Winning Interviews for

Transcription

1 Winning Interviews for the Professional Job Market Expanding Horizons Sign in Grab a seat near the front, ask questions, and share ideas! Julia Blackstock Career Counsellor Career Services

2 Agenda Learn and practice Background information about Interviews Developing an overall strategy Learning how to tell stories effectively [STAR] The weakness question Specific strategies for graduate students How to start off the interview Your questions Q & A

3 Strategize The help that people typically want Value of being strategic make a case Behavioral interviewing Example ACTIVITY: What kind of case can you build? Breaking it down to key messages

4 Understanding Behaviour Competencies

5 Find entry points Problem-solving Initiative Story about team wisdom and brainstorming Communications Skills Teamwork Leadership

6 Who/what would you impact? Creditors Customers CEO Priorities Profit and Loss Revenue and Costs Balance Sheet Capital Shareholders the Public Suppliers Regulators Adapted from Peter Copestake, Entrepreneur in Residence at School of Business

7 Becoming a better story teller S i t u a t i o n T a s k / t a c t i c s A c t i o n R e s u l t s Practice: Tell me about a time working in a team that you pushed the group to excel. For more information on the STAR formula, see this Lynda.com video: ls/communication-tips/ html?org=queensu.ca

8 Team Player More "I" -- less "we" What have you learned? What do you do differently now? Be honest, add hindsight Positive about others - no bad mouthing. Practice: What do you contribute to a team? 18

9 Strategies for graduate level applicants Strategies for questions about your resume, e.g., So what is the Jubilee Theater Group? Compare these two responses Well, they put on lots of productions on campus; they do kind of avantgarde stuff compared to the more traditional theatre groups. Last year they did a version of West Side Story that was just amazing. It is a campus theatre group I was stage manager for three years. I was responsible for coordinating all of the technical elements of our shows, ensuring that all of the equipment worked correctly and that we hit all of the technical cues. It was a great experience and taught me a lot about project management and grace under pressure. From Basalla, S. & Debelius, M. (2007). So what are you going to do with that?

10 Strategies for graduate level applicants What are some of the strengths that your graduate education will offer? What are some of the stereotypes about graduate students that you might encounter and have to overcome? From Basalla, S. & Debelius, M. (2007). So what are you going to do with that?

11 Stereotypes that may get in the way Academics aren t sufficiently focused on producing results Show evidence of being able to move forward Focus on an experience of getting things done Academics can t work in teams A lot of your success as a graduate does depend on solitary effort Use experiences that demonstrate your ability to work in teams (extracurricular or volunteer experiences? Academics aren t risk takers Understand the differences in business, industry or government. You may need to be comfortable moving ahead without having all the information you might like. How can you speak to that? Adapted from Basalla, S. & Debelius, M. (2007). So what are you going to do with that?

12 Weaknesses & failures Re-frame: improve about myself Be honest and be careful (nothing catastrophic) Provide context before generalizing Show what you have done to improve. Practice: What is your greatest weakness?

13 Be prepared for the unexpected What do you hope this job is not? Anticipate the employer s concerns behind the question

14 Tell me about yourself Different approaches: chronological, or personal qualities (e.g., experience, skills, and personality) or approach to the work Not just facts offer insights and help them get to know you quickly The delivery assures them you are ready Can include things not on the resume Practice: Tell Me About Yourself!

15 Your questions Want to Get Hired? 5 Highly Insightful Questions to Ask the Interviewer 1. What do you expect me to accomplish in the first 60 to 90 days?? 2. What are the one or two things that really drive results for the company? 3. What are the common attributes of your top performers? 4. What do your employees like to do in their spare time? 5. How do you plan to deal with...? Don t ask About salary. If asked, deflect question till later, If pressed for salary expectations, be prepared to give a range (salaryexpert.com) From LinkedIn Pulse article by Jeff Haden

16 Using resources to research Organization Website, brochures, News - history Factiva,* Business Source Complete * Management Priorities Annual Reports * Industry perspective Industry Profiles * Associations * Job Description NOC Behavioural competencies Pain Points * Access through

17 Using Lynda.com resources * Preparing for the interview: Acing your Interview * Access through

18 Did I mention? Make a case Be positive and honest Expect to be surprised Finding a fit works both ways - you have options Your questions

19 What are some next steps? Identify other key messages Practice with friends Research jobs and requirements (incl. Stauffer) Consult books in Career Advising and Resource Area Career consultation appointment (to practice) Drop-in Career Advising (Mon-Thurs 1:30-3:30 pm). What are your next steps?