INTERVIEWING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOP MENT II HERZING UNIVERSITY O NLINE Written by Kelly Zugay, M.A.

Contents About .................................................................................................................................................. 2 Step 1: Get to Know Yourself ............................................................................................................... 2 Step 2: Familiarize Yourself with Common Interview Questions ........................................................... 3 Step 3: Engage in a Mock Interview ..................................................................................................... 4 Step 4: Choose Professional Interview Attire ....................................................................................... 4 Step 5: Get to Know the Organization .................................................................................................. 4 Step 6: Succeed in Any Interview Setting ............................................................................................. 5 Telephone Interview ........................................................................................................................ 5 Video Conference Interview ............................................................................................................. 6 In-Person Interview .......................................................................................................................... 7 Interview Preparation Checklist ........................................................................................................... 8 Common Types of Interview Questions................................................................................................ 9 Ice Breaking/Introduction Questions ................................................................................................ 9 Behavioral Questions ....................................................................................................................... 9 Opinion Questions.......................................................................................................................... 11 Strengths and Weaknesses ............................................................................................................ 11 Experience/Education Verification Questions ................................................................................. 11 Math/Case Questions .................................................................................................................... 12

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About An interview is a conversation between a candidate and an organization. Through an interview, a candidate can learn more about a position or an organization – its history, culture, and direction. Conversely, an interview can provide an organization with an opportunity to learn more about a candidate and his or her experience. Through an interview, a candidate can show the employer how he or she would contribute to their organization, if chosen for the desired position.

Step 1: Get to Know Yourself When preparing for an interview, it is important to have a clear understanding of who you are and who you hope to become as a working professional. Think about your strengths, weaknesses, likes, and dislikes. Reflect upon your professional experience, and write down any information you would like to highlight. •

Why do I want this position?

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What do I admire about this organization?

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Why am I the best candidate for the position?

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Am I able to expand upon each part of my resume?

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Can I discuss my strengths and weaknesses?

Prior to an interview, it is important to be comfortable discussing your educational and professional experience. Reflecting upon this information can help you to feel at ease throughout an interview. Be prepared to apply your education and experience to the position you have applied for:

The employer is seeking… Leadership Experience Accounting Coursework Community Involvement

I have experience through… Serving as Project Manager in a Class Being an Accounting Major Volunteering for Feeding America

It is important to understand how each skill you have practiced or obtained throughout your professional or academic career can be “transferred” to the job you hope to obtain. These skills are known as transferrable skills. skills

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Step 2: Familiarize Yourself with Common Interview Questions What are your strengths?

What was your biggest failure?

What are your weaknesses?

What motivates you?

Why are you interested in working for us?

What’s your availability?

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Who’s your mentor?

Are you willing to relocate?

How do you handle pressure?

Are you willing to travel? Tell me about a time you made a mistake.

Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a coworker. What are your career goals?

What is your dream job?

What gets you up in the morning?

How did you hear about this position?

Are you a leader or a follower?

Discuss your resume. Discuss your educational background.

If you could paint this room any color, what color would that be? What are your co-worker pet peeves?

Describe yourself.

What are your hobbies?

Why should we hire you?

What is your favorite website?

Why are you looking for a new job?

What makes you uncomfortable?

Would you work holidays/weekends?

How would you fire someone?

What are your salary requirements?

Would you work 40+ hours a week?

Who are our competitors?

What questions do you have for me?

For additional interview questions and advice, please visit: Monster, Forbes, or Wise Bread.

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Step 3: Engage in a Mock Interview Participating in a mock interview will help you to learn more about interviewing – your strengths as well as your areas of improvement. In addition, participating in a mock interview will prepare you for an actual interview. Be open to constructive criticism and ask your interviewer to be honest in their feedback.

Step 4: Choose Professional Interview Attire Women’s Professional Attire A business suit or business dress may be worn. Ensure that the attire is modest in length, neckline, color, and style. Shoes should be clean and polished. A closed-toe dress shoe is most appropriate. Nails should be modest in length and natural in color. Any visible tattoo should be covered by clothing. Jewelry, makeup, and perfume should be modest.

Hair should be styled in a conservative manner.

