Interviewing Skills

Soft Skills Seminar #5 Interviewing Cameron Thomas-Shah Pickering Fellow U.S. Embassy Hanoi

Agenda  Types of Interviews  Before the Interview  During the Interview

 After the Interview  Etiquette  Questions

 Optional: Resume Workshop

Cameron Thomas-Shah, Embassy Hanoi July 2012

Types of Interviews  The Traditional Interview (Conversational)  The Behavioral Interview (Past experiences)  The Case Interview (Problem Solving Abilities)

Cameron Thomas-Shah, Embassy Hanoi July 2012

Format of Interviews  One-on-one  Two-on-one  Team  Stress  Phone (Screening)

Cameron Thomas-Shah, Embassy Hanoi July 2012

Before the Interview  Do an inventory of your skills, knowledge,

and abilities (education-related, workrelated and volunteer-related)

 Research the company/the position  Prepare several questions to ask

 PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!

summarize your experience and best accomplishments, with examples

Cameron Thomas-Shah, Embassy Hanoi July 2012

During the Interview  You are the solution to the employer’s problem  Purpose of the interview is to “fit”  Give examples to back up your claims  Be yourself. Be positive.  Listen closely to the question being asked, ask for

clarification if needed

 Never bad-mouth a previous employer

Cameron Thomas-Shah, Embassy Hanoi July 2012

What is the Interviewer looking for?  Good communication skill  Poise  Your ability to explain your qualifications and the quality

of your questions

Cameron Thomas-Shah, Embassy Hanoi July 2012

The Five Main Issues  Why are you here?  What can you do for us?  What makes you different?

 Will you fit in?  Can I afford you?

Cameron Thomas-Shah, Embassy Hanoi July 2012

After the Interview  ALWAYS write a thank you notes  Do more in-depth research on the company and industry

trends to prepare for future interviews

Cameron Thomas-Shah, Embassy Hanoi July 2012

The 9 Things to do to make your Interview Successful 1. Dress Well 2. Arrive Early 3. Bring extra resumes and references 4. Know why you are there 5. Know why you want to be there

Cameron Thomas-Shah, Embassy Hanoi July 2012

Tips for a Successful Interview 6. Ask questions 7. Show enthusiasm 8. The night before- get a good night’s sleep 9. Be confident

Cameron Thomas-Shah, Embassy Hanoi July 2012

Top Turnoffs  Poor communication skills

 Asking about salary too

 Lack of confidence  Dishonesty

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 Lateness

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early Poorly Dressed Lack of knowledge about industry or company Inappropriate remarks Lack of questions

Cameron Thomas-Shah, Embassy Hanoi July 2012

Interview Questions

Cameron Thomas-Shah, Embassy Hanoi July 2012

 General Questions:  Tell me about yourself (your professional self- not personal)  What are the three most important events in your life?  Define Leadership  Tell me about a time when you successfully resolved a conflict  Why should we hire you?  What was the most important thing you learned from your previous experience?  How do you work under pressure

Cameron Thomas-Shah, Embassy Hanoi July 2012

Behavioral Interview Questions  Describe a time when you were successful in dealing with another

because you built a trusting and harmonious relationship.

 Tell me about a time when you had to cope with strict deadlines

or time demands. Give me an example.

 Give me an example of a time when you used facts and reason to

persuade another person to take action.

 Some individuals have a strong sense of urgency about getting

results - others are more relaxed and less driven in their approach to work. Give me an example of a time when you had a sense of urgency about getting results.

Cameron Thomas-Shah, Embassy Hanoi July 2012

Questions???

Cameron Thomas-Shah, Embassy Hanoi July 2012