Hi Mentees!
John here again. So you did an awesome job on that resume from last week, right?! Now your phone is ringing off the hook and you have butterflies in your stomach because you did such a great job on the resume that every employer is calling you up for an interview! As the Staples commercial says “Wow, that was easy!”
Well, now you need to start getting ready for your interview. How can you do that? Follow the motto of the Boy Scouts – Be Prepared! This week, you will try something to help prepare you for future interviews. Every little bit of preparation only works to help you. I still remember my interview for an engineering position I applied for several years back. I was seated in front of the interviewer's desk (the manager for the department), which was literally covered with electronic parts, pieces (broken and good), puzzles like Rubik’s Cube, and so on. I thought “Wow, lots of neat toys, but he sure is messy”, but I made sure to keep my mouth shut! The manager asked me a few of the standard questions, and then he handed me a cube made out of resistors (an electronic component). He then asked me how I would find the total resistance between the two opposite corners. See the Resistor Cube Puzzle here. Well, trying to jog my memory from WAY back in basic electronics class, I began to write out a bunch of calculations. As I was writing, I mentioned that in a situation like this where I needed the answer quickly, I would probably just put a meter on the cube to find the answer instead of doing the calculations. When I finished and gave my answer, he told me that although I had worked diligently, my answer was wrong. I asked what the answer was, but he refused to tell me. I left that office absolutely sure I had just blown the interview. I went back to my office and looked the puzzle up on the internet. I quickly found the answer, and called the manager to give it to him. He asked how I had come to the correct answer so quickly. I was honest and said I looked it up on the Internet.
Long story short, I ended up getting the job. This manager was really not interested in my answer to the puzzle during the interview. He was more interested in seeing how I approached a problem presented to me in a pressure situation, and what methods I used to solve it. He mentioned that I showed good diversity in my approach through the logical calculations, my practical knowledge (using a meter to find the value), and my resourcefulness of using the Internet. I held that position for five years before getting another promotion!
I would like you all to Log on to Perfect Interview. (http://www.perfectinterview.com/ucf/). Once there, for "Your Level of Experience," choose the level that fits you the best. Next, complete one "short" interview where the selections are chosen for you. Complete one "short" interview where you make the selections. Choose at least three areas you'd like to work on the most. Note the options of the "Alternate Response" and the "Coach" that can be used. You may choose to either use video capture or no video capture. Save both interviews.
For responses this week, comment on your interview experience.
You might comment on what questions were problematic. What were the strengths of your responses? What could you improve in your responses? How did you responses compare to the "Alternate Response"? What did you learn from the "Coach?"
Give one question about interviewing or a piece of advice that you've gained in your interviewing experiences.
Click on "Review Saved Interviews." Click on the "Share" button. E-mail yourself your interview if you want to save it and include the links in your posting if you’d like to share.
Here are some things that you might want to discuss in your comments. Remember, you can answer as many or as few as you want!
- Discuss the results of your interview practice
- Discuss the best way to answer some of the standard and non-standard interview questions
- How to deal with phone interview and panel interviews
- When is the time to talk about salary?
· How would you answer some stale boring interview questions like, “Where do you see yourself in 10 years?” and “Why should we hire you?” - and those do come up.
· How might you respond if the interviewer moves to questions that are not legal to ask in an interview (sometimes done without even realizing, like, “when did you graduate from high school? (age), or asking about the origin of your name, or “how long have you been married? (familial status) "I like that accent, where are you from? (potential race).
· What was the occasion for your last interview – would you share some highlights that helped you be successful?
Reference information:
Further information about informational interviews: http://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/2002/summer/art03.pdf
Information from UCF"s Career Services: http://www.career.ucf.edu/UserFiles/File/Plan%20for%20the%20Interview/player.html
John Seybert
John Seybert
I don’t know if there’s something that I don’t understand, but I can’t see technical “results” for the interview practice. It just seemed like a normal interview where you should know that you need to answer questions that show you in a positive light. You need to make sure that you don’t over do it because it won’t seem logical if you seem to be the “perfect person”. Nobody is perfect. I’ve never had a phone or panel interview, so I wouldn’t know how to deal with that. My best guess for how to do well would be to answer questions as soon as you can. If you spend a lot of time thinking of how to answer the question, you’ll show that you’re not as “on your feet” as you should be. If you can thinking logically, and quickly, you would be seen as an asset to the company.
ReplyDelete-DeAnna Powell
Honestly, I felt the same way about the perfect interview application. I am preparing for interviews on my own by compiling all of the questions that I have ever been asked. I typed them all up and put in my own personal answers. Now, when I think of going to an interview, I do not get so worked up because I know what I a am going to say. My advice is to prepare by developing your own personal system, like I have.
ReplyDeleteI think the perfect interview is one where you get hired on best possible terms, how you do that is anyones guess and I doubt there is a perfect set of responses. I think practice interviews are good, but probably a little overrated. It gives you a chance to get what is hopefully objective feed back about your mannerisms, but with out the weight of an actual job on the line it is not the same experience.
ReplyDeletemdsiemer,
ReplyDeleteI agree that taking the practice interview is not the same as a real, honest to goodness live interview. As you mention, there is really "nothing on the line" and to DeAnna's point, you have time to figure out what the "right" answer should be on the practice one. I think knowing yourself, and having confidence in yourself will take you far in an interview. Beyond the standard questions, some interviewers ask certain questions just to see how you react. I believe personal presentation counts for a lot in an interview. I think a lot of people get their "book judged by the cover" in the interview, and that is why the first impression is so important.