Men’s Professional Attire Clean, pressed dress shirts and pants in a conservative color should be worn. A sport coat or suit coat should be worn. Typically, the more conservative – the better. Nails should be clean and trimmed. Facial hair should be freshly shaved or trimmed. Use deodorant. If preferred, use mildly scented aftershave lotion. Strong cologne is not recommended. Any visible tattoo should be covered by clothing.

Step 5: Get to Know the Organization Learning about the organization will not only help you to impress the interviewing committee, but it will also help you to determine how well you will fit into the organization as an employee. You can learn about an organization by visiting their website (Official Website, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn) or by using an employment website such as Glassdoor. Basic Information • • •

What does the organization do? What services or products does the organization offer? Where is the organization located?

Organizational Structure • • •

What is the leadership structure like? How many employees serve the organization? Does the organization tend to promote from within? Herzing University Online | Career Development Department

Organizational Culture • • •

What is the organization’s mission statement? What does the organization value? To what level is the organization involved in the community?

Write down and review any information you have learned about the organization. This information will be beneficial to you throughout the interview process.

Step 6: Succeed in Any Interview Setting An interview may take place over the telephone, over video conferencing, or in person. Below, you will find key information regarding each type of interview setting. Telephone Interview

About A telephone interview – or screening interview – is a type of interview used to help an organization to narrow down its search for the right candidate. Through a brief telephone conversation, an employer can learn more about a candidate and determine whether he or she should be invited for an in-person interview. Before a Telephone Interview 1. Establish a date and time for the interview. When an employer calls to invite you to engage in a telephone interview, you will set a date and time for the interview to take place. Most often, the interviewer will be responsible for calling you. 2. Research the organization. Learn about the organization and document any information you believe will be useful during your telephone interview. 3. Print your resume and cover letter. Print each professional document for use throughout your interview. This will help you to recall the information you presented to the employer and to access information needed during the interview. However, avoid flipping through documents as this sound can be picked up through the phone. 4. Practice. Using this guide, practice answering each interview question to the best of your ability. This will help you to grow comfortable discussing your professional and educational experience. 5. Keep a calendar nearby. If you are asked to schedule a follow-up interview, having a calendar nearby will allow you to quickly and easily establish a date and time for the interview.

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During a Telephone Interview 1. Use a quiet room, free from distraction. It is important that, during your telephone interview, the interviewer cannot hear background noise. In addition, to be successful, the room you interview in should be free from distraction, including another telephone, a computer, or a television. 2. Speak slowly and clearly. Because the interviewer will only learn about you through what you say over the telephone, it is important to be clear, concise, and easy to understand. 3. Be a good listener. Allow the interviewer to tell you about the organization or the position. Engage in active listening. 4. Smile. An interviewer should hear the positive and upbeat tone of your voice. Smiling during your telephone interview can help you to be successful in projecting a positive tone. After a Telephone Interview 1. Take notes. Write down important information from the interview, such as follow-up interview information, questions, or comments. 2. Reflect. Reflect upon your telephone interview performance. As telephone interviewing is a very common interviewing method, reflecting upon your performance will help you to prepare for a future interview. 3. Say thank you. Within 48 hours, provide the interviewer with a thank you e-mail or letter to restate your interest and enthusiasm for the position. Video Conference Interview

About A video conference interview is a type of interview often used when a candidate and an organization are far apart from one another. A video conference may use Skype or another sort of video software to engage in the interview. Before a Video Conference Interview 1. Establish a date and time for the interview. When an employer calls to invite you to engage in a video conference interview, you will set a date and time for the interview to take place. Most often, the interviewer will be responsible for connecting with you. 2. Research the organization. Learn about the organization and document any information you believe will be useful during your telephone interview. 3. Practice. Using this guide, practice answering each interview question to the best of your ability. This will help you to grow comfortable discussing your professional and educational experience.

