1. What to expect from your job interview and how to
be a better prepared candidate.
Job Interviews from practical perspective

2.  Name
 Field of study
 Year in the program
 Why are you attending this seminar?
Introductions

3.  Prepare your profile
– Resume
– Cover letter
– List of references and reference letters
 Social media
– LinkedIn
– Facebook
– Google yourself
Applying for Jobs

4. Preparing for the Interview
 Study the job description
– Required skills, knowledge, attributes
 Study the organization
– Website
– Important dates and achievements
– President/CEO
 Review your own credentials and work history
– Do not assume the interviewer(s) went through it all

5.  Phone/screening interview
– Preliminary and introductory
– Likely with an HR representative
 In-person interview
 Panel interview
– 2 or more interviewers
– HR representative and manager/hiring lead
Types of Interviews

6. Types of Interviews
 Group interview
– Multiple candidates interviewed at once
 Video conference interview
 Serial interview
– 2 or more separate interviews in sequence

7. 1
2
3
4
5
6
Behavioural
Situational
Structured
Unstructured
Semi-structured
Testing
Interview Formats

8.  Past behaviour predicts future actions/decisions
 Based on specific past behaviours
 Sample questions:
– Tell me about a time when you faced a challenge.
How did you resolve it?
– Tell me about a time when you demonstrated working
effectively under pressure
– Provide an example of working in a team
– Provide an example of dealing with a difficult
customer. How did you handle it?
Behavioural Interview
Questions

9.  Know your work history
 Conclude each answer on a positive note
 Demonstrate skills, abilities and work ethic
Behavioural Interview
Questions

10.  Based on hypothetical situations
 Sample questions:
– What would you do if the work of a team member was
not up to expectations?
– What would you do if a project’s priorities suddenly
change?
– List the steps you would take to reach an important
decision on the job.
Situational Interview Questions

11.  Combination of situational and other interview
questions
 Each candidate is asked the same questions
 Results are scored and compared
Eliminates bias
Ensures objective decision making
Structured Interview

12.  No strict guidelines
 Free-flowing, casual conversation
More prone to bias
More realistic overview of candidate
Unstructured Interview

13.  Combines structured and unstructured questions
Semi-Structured Interview

14.  Standardized testing to evaluate candidate’s fit
and competence level
– Administrative (MS Office)
– Technical/trades
– Fitness
Testing

15.  What to wear?
 Smile
 Hand shake
 Eye contact
 Body language
 Small talk
During the Interview...

16.  Tell me about yourself
– Direction of career
– Brief overview of academic/career achievements
 Strengths
– Time management
– Team player
– Proactive
– Fast learner
“Difficult” Questions

17.  Weaknesses
– Skills development
– Turn negative into positive
 Salary
– Range
– Flexibility
 “Do you have any questions?”
“Difficult” Questions

18.  Tell me about your degree/diploma. Why did you
choose this field of study?
 Why are you looking to leave your current job?
 Why do you want to work here?
 What are your career goals?
 When are you available to start?
Other Interview Questions

19.  Follow up with a quick ‘thank you’ e-mail
 Calling/e-mailing the recruiter to find out about
the status of your application is OK!
After the Interview

20. THANK YOU!
Presenter:
Natalie Sidon
HR-Administrator at:
Organized by:

22. Want to get involved?
 We are hiring executives for the next year:
 Come talk to ME after event.
 Fill out the application form at http://4uw.co/2014-executive
 Club memberships are open for next year
 Come talk to ME after the event. Membership fee: $20/year
 Club is oriented on career and life skills development