1. Becoming an Effective
Interviewer
Valparaiso University Career Center
Kristen Anthony
Career Development Advisor
&
Jen Sommers
Graduate Assistant
Contact Us At:
www.valpo.edu/career
career.center@valpo.edu
219-464-5005
2. Presentation Objectives
Identify the different types of interviews
Summarize and discuss strategies for different stages of
interviewing
Discuss strategies for self-exploration
Identify different types of interview questions and
practice personal answers
Recognize the STAR model for answering questions
Identify ways to evaluate interviews
Identify appropriate dress for interviews
3. Types of Interviews
Phone interview
Skype/video interview
Committee interview
Lunch/Dinner interview
Group interview
One-to-one interview
Site visit
4. Phase of Interviewing
Conducting
the Interview
STAR Model
Situation
Task
Action
Result &
Relevance
Questions
Evaluation
Follow-up
Job-Fit
Changes for
next interview
Preparing for the
Interview
Know yourself
Know the
employer &
industry
Know the
position
6. Know Yourself Identify skills, interests, & work
values
Reflect upon strengths &
weaknesses
Note key accomplishments
Identify short & long term goals
Prepare examples
Be able to articulate why you
want that position
Create a portfolio (if applicable)
Knowing yourself better will help
you to better articulate your
answers to employers’ question.
7. Know the
Employer &
Industry
Knowing the company and
industry that you are applying
for shows the employer that
you are truly passionate about
the position and that you
understand the company &
what you are applying to
become a part of.
Review mission & vision
statement
Review annual reports
Know the competitors & clients
Understand the company’s
management structure
Conduct informational interviews
Know what is currently
happening with the company
Know names & titles of
interviewers
Prepare targeted questions
8. Know the
Position
Understand the position
Know your skills
Be able to articulate your
skills withKnowing and understanding the
position will help you to tailor your
answers to employers’ questions
specifically to the position you are
interviewing for.
9. Figure out where your skills overlap with the needs of the position.
The Highlighter Activity
10. Conducting the Interview
Types of interview questions, the STAR Model, questions to
expect, how to answer those questions, questions to ask, &
other interviewing tips.
13. Questions to Expect - The BIG3
Tell me about
yourself.
Create an outline
Educational/
field/industry
background
2-3 examples of
skills or
experiences
Interest in the
position
What are your strengths
& weaknesses?
Difference between
strengths & weaknesses
Have 2-3 examples
Weaknesses
Do not cover up with
something that is a
strength
Do not say something
required by the job
Weakness management
Why should we (the
company) hire you?
Create an outline
Skills &
experiences
related to
position
Passion/interest
in company/field
Personal traits &
characteristics
14. Questions to Ask the Employer
Follow-up questions based on interview questions:
When you asked about this… how do you see that playing into
the day-to-day role of this position?
Other possible questions to ask:
What are some of the challenges faced in this position?
What professional development opportunities are available in
this position?
What are the company’s goals for the next 5 years?
What is a typically day in the office consist of?
What is your favorite thing about working for this company?
What are the next steps in your hiring process?
15. Other Interviewing Tips
Be early
Greet all employees
Positive attitude
Use clear speech
Make direct eye contact
Use a firm handshake
Think before you speak
Emphasize strengths
Incorporate research
Keep questions focused
Be prepared
Bring a padfolio
16. How to Dress for the Interview
Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.
20. Time to Practice
“Practice makes the master.” –Patrick
Rothfuss, The Name of the Wind
1. Tell me about a time
where you had to work
on a team to accomplish
a goal.
2. What are your top
strengths? What is one
weakness that you have?
3. Give us an example of a
time where you went
above and beyond what
was expected of you.
22. Follow-Up
Write thank-you letter/email
Send to each person involved in the interview
process
Send within 24-hours of the interview
Format
Thank them for the interview
Reiterate your interest
Highlight your strongest qualification
Closing
Check-in with the company periodically
23. Job-Fit
Reflect upon the interview & other experiences
Ask yourself the following questions:
Is the job a good fit for your professional goals?
What was your impression of the work environment?
What was your impression of your potential co-workers?
What is the potential for growth & advancement?
Can I see myself working here for more than a year?
24. Making Changes for Your Next Interview
Reflect upon your answers to interview questions
Are there changes that you would make to your answers?
Practice answering interview questions based on any
feedback you may receive
25. Career Center Services
Assessments
Career and job search counseling
Professional development events
Mock interviews
Online resources
Handshake
Interview stream
Glassdoor
Contact Us At:
www.valpo.edu/career
career.center@valpo.edu
Twitter: @valpocareers
219-464-5005
