6. What you would like to learn in this workshopParticipant Introductions 3
7. Learning Objectives Describe the most common types of interviews. List the steps required to prepare yourself for an interview. Explain how to answer questions during an interview. Describe how to handle tricky situations during an interview. List the steps to follow after an interview. 4
8. Purpose of an Interview An interview provides the opportunity for an organization and a candidate for employment to trade information and determine if they are a good fit for each other. The interview provides you with an opportunity to: 5
21. Dress for Success Appearance is one of the most important components of an interview. It is always important to dress professionally for a job interview, even if the environment is casual. When in doubt, choose formal rather than casual business wear. *** There are organizations that can help with your interview clothes, such as Dress for Success, Career Gear or Bottomless Closet*** 8
29. During the Interview First impressions count: Be on time. Greet each person with respect and professionalism. Smile. Make eye contact. Shake hands firmly. Stay calm and composed, take a breath when needed. Take your time – it’s OK to pause for thought. Project a positive attitude. Listen carefully. Give honest and concise answers. Keep the interview professional. Use tone of voice and body language to convey your interest. Ask questions of the interviewer. 10
30. Answering Questions To answer questions with poise, try to remember these tips: Listen carefully. If you feel the question is unclear, ask politely for clarification. Pause before answering to consider all facts that may substantiate your response. Tailor your answers to the exact question, job, company, etc. Always offer positive information; avoid negativity at all times. Be direct and concise; avoid rambling. 11
31. Answering Behavioral Questions Behavioral questions ask for specific examples of your behavior from past experiences and focus on skills needed for the job. You may use work experience, hobbies, volunteer work, school projects, etc., as examples of past behavior. Give me an example of when you’ve led or been part of a successful team. Tell me about a time when you became disheartened with a task. Give me an example of when you’ve gone the extra mile to get a job done. Tell me about a time when you overcame a great challenge. Give me an example of when you’ve dealt with conflict. 12
32. STAR Technique 13 One strategy for preparing for behavioral interviews is to use the STAR Technique, as outlined below.
33. Sample STAR Story 14 Here is an example of how to use the STAR Technique.
34. Tricky Questions Simple questions can have hidden agendas: “Why do you want to work here?” This is a perfect time to show you've done your homework on the company. “What are your strengths?” Find something in your own background that shows the particular talents you bring to this company's table. “What are your weaknesses?” Choose a time when you had to face a significant challenge and tell how you overcame that dilemma, how you were improved by it and what you learned. 15
44. After the Interview As the interview is wrapping up, try to do the following things: If you want the job, say so (just don’t over do it). Ask what the next steps are (additional interviews, etc.). Ask when the employer plans to make a decision. Inquire when you may contact the employer to learn of the decision. Always follow up with a thank you note: Show appreciation for the employer’s interest in you. Reiterate your interest in the position and the company. Review or remind the employer about your qualifications for the position. Follow up with any information the employer may have asked you to provide after the interview. Demonstrate that you have good manners. If you are not granted another interview or extended a job offer, do not give up! Keep refining your story and practicing. All interviews are good practice! 17
45. Final Tips Prepare – do your research. Arrive on time and look professional. Be prepared to discuss information provided on your application form. Give concise, relevant answers which draw upon recent examples. Use the STAR technique to ensure your answers are well structured. Avoid discussing personal issues. Make the most of your chance to ask questions. Be self aware – consider your tone and body language. Be positive and sell yourself – smile! Follow up with a thank you note. 18
50. Accenture volunteers and participants will return to the conference room for wrap-up.19 60minutes
51. Wrap Up What did you learn by participating in mock interviews? What interview techniques were helpful to you? What questions did you find challenging and how did you handle them? What questions do you have about interviewing skills? Thank you for participating in Interviewing Skills training. Good luck in your future interviews! 20
Editor's Notes
Explain that you want to spend a few minutes of the session meeting each other.Write what participants would like to learn on a flipchart or whiteboard if available and revisit at the end of the workshop.
Review the learning objectives for the workshop.
Why do employers use behavioral interviews? It’s not enough to hear that someone is a strong project manager; for example, as an interviewer you need to hear what evidence there is to suggest the interviewee is a strong project manager. The interviewee can help convince the interviewer by including specifics in their examples; for example – managed $50,000 budget, 4 month project, 10 people in the team, tackled XYZ problems, the outcome was increased sales…
Ask participants to share what they learned from the mock interviews.Ask participants if they have any final questions.Refer to the list of things the participants said they wanted to learn and ensure that all items were addressed during the workshop.Thank the participants for their time and participation.
