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All hiring and promotion decisions hinge ultimately
on conversations and relationships.
Credentials get you the interview – attitude gets
you the job offer.
Attitude = Positive, Interest, and Enthusiasm. The
interview is a conversation with a purpose.
Interviewer’s Purpose
x
Are the candidate’s interests and this position
a match? (focus)
x
Can the candidate do the job? (skills)
x
Will the candidate do the job? (attitude)
x
Will the candidate fit into my organization?
(ability to relate to others)
Interviewee’s Purpose
x
Are my interests and this position a match?
(career goals)
x
Is this the type of organization I want to work
for? (values)
x
Will this position provide me with
opportunities for continued personal and
professional growth? (values and goals)
To interview effectively, you have to…
x
Prepare
x
Continually evaluate your performance and
improve
x
Be able to interview based on your strengths
x
Talk about those skills and attributes that you
possess that are important to the position
x
Ask questions that show insight and interest
x
Ask for the “sale” (i.e., reiterate interest in
the position)
Preparing for the interview…
x
Research the company or organization
x
Conceptualize the position
x
Articulate your competencies
Employers look for…
x
Communication skills
x
Interpersonal relationship skills
x
Intelligence
x
Positive attitude
x
Diversity
Your goals during the initial interview…
x
Make a good first impression
x
Establish a positive relationship with the
interviewer
x
Sell your strengths
x
Show interest and enthusiasm
x
Be invited to the next step in the process
After the interview…
x
Evaluate your performance
x
Make notes of:
o
Names
o
Date of interview
o
Follow-up actions
o
Personality traits noticed
o
“Clues” picked up from interviewer
x
Send a thank-you letter within 24 hours, if
possible