How to Get Yourself Employed Module 6 Facing the Interview. Faculty of Electrical Engineering

Transcription

1 How to Get Yourself Employed Module 6 Facing the Interview Faculty of Electrical Engineering

2 2 Knowledge vs Experience

3 Engineer Professional Practitioner of Engineering Uses critical thinking, mathematics and established physical law Systematically develop a solution to a technical problem Considering the limitation imposed by regulations, health, safely and cost in the most optimal way 3

4 Objectives To enable the students to know:- The types of interview Preparation before the interview The FAQs from employers DOs and DON Ts during interview 4

5 5 Competition is stiff at all levels

6 .::Rewards::.

7 Your job competitors are everywhere. Your own classmates ( i.e. same graduating class of SEE) Your faculty (SEI, SEM, SET, SEL, SEP, SEC, SEW of FKE) Your university (all faculties in UTM) Local universities/colleges Government (IPTA) Private (IPTS) Overseas graduates Experienced people (with degrees or not) 7

8 8 Types of Interviews

9 Screening Interview Types of Interviews A preliminary interview either in person or by phone, in which a company representative determines whether you have the basic qualifications to warrant a subsequent interview Walk-in interviews are of this type. 9

10 Structured Interview Types of Interviews The interviewer explores certain predetermined areas using questions which have been in written in advance; The interviewer has a written description of the experience, skills, and personality trait of an ideal candidate; Your experience and skills are compared to the specific job tasks. This type of interview is very common and most traditional interviews are based on this format. 10

11 Unstructured Interview Types of Interviews Although the interviewer is given a written description of the ideal candidate, in the unstructured interview, the interviewer is not given instruction on what specific areas to cover. 11

12 Types of Interviews Multiple Interviews Commonly used with professional jobs Involves a series of interviews in which you meet individually with various representatives of the organization Initial interview the representatives usually attempts to get basic information on your skills and abilities Subsequent interview the focus is on how you would perform the job in relation to the company s goals and objectives After the interviews are completed, the interviewers meet and pool their information A variation on this approach involves a series of interviews in which unsuitable candidates are screened out at each succeeding level 12

13 Types of Interviews Targeted Interview Although similar to the structured interview, the areas covered are much more limited Key qualifications for success on the job are identified and relevant questions are prepared in advance Situational Interview Situations are set up which simulate common problems you may encounter on the job Your responses to these situations are measured against pre-determined standards 13

14 Types of Interviews Group Interview You may be interviewed by two or more company representatives simultaneously. Sometimes, one representative is designated to ask stress questions to see how you respond under pressure A variation on this format is for two or more company representatives to interview a group of candidates at the same time 14

15 1. Preparation Before The Interview Compile necessary & relevant documents - create your cover letter, resume, thank you letter etc. Assess your overall appearance, and try to improve grooming, appropriate clothing, shoes, etc. Assess your interviewing skills. What are your strengths and weaknesses? Work on correcting your weaknesses, such as: speaking rapidly, talking too loud or too soft etc. Research the company & the applied job the more you know about the company, and the job you are applying for, the better you will do 15 in the interview

16 1. Preparation Before The Interview Predict some questions related to your job you are applying and prepare answers to them. Practice giving answers which are brief but thorough Practice tailoring your answers - to show how you meet the company s needs, if you have details about the specific job before the interview Arrive early for the interview plan 10 to 15 minutes early, and have time to find a restroom and check your appearance. 16

17 Sample of Document Checklist Cover Letter & Resume (several copies of them) Supporting documents Certifications Licenses Letter of recommendations Relevant job experiences Academic transcripts & degree 17 Portfolio holder Resource:

18 18 2. Research on the Company

19 19 Do Your Research...

20 20 What the company expects you to know

21 21 What the company values

22 22 Where the company operates

23 23 The company s products

24 24 3. Research on Job Scope

25 4. Understand Your Competitors Identify the followings if you were to apply the job on the given advertisement : Technical requirement needed for the job Responsibility & job scope GROUP ACTIVITY Relevant skills that you have for the job Your strengths which differentiates you to your competitors 25

26 26 5. Popular Interview Questions

27 Tell me about yourself 5. Popular Interview Questions Brief background, education & work experience (the interviewer is only interested in your goals, experience, interests and communication skills) one or more of your key behavioral profiles in action perhaps honesty, integrity, being a team player, or determination What are your strengths? Emphasize your good traits and those that relate to the job for which you're interviewing. You can mention an area that you're working to improve or have recently made great strides. Give specific example to illustrate your point What are your weaknesses? 27 Mention something actually your strength, e.g.: I m a perfectionist or I am too disciplined or tell about your weakness that caused a positive impact to the company

28 5. Popular Interview Questions What do you know about the company? Do your homework before the interview! Spend some time to collect information including products, size, reputation, image, skills, history and philosophy of the company. Project an informed interest; let the interviewer tell you about the company. "Why do you want to work here? This is a good chance to mention how you can apply your skills, interests and goals to the job Reply with the company's attributes as you see them. Cap your answer with reference to your belief that the company can provide you with a stable and happy work environment--the company has that reputation--and that such an atmosphere would encourage your best work. 28 What do you look for in a job? An opportunity to use your skills, to perform and be recognized.

