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Hire Heroes USA
Successful Interviewing Techniques Workshop
Course Learning Objectives:
• Develop an understanding types of interviews
• How to develop a plan to prepare for an interview
▫ Research, Dress Code, Etiquette
• Gain realistic expectations as to the outcome
• Become familiar with common practices of successful
interviewing
Hire Heroes USA
100 North Point Center East, Suite 200
Alpharetta, GA 30022
1-800-915-HERO. www.hireheroesusa.org

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Hire Heroes USA
Successful Interviewing Techniques- Course Outline
Section 1- Interview Basics
Pg. 4. Purpose of the Interview
Pg. 5. Getting an Interview
Pg. 6. What Does the Employer or Interviewer Want to know?
Section 2- Types of Interviews
Pg. 8. Telephone Interview and Behavioral Interview
Pg. 9. Case-Method/Case-Based
Pg. 10. Committee Interview
Section 3- Preparation
Pg. 12. How to Prepare
Pg. 13. How Will They Know You Are Prepared?
Pg. 14. How Will They Know It’s Not You?
Pg. 15- 16. Interviewing Do’s and Don’ts.
Pg. 17. Questions – What to Ask, and What NOT to Ask Interviewers
Pg. 18. Post-Interview Strategies

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Section 1
Interview Basics

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PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW
Your accomplishments are now in the past. A new chapter has
opened and it is time for change. I assume that ….
• You have plans and goals. You know your strengths.
• You know your weaknesses. (Not everyone can be an astronaut or play on the PGA
Tour.)
• You think you know what you would like to do for a living, but you may have doubts.
• Your plan for life will no doubt be subject to change. That is okay, life happens and
you have to find ways to deal with it. You will figure it out, but you have to start
somewhere.
A trite piece of advice:
• Find a job you love to do. Find your passion.
• All the education and experience in the world is no substitute for performance.
• Motivation a key factor in performance.
• Performance is a function of: Ability, Tools, and MOTIVATION

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Getting An Interview
Resume:
• Send out your resume via newspaper, databases, job boards, magazines,
placement agencies, etc.
#1 Network, Network, Network:
• Often, it is not “what you know” but “who you know!”
• These contacts can put you in contact with others, but they will not get you
the job.
• 75-85% of all jobs are filled through the “informal” market, highlighting
your network
• Cultivate your contacts and keep them appraised of your situation. They will
not call you! Keep them informed and follow up.
• Keep a database of contacts, such as: Friends on Facebook, Linked In,
Myspace and your personal address book

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What does the Employer or
Interviewer Want to Know?
According to WSJ, recruiters at top businesses defined the most
important characteristics they look for when hiring…
INTANGIBLES!!!
• 89%... Can they communicate effectively, take direction, listen?
Express your ideas, respond to the questions, take direction, can learn
• 87%... Can they work as part of a team?
Work with different types of people who have different educational backgrounds, come from different socio
economic classes, who hold higher levels of authority, positive attitude
• 86%... Do they have strong personal ethics, are they trustworthy?
Can be relied on, honest, evidence of integrity
• 85%... Can they solve problems on their own?
Can take the initiative, not whiners (woe is me) but solvers, think logically, can deal with change
• 82%... Do they have a strong work ethic?
Reliable, committed to the job, can they deal with stress
• 78%... Do they exhibit leadership skills?
Inspire, persuade, honest and trustworthy, visionary, proactive

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Section 2
Types of Interviews

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TYPES OF INTERVIEWS
Telephone Interview:
• Typically used as screening interview
• Definition: Could last as long as 2-5 minutes, could last up to 60 minutes
• Always try to answer your phone when an unknown number calls.
• If you cannot answer immediately, call back and schedule a time to which you both can
• speak.
• Prepare yourself when calling- back that that could be your call
• Treat telephone as a formal interview- Sit up straight and be conscious of your
• surroundings.
• For example, no dogs barking, kids screaming or washing dishes.
• Use a land line/secure connection
• GOAL – To obtain a face to face, second interview.
Behavioral:
• Employer makes assumptions about your future performance based on past behaviors
• and attitudes.
• Requires you to offer concrete, specific examples to reveal your skills
• Sample Behavioral Questions:
▫ “Tell me about a time when you exhibited teamwork.”
▫ “Give me an example of a challenge you experienced and how you dealt with it.”
• Use the “STAR" framework to structure your responses:
• What was the SITUATION?
• What was your TASK?
• What ACTION did you take?
• What was the RESULT?

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TYPES OF INTERVIEWS. Cont’d.
Case-Method/Case-Based:
• Commonly used interview method in business and consulting fields.
• Interviewee is requested to analyze a problem/situation and present a solution.
• Employer assesses analytical ability /thought process, not the accurateness of the
response
Case-Method/Case-Based Examples:
• How many gas stations are there in the U.S.?
• You have eight balls, one of which is heavier than the others. All the balls appear
identical. You have a balance-type scale, and you can perform trials on the balls.
What is the minimum number of trials required to determine which is the heaviest
ball?
Case Interview Tips
• Listen to the information provided and take notes.
• Take time to think the problem through. Identify the key issues.
• Frame your answer toward action. Identify what steps you would take.
• Share your ideas or thoughts that brought you to your proposed solution.
• Identify resources you would use/seek.