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During a Video Conference Interview 1. Use a quiet room, free from distraction. It is important that, during your interview, the interviewer cannot hear background noise or see a mess/anything inappropriate in the background. 2. Speak slowly and clearly. Because the interview will be taking place through video conferencing, it is important to be clear, concise, and easy to understand. 3. Be a good listener. Allow the interviewer to tell you about the organization or the position. Engage in active listening. 4. Smile. Though the interviewer is not meeting with you in person, the interviewer should be able to sense your positive attitude and enthusiasm for the position. After a Video Conference Interview 1. Take notes. Following the interview, write down important information from the interview, such as follow-up interview information, questions, or comments. 2. Reflect. Reflect upon your interview performance. This will help you to prepare for a future interview. 3. Say thank you. Within 48 hours, provide the interviewer with a thank you e-mail or letter to restate your interest and enthusiasm for the position. In-Person Interview

Before an In-Person Interview 1. Establish a date and time for the interview. When an employer calls to invite you to engage in an interview, you will set a date and time for the interview to take place. Be sure to mark the date and time on your calendar. 2. Research the organization. Learn about the organization and document any information you believe will be useful during your telephone interview. 3. Print your resume. On professional paper, print your resume. You should be able to give a copy of your resume to each interviewer present. 4. Practice. Using this guide, practice answering each interview question to the best of your ability. This will help you to grow comfortable discussing your professional and educational experience. 5. Familiarize yourself with the location. If possible, take time to practice driving to the interview location. This way, you will be sure that you know where to go on the date of your interview. During an In-Person Interview 1. Dress professionally. Please see Choose Professional Interview Attire. 2. Greet each person with a smile and handshake. Be sure to treat each person you encounter – from the Administrative Assistant to the Hiring Manager – with kindness and respect. Greet each person with a smile. Herzing University Online | Career Development Department

3. Speak slowly and clearly. Take your time when answering each question, and be sure to pace yourself. 4. Be a good listener. Allow the interviewer to tell you about the organization or the position. Engage in active listening. 5. Make appropriate eye contact. Making appropriate eye contact during an interview can show that you are confident, personable, and professional. Too little eye contact can be perceived as dishonesty; too much eye contact (staring) can be overwhelming. After an In-Person Interview 1. Take notes. Write down important information from the interview, such as follow-up interview information, questions, or comments. 2. Reflect. Reflect upon your interview performance. As in-person interviewing is a very common interviewing method, reflecting upon your performance will help you to prepare for a future interview. 3. Say thank you. Within 48 hours, provide the interviewer with a thank you e-mail or letter to restate your interest and enthusiasm for the position.

Interview Preparation Checklist When you have established a date, time, and location for your interview, use the following checklist to prepare for your interview: Familiarize yourself with the location of the interview: ___ Practice driving to the location of the interview (for in-person interviews). ___ If interviewing on the telephone or via video conferencing, prepare your interview location: • • •

Make sure that the space is neat and organized Make sure that the space is free from noise or distraction Make sure that you have placed a writing utensil and paper nearby

Familiarize yourself with the position for which you are interviewing: ___ Study the job description, and be mindful of each position detail. ___ Connect your experience and education to the position. ___ Make note of any specific questions you may have regarding the position.

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Familiarize yourself with common interview questions: ___ Ask your Career Development Specialist or Instructor to hold a mock interview for you. ___ Research interviewing advice on the Internet for further guidance. Familiarize yourself with the organization: ___ Have a clear understanding of the organization – its history, background, and culture. Prepare your professional documents: ___ Print several copies of your resume, in case you are interviewed by a group. Prepare your professional attire: ___ Plan your attire; be sure that your appearance is neat and professional. Practice, practice, practice: ___ Review all of the above information to gain confidence for your interview

Common Types of Interview Questions Ice Breaking/Introduction Questions

When an employer asks questions about you to establish a rapport. Goal: The employer is establishing a first impression . Example: “Tell me about yourself.” Possible Answer: “I am originally from Denver, Colorado. While attending Douglas High in Denver I took Marketing classes for an elective and that is how I became interested in this field. In addition to my classes I was an active member of DECA and represented my school at the local and state competitions two years in a row. I continued my path towards the Marketing field in college while attending the University of Colorado-Boulder by interning at the local radio station where I became the Promotional Director. Now that I am graduating in December I am very interested in an entry-level advertising position.” Don’t: Have your introduction go longer than 30 seconds. You want to have a 30 second “elevator speech” ready to explain your basic background and career interests.