29 5. Popular Interview Questions "What would you like to be doing five years from now? The safest answer contains a desire to be regarded as a true professional and team player. "Can you work under pressure, deadlines, etc.? This is a close-ended question and does not give you the chance to elaborate. Whenever you are asked a closed-ended question, mentally add: "Please give me a brief yet comprehensive answer." Give the information requested and seize an opportunity to sell yourself Example: Yes, it's a way of life in business especially in the present trend of globalization. "What are your biggest accomplishments? Keep your answers job related. 29

30 "How do you take direction? 5. Popular Interview Questions The interviewer wants to know whether you are open - minded and can be a team player. Can you follow directions or are you a difficult, high-maintenance employee? Can also be defined as "How do you take direction?" and "How do you accept criticism?" Your answer should cover both points "What is the most difficult situation you have faced?" - How do you define difficult? What was your handling of the situation? - You must have a story, one in which the situation was tough and one which will allow you to show yourself in a good light. "Do you prefer working with others or alone? - Before answering, however, be sure you know whether the job requires you to work alone then answer appropriately.." 30

31 5. Popular Interview Questions In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our company? Are you willing to travel? Will you relocate? Does relocation bother you Why should we hire you? 31 highlight the areas from your background that relate to current needs and problems. Take this opportunity to highlight the unique qualities you can bring to the job Finish your answer with: "I have the qualifications you need [itemize them], I'm a team player, I take direction, and I have the desire to make a thorough success."

32 5. Popular Interview Questions Do you have any questions for me? Do not ask questions that are clearly answered on the employer's web site and/or in any literature provided by the employer to you in advance.. Never ask about salary and benefits until it is raised by them Your questions must show your own thought process. Just prepare 2-3 questions for the company before interview. Just to show your interest- ask intelligent question:- 1. What would I be expected to accomplish in this position? 2. What are the greatest challenges in this position? 3. How do you think I fit the position? 32

33 5. Popular Interview Questions Why are you leaving your present job? Refine your answer based on your comfort level and honesty. Give a "group" answer if possible, e.g. our department was consolidated or eliminated. Why do you need a change now?. to develop my potential,..the opportunities in my present company are limited How would you evaluate your present firm? An excellent company that afforded me many fine experiences. 33 You may be overqualified for the position we have to offer. Strong companies need strong people. A growing, energetic company is rarely unable to use its people talents. Emphasize your interest in a long-term association, pointing out that the employer will get a faster return on investment because you have more experience than required.

34 5. Popular Interview Questions In your present position, what problems have you identified that had previously been overlooked? Keep it brief and don't brag. Tell me about a problem you had in your last job and how you resolved it? (this is assessing your analytical skills and see if you are a team player) 34

35 6. Leverage Network Being Ready for INTEL Consult friends/network within organization, consult mentors or successful peers Beth: worked in staffing, training, and employee relations in INTEL human resources organization Be very flexible on times/dates for interview make yourself available! Be open to any location Intel will assist you with relocation (Money and housing assistance) Provide positive examples of professional/school/volunteer work and emphasize the work you ve done with teams. Leadership is good too. 35

36 6. Leverage Network Being Ready for INTEL Consult friends/network within organization, consult mentors or successful peers Cath, a Campus Relations Manager for five of Intel s focus schools (MIT, University of Michigan, Michigan State, Howard, and University of Maryland, College Park) Do your research on Intel be prepared to ask several intelligent, well-prepared questions on Intel or specifically the business group you are interviewing with. Don t ask What does Intel do? Be prepared to discuss examples that demonstrate strong leadership skills, multitasking/prioritization, self-motivation, ability to work in an ever-changing environment and ability to work well in a team. 36

37 Summary Usually interviewer will notify when the decision will be made Candidate stand up and offer hand-shake (Optional). Say thank you with proper smile Say I look forward to hear from you soon. Say good bye / salam Do not linger 37

38 Do Overall Interview Tips Be sincere and direct Be attentive and polite Ask relevant questions Answer questions concisely Use specific examples to illustrate points Don t Try to control the entire interview Be too serious Show you are depressed or discouraged Make negative comments about anyone or your company Looking at your watch Take extensive notes Talk about salary and benefits - best left for a second interview, or, better yet, a job offer Answer your hand phone or SMS someone (put it aside on silent mode)

39 Avoid the top 10 job interview mistakes 1. Not taking the interview seriously 2. Lack of enthusiasm 3. Not showing why you are the best choice 4. Say I think/you know..etc 5. Talking too much 6. Focusing on the emolument or pay 7. Trash talking 8. Failing to ask questions 9. Dressing down 10. Forgetting the follows up. 39

40 Distracting Mannerisms Scratching or picking at yourself (your hair or your nose etc.) Combing hair in public Drumming fingers Yawning Clicking pens Tapping feet

41 Mind your English Try to pronounce the following words Tomato Banana Papaya

42 Oh My English

43 Oh My English

44 After attending the interview. Thank administrative assistants or someone who assisted you on your arrival at the interview venue; Good etiquette will push you one step further Follow up by sending a thank you letter/ send a card thanking the interviewers etc. 44

45 "To be a great champion, you must believe that you are the best. If you're not, pretend you are :: Muhammad Ali :: 45