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TYPES OF INTERVIEWS. Cont’d.
Committee Interview
• Definition – several members of company who have a say in whether you
are hired, from several
• departments.
• Second round, final interview
• Designed for leadership potential
Tips for Committee Interview
• Speak to the person who asked you the question
• Can maintain eye contact with all parties
• May be asked to demonstrate problem solving skills
• Will be asked for specific examples, and asked for different outcomes,
reasons why you acted a specific way and what would you do differently

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Section 3
Preparation

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How To Prepare
Step 1:
• Conduct research prior to the interview about the company, the job description/job
opening, or even the specific individual to be interviewing you, if possible.
• Know traffic pattern and know where the interview is located and parking options.
• Maintain folders of each company you apply for along with job description.
• This will be useful for when you receive a screening interview that may catch you off guard.
You will always then be prepared.
• Always have extra resumes on hand, as you may be needed to distribute to employers
during the interview.
Step 2:
• Utilize network/mentors for tips- Use personal network or HHUSA contacts.
Step 3:
• Prepare to sell yourself for the specific position and company. Connect your resume to the
position when answering questions.
Step 4:
• Practice answering typical interview questions, Get comfortable- Use a mirror, use friends
Step 5: Etiquette
• Dress code- Overdress, Hide tattoos, earrings (Conservative, Confidence)
• Professional etiquette – Do not sit until told to sit, Be early - 15 minutes before interview
• Be yourself!

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How Will They Know You’ve Prepared?
By your homework:
• You know the company, the products/services, the job requirements, the culture, the
competitors, the customers, etc.
• This shows: Commitment, enthusiasm, your work ethic, you can learn, YOU ARE PREPARED
By your past behavior:
• Responses to questions are based upon your previous behavior.
• This shows: Tenacity, flexibility, decisiveness, judgment, all characteristics
By your non-verbal's:
• Good grooming, handshake, dress, posture, eye contact, promptness.
• This shows: Confidence, honesty, maturity and commitment

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How will they will know it’s not you?
Lack of preparation
• No research or knowledge of the company’s mission and history.
• Poor responses that do not tie in to the specific position you are
interviewing for.
• Unfamiliarity with your own resume.
Lack of professionalism
• Take interview seriously, be serious, do not be jokey-jokey.
• Being late (Being on time is late- always arrive early.)
• Being too comfortable with the interviewer.
• You arrive poorly dressed.
Non-verbal's
• Body Language: Slouching, lack of eye contact, fidgeting, chewing gum,
• Poor hygiene: Smell of cigarette smoke, bad grooming, too much perfume
or cologne

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Interviewing Do’s
• Dress appropriately for the industry; err on the side of being
conservative to show you take the interview seriously.
• Know the exact time and location of your interview; know how long
it takes to get there, park, find a rest room to freshen up, etc. Arrive
early!
• Offer a firm handshake, make eye contact, and have a friendly
expression when you are greeted by your interviewer.
• Maintain good eye contact during the interview.
• Respond to questions and back up your statements about yourself
with specific examples whenever possible.
• Ask for clarification if you don't understand a question.
• Know about the organization, do your homework and formulate
questions.

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Interviewing Don’ts
• Don't make negative comments about previous employers no
matter how bad the experience.
• Don't go to extremes with posture; don't slouch, don't sit
rigidly on the edge of your chair and be aware of your nervous
habits.
• Don't give the impression you are only interested in salary;
don't ask about salary and benefits issues until the subject is
brought up by your interviewer.
• Don't chew gum or smell like smoke and NO cell phones.
• Don't exhibit frustrations or a negative attitude during an
interview.
• Don’t talk about personal issues you may have, the more you
give, the more they’ll dig.

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Questions
Questions to Ask Employers:
• Employers will open the floor to you to ask questions at the end of the interview.
• Always ask at least one question, preferably no more than three - five questions.
• If able ask a question related to specific questions during the interview, to show that you paid
attention
• Ask positive questions
• Ask specifically what the job entails.
• Ask the timeline of when the company wants to fill the position, and when the candidate will
begin work.
• Possible advancement opportunities/Career track for the position
• What are the next steps?
• When should I expect a call, from whom, “What if I have any questions after this interview; who
should I call?”…etc.
• It is okay to tell an interviewer at the end “Thank You,” and to let them know you want the
position. Ask for the job!
Questions NOT to Ask Employers:
• Don’t ask questions about only one topic.
• Don’t ask questions that can be perceived as demands for you to fill the position.
• Don’t ask questions that raise warning flags: Work weekends, Overtime, etc.
• Avoid questions about retirement, company cars, benefits, DAYS OFF. (You will no doubt get this
info. in a second interview when they are ready to offer you the job.)
• Do not ask questions until they ask you.

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Post-Interview Strategies
Follow Up:
• Take a business card so you have the correct name and spelling of the individual
you interviewed with. You will also gain phone #’s, emails, and mailing address
of possible contacts for your personal network.
• Same-day: “Thank You.” Send an email.
• Second day: This is essential; send a hand written letter mailed to interviewer.
• Check back one to two days after the “get back to you date.”
• Assess your performance and learn from any possible mistakes or successes.
Final Tips:
• Keep personal life out of it!
▫ Do not get emotional in interview, no drama or intimate personal stories.
▫ No vacations needed, No doctors apts., No health issues
• Limit military jargon and acronyms
• Don’t talk too much- Be concise and to the point
• Turn weakness into positives
• Don’t bad mouth your current or former employer or co-workers.
• Be sincere- Rehearse responses, but do not sound robotic.

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Hire Heroes USA
Successful Interviewing Techniques Workshop
Thank you for your participation.
Hire Heroes USA
100 North Point Center East, Suite 200
Alpharetta, GA 30022
1-800-915-HERO. www. hireheroesusa .org