Presentation at the Massachusetts Green Careers Conference on September 20, 2019

1. NAVIGATING THE HIRING
PROCESS:
INTERVIEWING FOR SUCCESS
Michelle Waters-Ekanem - Director of Diversity & Civil Rights
Glynis Bugg – Diversity & Civil Rights Coordinator

2. MassDEP Mission statement
The Department of Environmental Protection is the state agency responsible for
ensuring clean air and water, the safe management of toxics and hazards, the
recycling of solid and hazardous wastes, the timely cleanup of hazardous waste
sites and spills, and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources.
MassDEP is one of the agencies under the Executive Office of Energy and
Environmental Affairs. Its role under Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution
is to act as the guarantor of the people's right to "clean air and water," as well
as "the natural scenic, historic and aesthetic qualities of the environment."

3. Agenda
What is a job interview?
Types of interviews
Typical interview questions
What to expect – preparing for the interview,
during the interview and after the interview
Learn how to develop your Story
Types of interviews/questions

4. What is a job interview?
Purpose of a job interview is twofold: It offers the
employer valuable insight into your personality and
abilities, and it allows you the chance to discern whether
your credentials and career goals match up with what the
company seeks.
Sell yourself and what you have to offer. Interviewers want
to know why hiring you will benefit their company.
Figure out the company culture.
Demonstrate your communication skills. The job interview is
the perfect place to show your ability to clearly articulate
thoughts and ideas.

5. What you need to know
What you want
The interviewer’s
perception of your
personality and skill set
is critical
Confident/assertive
behavior is valued

6. Developing your story
STAR
Situation: Detail the background. Provide
context about your experience.
Task: Describe the challenge and
expectations. What needed to be done?
Why?
Action: Elaborate your specific action. What
did you do? How? What tools did you use?
Result: Explain the results: accomplishments,
recognition, savings, etc. Quantify.

7. Typical Interview Questions
Competency - Competency is set of skills and knowledge required to
perform a particular job function successfully.
Strength based - Employers use this approach to elicit your motivation and
values, because the focus is more on what you like doing.
Hypothetical - Although you won't know for certain what hypothetical
situation they'll ask you about, it will be always about resolving a work
related problem.
Technical - To evaluate your level of knowledge or skill in the topic areas
relevant to the position for which you're being considered.
Workplace Diversity – Employers utilize these types of questions to
understand what diversity means to you as it relates to other people.

8. Types of Interviews
Individual interviews
Group/Panel interviews
Phone interviews
Videoconference Interviews
Second/on-site interviews

9. Preparing for the Interview
Research the company – review the website
Determine location of interview - or prepare for a phone interview
Prepare your attire - Professional vs. business-casual (know the
organization culture)
Make sure your resume is ready for further inspection
Develop a response that show evidence of your most marketable and
relevant skills/competencies
Know your product (a.k.a YOU)
Review/dissect the job description – know how your qualifications can
benefit the employer & match them to the job description
Prepare questions to ask the interviewer
Find out the names and job titles of interviewers (google them or check
out LinkedIn profiles)

10. During the interview
Be alert, friendly, and
courteous
You must immediately
convey confidence
(attire, handshake, eye
contact, body language)
Act natural and be
yourself
Be honest
Use specific examples or
stories to illustrate your
skills

11. After the interview
Relax, but learn from the experience-reflect on your
performance and learn from mistakes to apply to next
interview experience
Send a Thank You note
- E-mail is acceptable
- Written note stands out
Stay in pursuit – follow up

12. • Utilize your education as experience
• Identify your internship experience
(i.e. GIS Internship)
• You don’t have to include the year of
graduation
• Do not identify your immigration
status
• Make sure you identify your technical
and computer skills
What else should or
should not be
included?
Resume Review Tips

13. Michelle’s Quote
“You have to do more than offer a seat at the
table. Making sure that everyone is included at
the table is the true art of cultural dinning.”
In her diversity work she commonly says:

14. Questions?

15. Salary Negotiation!15

16. EXERCISE
1. Decide which one of you will be the employer
2. You have just been offered employment as an Environmental Analyst, Level II
position
3. The position requires an advanced degree in the environmental field with at
least 1 year of related experience.
4. You have a BA and a Masters degree with 3 years of related experience.
5. The salary range is between $52,922.74 - $73,245.64
6. Began Negotiating!
7. Good luck!

17. STATISTICAL DATA
Source: Leanin.org

18. RACE

19. GENDER

20. AGE

21. Salary Negotiation
• Women earn less than their male counterparts
• People of color, particularly women, earn less than their White
male and female counterparts.
• Why are women and people of color less likely to negotiate their
salary?
• Why are people less likely too ask for a raise?
• Does salary negotiation feel too personal or uncomfortable?
• I encourage everyone, particularly young people to negotiate
their salary

22. Salary Negotiation
America Association of University of Women
www.aauw.org/research/the-simple-truth-
about-the-gender-pay-gap/
Negotiating your salary shows your employer
that you are capable, confident and
comfortable with what you have to offer.

23. Risks Of Negotiating
• WILL THE AGENCY WITHDRAW THE JOB OFFER IF YOU
NEGOTIATE?
• CAN YOU RECOUP THE FINANCIAL BENEFIT OF NOT
NEGOTIATING YOUR SALARY?
• OTHER REASONS?

24. Salary Negotiation
• DO YOUR HOMEWORK BY FINDING THE AVERAGE SALARY IN YOUR FIELD
BASED ON YOUR EXPERIENCE!!
• Websites can be an amazing resource
• FRAME THE QUESTION…WOULD YOU CONSIDER _____????
• WAIT FOR THE ANSWER!!!!!

25. How Did You Do?
How did it feel to negotiate?
What was your comfort level?
Are you satisfied with your salary
What would you do over