The University of Kansas Medical Center Office of Postdoctoral Affairs & Graduate - PowerPoint Presentation

The University of Kansas Medical Center Office of Postdoctoral Affairs & Graduate Studies Interview SkillsAshley Carlson, Assistant DirectorMatt Falk, Senior Coordinator

Objectives Understand basic interview etiquetteKnow how to research a companyAnticipate common questions and prepare answersUnderstand the STAR approach to format strong answersPractice with peers and learn from mentors’ experience

Interview Skills

Interview Etiquette Be on time!Consider scouting out the location you will be going to if you are unfamiliarDress professionally and conservativelyBe courteous to everyone- receptionists and secretaries tooBring copies of your application materials as well as other helpful materials such as references or writing samples Bring a notepad and have your materials organized

Interview Etiquette Greet interviewers with eye contact, a firm handshake, and a smileIt’s ok to take a breath, calm yourself, and collect your thoughts before you respond to questionsBe prepared to ask intelligent questionsAfter the interview, send a thank you to the interviewers for their time

Do your homework Research the companyReview the job descriptionReview any application materials submitted, such as cover letterIdentify skills and experience to highlight Review common questions and your answers Prepare to ask informed questions

Common Questions Tell us about yourselfFocus on professional experience, strengths and career trajectoryDon’t get into your personal life or unrelated pointsWhat’s your greatest strength Focus on a qualification for this specific position and values of the company Don’t go overboard with boasting or underwhelm with modesty What’s your greatest weakness Be honest, show that you are self-aware and also working to overcome it Don’t be cliché with a “I work too hard”

Common Questions Why do you want this position?What’s your greatest accomplishmentWhy did you leave your last position?What do you know about our company?Describe a time when…. Y ou had to overcome a difficult situation or challenge You took initiative Dealt with a difficult coworker/supervisor/customer/client

STAR Situation: Give background, set the sceneTask: What was required, who was involvedAction: What did you do, what skills did you use, which of your qualities were at play and howResult: What happened, what was the outcome?

STAR Example Question: Tell me about a time you took initiative Situation: As a graduate student, the university lacked a policy to accommodate child birth or adoption. Many graduate students wanted to add a policy to the student handbook. Task : I found myself with an opportunity to lead the effort to bring about the change. Action : I organized student leaders from each program to gather feedback from the student body and draft a policy recommendation. We submitted the recommendation to administrative leadership. Result : University leadership accepted our recommendation and a childbirth accommodation policy was added to the student handbook.

Asking Questions Always have a questionFocus on a question about the companyClarify or expand on a point discovered in your researchIs there any reason why they wouldn’t hire you? Be prepared to address any shortcomings or concerns they have Don’t ask something you can google or find on their website Avoid questions about pay, benefits, or applying to other positions Stick with questions th at align with “what’s in it for them”

Learning Communities Each table has an invited professional who will facilitateIn your groupsDiscuss interview techniques and etiquettePractice your responses to common questions and using the STAR method Share your experiences Ask questions and discuss answers Be prepared for a Hello Spot Check- remember eye contact, firm handshake, and a smile!

Questions?

Thank you! Contact Ashley Carlson at acarlson5@kumc.edu or Matt Falk mfalk@kumc.edu with questions or for further help Visit tinyurl.com/KUMCASCEND for upcoming dates and more information Save the date: November 9- CV and resume!