Behavioral Questions When an employer asks about a specific time you demonstrated a skill. Herzing University Online | Career Development Department

Goal: With behavioral questions, you want to relate specific experience you have to the question. Example: “Tell me about a time you went above and beyond the call of duty.” Possible Answer: “While working at the reception desk at a previous job, I noticed a trend of slower customer traffic from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Wanting to be productive, I approached my boss and asked if in addition to my reception duties, if I could assist the HR department with their payroll assignments. This was a great chance for me to remain productive and get experience in a field I was interested in. My additional experience helped me get promoted to HR assistant the following spring.” Don’t: Say what you “would do” or give a vague answer such as “I do that daily.” Employers want specific examples. STAR Method When answering behavioral interview questions, employers want to know the Situation you were in, the Tasks that were involved, the Action you took, and the Results you achieved. Situation •

What role or position were you in? What was happening that was relevant? What led up to your action?

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In the situation, what tasks did you perform or delegate?

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How did you resolve or improve the situation?

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What happened? How do you know you accomplished something? Did your decisions or actions have a lasting impact? You should quantify your result whenever relevant by showing a change in time, productivity, accuracy, or monetary value.

Tasks

Action

Results

Example Question: “Tell me about a time you demonstrated your ability to think on your feet.” Answer: “While at my previous job, I was promoted to assistant manager. On the first night I closed the store, we had a sudden emergency leak from the faucet in our mop closet. Water began gushing out, endangering our products and equipment. I instructed one employee to unplug near-by electronics before the water reached the electronics as a precautionary measure and instructed another to start moving paper products on lower shelves to higher ones. While they did that, I quickly grabbed our store’s emergency flip chart and observed the best practice for emergency leaks. Based on the instructions, I was able to locate the emergency shut-off valve for the water supply and stop the leak until it could be fixed by a professional. Due to my quick thinking, my manager estimated we saved $600 worth of equipment and products.” Herzing University Online | Career Development Department

Opinion Questions When an employer asks you a question where the answer is an opinion. Goal: The employer is evaluating how you can think on your feet. Example: “If you were a superhero, which would you be?” Possible Answer: “I would be Batman. Growing up, he was a childhood hero of mine because he put the good of others above himself.” Don’t: Get caught off guard, there is no right or wrong answer, just make sure you support your choice.

Strengths and Weaknesses When an employer asks what you view as your strengths and weaknesses (generally 1 to 3 examples for each). Goal: The employer wants to see how accurately you can assess yourself and for your weaknesses they want to see how you are working to improve them. Example: “What is your greatest strength and what is your greatest weakness?” Possible Answer: “My greatest strength is my ability to remain positive under difficult situations. While at my previous job, we had one day where only two out of seven workers showed up while it was one of the busiest days of the summer. Despite this challenge, I made sure to continue smiling with my customers and coworker and thanked my coworker for his hard work. Afterwards he said he was able to make it through that day because of my attitude. My greatest weakness would be that I tend to get nervous speaking in front of large groups. To help with this situation, I am taking a public speaking course during college and at my last job I volunteered for any speaking opportunities that became available.” Don’t: Avoid the question. Everyone is human and has something they can work on. The important thing is to demonstrate how you are working to overcome the challenge. Experience/Education Verification Questions When an employer asks about education or experience on your resume or application. Goal: These questions may just be to start the conversation, however, the employer may be ensuring you can support what is on your resume. Example: “I see you worked at ___. What did you enjoy about working there?” Possible Answer: “At ___, I really enjoyed the autonomy I was given on completing projects. It gave me the chance to personally develop ways of streamlining processes and making them more efficient. One example was when I noticed the paper we were printing on was very costly. I was able to find a comparable replacement at half the cost.”

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Don’t: Put qualifications on your resume or application that you can’t support, employers will find the truth.

Math/Case Questions When an employer asks you a question that you can’t correctly answer without research. Goal: The employer wants to know how you work through a problem and how you can make an educated guess without completing prior research. Example: “How many dentists are in the United States?” Possible Answer: “There are roughly 300 million people in the United States. I recently read an article that ¼ of the population is without health insurance. If I assume that this ¼ does not see a dentist, this brings down the population that sees the dentist to 225 million. In another article, I read that 1 out of every 2 people are afraid of the dentist. Assuming that means 1 out of 2 individuals doesn’t see a dentist, this brings the population that sees the dentist to 112.5 million. Based on the amount of patients I have seen at my personal dentist, I would estimate that on average every dentist has 100 patients. Therefore, there are 1.25 million dentists in the United States (112.5 million/100).” Don’t: Worry about getting the answer correct or use complex numbers and equations, focus on demonstrating your thinking skills but ensure you can answer the problem without a calculator.

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