INTERVIEW PREPARATION - PowerPoint Presentation

INTERVIEW PREPARATION January 27 , 2015 Sara Loritsch Assistant Director Division of Student Affairs Virginia Commonwealth University

The Interview is: A n O pportunity

Agenda The three steps to acing your interview… Research: Yourself – skills, qualifications, qualities, strengths, and weaknesses Career field, specific employer, and position Interviewing formats, questions, and trends Preparation: Prepare answers to common interview questions Develop list of questions to ask Practice, practice, practice Performance: Make a positive, professional impression

The interview is a chance to MARKET yourself What do YOU want to talk about during the interview? What are your KEY SELLING FEATURES ?

Research: What makes you stand out? What are your key selling features: What skills have you developed? How and where did you develop them? How will those skills help you to be a good (healthcare specialist)? What does an exceptional (healthcare specialist) look like to you? Describe what you’ve done to build those skills specifically. What are your specific accomplishments? What are your strengths? What have you done to go “above and beyond”? What do supervisors or co-workers say about you?

Research: Know about the job Know the position description Research the employer Become familiar with the mission of the organization Know trends, buzzwords and position titles in your s pecialty Take advantage of professional organizations: American Society of Radiologic Technologists - http://www.asrt.org/ Virginia Society of Radiologic Technologists - http://www.vsrt.org/ American Registry of Radiologic Technologists - https://www.arrt.org/

Research: Scenario Terrence has an interview with Hospital X on Monday. He is e-mailing his contact in Human Resources to request directions on Friday afternoon. Terrence’s e-mail looks like this: To: carol.mccullough@hospitalX.com From: crazyterry@hotmail.com Date Sent: Friday, January 30, 2015, 4:53 p.m. Subject: carol, have interview on monday need directions. my resume is attatched TTYL THNX!!!:) Terrence

Research: Interview Formats Formal Interview Formats: One-on-one Panel Demonstration/Presentation Expect the unexpectedBe prepared to interact with other candidatesEvery interaction with anyone from organization is part of interview! Informal Interview Formats: Lunch Tour Information Session

Interview Questions Introductory Questions Strengths & Weaknesses Behavioral Questions Atypical Questions Illegal Questions Resume/Application Questions Case/Technical Questions

Scenario Interviewer: Tell me a little about yourself Raul: I grew up in Northern Virginia and am the oldest of three boys. I have a poodle named Tank, she’s really cute. My favorite color is teal... TIP: Focus on your Past, Present and Future professional self

Introductory Questions “How’s the weather outside?” “ How was your drive in?” “Did you have any trouble finding the office?” “ Tell me about yourself” “Why are you interested in this position?” “What can you contribute to our organization?” “How did you first become interested in radiation sciences?”TIP: Take the questions seriously

Strengths & Weaknesses “Describe your greatest strength?” “What are your top 3 weaknesses?” “Give me an example of one of your weaknesses.” Strength: Be unique Be memorable Let it shine Use your own words Weakness: Weakness Example Effort to improve Success

Scenario Interviewer: Tell me about a time when you experienced conflict while working on a team. Jack: I worked with a team on a group project for this one class. One of my teammates was not coming to meetings so we divided up her work.

Behavioral Questions “Think about a complex project or assignment that you have been assigned. What approach did you take to complete it?” “Tell me about a time when… you experienced conflict with a supervisor.” “Describe… your leadership style and give an example.” “Tell me about a time when… you failed? What happened and how did you handle it?” Use the STAR Technique ( S ituation , Task, Action, Result)Give a specific exampleOffer examples even when they are not specifically requested

Scenario – take 2 Interviewer: Tell me about a time when you experienced conflict while working on a team. Jack: In my Radiographic Imaging Class last semester, we worked in teams to learn radiographic techniques (S). One teammate wasn’t doing their part of the work (T) and so I pulled this person aside and asked her if she could participate more as a team member and asked if there were particular skills she had or areas she would like to contribute more too. (A) We resolved this problem by reassigning each team members tasks to better work with each person’s strengths (R).

