank you note which reiterates your interest in the job.Click here for PDF | | |
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