Atypical Questions “If you were a tree, what kind would you be and why?” “If you had to pick a color, what color would your brain be and why?” “If you were a piece of playground equipment, what would you be and why?” “How many basketballs can you fit in this room?” “How many pizzas are ordered every day in the USA?” Get cheesy! Don’t say “I don’t know” Demonstrate your creativity, flexibility, and how well you think on your feet

Scenario Interviewer: As a female, do you plan to have a family and children in the future?

Illegal Questions Questions about age, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion or creed, family and relationship issues Options: Refuse to answer Answer the question Tactfully ask for relevance of questionAsk yourself what the question tells you about the workplace?

Tips for answering questions Pause before answering Listen to the question, the whole question As a general rule, keep your answers to 2 minutes… Give a definite ending to your response Be very specific – provide examples Avoid vague or general responsesBe honestDon’t say “I don’t know”Be aware of interviewer’s strategyDon’t ruminate on less than perfect answers

Scenario Interviewer: Do you have any questions for me? Amy: No, I think you pretty much answered all of my questions. TIP: Always ask 2-4 questions!

Questions to Ask Tell me about initial and future training programs. How would you describe the work environment in your organization? How often are performance reviews given? How are reviews conducted? What does the ideal candidate look like to you? What are the organization's plans for future growth? What is one thing you love about working here and one you don’t? What makes your organization different from others in your field? Ask a “deal breaker” question!

Make a Positive, Professional Impression Manage first impressions Plan ahead First impression Don’t let anxiety get the best of you Send a Thank You note

Professional Dress Who is in “healthcare appropriate” professional dress?

First Impression: Professional Attire MEN Conservative, dark suit Shirt ironed Belt matches shoes Comfortable shoes Hair cut/ shaven/ well-groomed Remove jewelry Avoid aftershave or cologne WOMEN Conservative, dark suit Appropriate length skirt with hoseBring extra hoseComfortable shoes with low heelAvoid camisoles or low riding pantsWear conservative makeup and jewelryAvoid perfume or scented lotion

“Healthcare appropriate” professional dress for men and women

First Impression: Non-Verbal Communication Verbal communication - only 7% of communication How you say it/tone of voice – 38% Non-verbal communication – 55%! Handshake Body language/Posture Facial Expressions Eye contact

Plan Ahead… Before the interview, review application, personal statement, any correspondence with admissions Know interview format/agenda Call to confirm interview Arrange transportation and lodging in advance Fly/drive in the day before Know directions & parking (make a dry run) Find out if staying with a student is an option Arrive early, get enough sleep, follow your morning routine Bring professional padfolio and penDon’t bring in cell phone or turn off No bags (except purse)

Managing Anxiety Seek a balance – some anxiety is helpful What motivates you? What keeps you positive and confident? When does anxiety hit? Practice methods of coping with anxiety: Interview practice and preparation Healthy eating and exercise Sleep Power Poses Positive self-talk Grooming preparation

Thank You Notes Send a thank you note the same day of your interview Send individual notes to everyone who interviews you Handwritten, typed, or e-mail Refer to interview discussion Include the reasons you are a good fit for the position and employer Emphasize your interest in the position and explain how the interview confirmed/heightened your interest

Career Services Interview Resources InterviewStream (virtual mock interviews)   http://careers.vcu.edu/ - HireVCURams to log in to InterviewStream Select “Conduct an Interview”Select “Created For Me” Select “Health Care Interview”2. Schedule a Mock Interviewhttp://careers.vcu.edu/ - HireVCURams to schedule an appointmentPrint and bring your InterviewStream evaluation sheet Schedule a mock interview with Sara Loritsch, Steph Dorman or Jesse Wingate

Want To Meet With Us? Drop-ins: M-F, noon to 2pm; Tues & Wed, 5-7pm careers@vcu.edu 804.828.1645 University Student Commons, 1 st   floor Schedule an appointment: http://careers.vcu.edu / Sara Loritsch: skloritsch@vcu.edu