John Seybert
PS - Don't forget to sign your full name after your post so that you receive proper credit! :)
Samantha,
ReplyDeleteThat is a great idea compiling a list of questions from previous interviews! Especially the oddball ones that don't seem to have any significance. I love to try and figure out why they asked me those types of questions after the fact. I remember one phone interview I had, and one of the questions was "Why are manhole covers round?" I went into some lengthy technical dissertation on why I thought they were round, and then asked if that was correct. They would not tell me, and to this day I have no idea why they asked me that. Perhaps to see how fast I could think on my feet? What my technical background was? Whether I was any good at BS'ing? Who knows! I did get the job however, so I must have not given too far fetched of an answer!
John Seybert
DeAnna,
ReplyDeleteYou have a good point about not overdoing it during the interview. I think being yourself is the most important thing. Most interviewers have been through hundreds, even thousands of candidates, and can easily see through any facade you put up.
As for answering quickly, I agree to an extent. As an interviewer, I might be leary of someone who can answer every one of my questions right off the bat. Did they know what I was going to ask up front? Are they too "rehearsed"? Are they actually thinking about their answer before they throw it out there? Many questions can be answered quickly, but many times they ask questions that do make you think a little bit. You can tell a great deal about someone by HOW they answer a question versus WHAT the answer was. That said though, knowing your subject matter front to back is critical to showing you can be an asset to the company.
John Seybert
John,
ReplyDeleteI was always told that manhole covers are round so they can't fall in the hole! I don't know if that's right, but I bet an internet search could tell us for sure...
I'm not sure it's possible to over prepare for an interview. I've literally conducted 100s of interviews and I think most people are desperately under prepared. Here are some things I look for when interviewing:
1. A question or two in response to: "What questions do you have for me?"
2. Eye contact(when interviewing in person).
3. Simple things like being dressed appropriately (leave the party dress at home, please!) and a neat and clean appearance - and absolutely no gum chewing.
4.I always ask this question at the end of every interview: "Give me your recommendation for a good book, movie, and restaurant." I do it to see how the interviewee responds to an unexpected question. And, I honestly want an answer. If someone tells me they're too busy to read, they don't get the job.
Lisa Schmidt
Lisa,
ReplyDeleteEye contact! Wow, I almost forgot about that! And it is probably one of the most important things to do, not only during an interview, but all the time when you are speaking to someone. Give them the respect they deserve when you are conversing with them. Of course a stare down competition isn't good either...
Appropriate dress. I can't remember if I got off on this topic here, or if it was in cornerstone. Yes! Dress appropriately! Leave your flip flops at home! Party dresses-no, smart, professional dress-yes. And please bathe before you come in. Don't go right from the gym or your 10 mile run to an interview. If you do have a body odor problem, (this is always a fun topic to address with employees), please try your best to address the situation. Sometimes this is caused by a medical condition, but it can usually be treated.
A good book or movie? For a movie I have to say "Aliens". For a book, I am afraid I am guilty of not reading as many books as I would like. I am more of a magazine and internet person these days. Definitely an information junkie! If I had to choose one though, I would say that the book for Capstone "A Whole New Mind" is one that I have actually been reading, and honestly enjoying too! Can't say that about many textbooks. I do like a good suspens novel in the Scifi genre though. Something like Jurassic Park or Dune - both favorites.
Yes, you are right about the manhole cover. Round won't fall into the hole. Looking back I way over analyzed the question!
John Seybert
John,
ReplyDeleteYour post made me laugh; I especially enjoyed your "bathing before interview" request. (Although, I realize we're trying to be serious here, it made me smile nonetheless.) How could I have missed something so important? Thanks also for giving your movie/book recommendations. Btw, if I'd been interviewing you, I'd have been totally fine with the the magazine/internet response. I just want to know that you're out there reading something. I might have asked you what publications you recommend, or asked you to tell me about an interesting article you read recently.
I forgot to mention @Samantha - the idea of keeping a record of interview questions is genus. There are only so many questions - although they may be asked a little differently every now and then (we do that to keep you on your toes!).
Lisa Schmidt
Hmmm...Let's see, I just read an article in the Good Sam Club's "Highways" magazine about camping in Quebec, an article in "RC Car Action" about how to tweak you model car's shock absorbers, one in "Technologies For Worship" about LED stage lighting, and one in "Wired" magazine about a new procedure for using adipose fat stem cells for breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. I don't know if there's any interdisciplinarity there, but it is diverse!
ReplyDeleteJohn Seybert
Hey Lisa~
ReplyDeleteI like your suggestions for a good interview, and agree with that you can never be over prepared. As for the eye contact, I think that is just good manners for daily interaction with not only coworkers but also family and friends. The past interviews I have done have always ended with "Do you have any questions for me?" so I have always had a few questions in the back of my mind to ask. I think it shows that you have looked into the position and/or company and shows your interest in the position. Dressing professionally is a must, I have to agree with you. Not only does it make you look professional, but also shows that you take yourself seriously.
Kylee Jones
I just accessed the "Perfect Interview" resource. What a great tool! The sample answers - which I thought were very good - and the coaching are helpful tools. In my short interview, there was one question that threw me. Basically, the interviewer apologized for being blunt and said "It appears your experience doesn't fit the needs of the position." My first though was that he hadn't done a good job prescreening the resumes, but I guess that could be a valid scenario and I liked the way he asked the question. Plus, it's one of those questions you don't expect, but you need to be able to answer. As an interviewer, I'd be very curious to see how the interviewee reacted. Does he/she get defensive? If it were me, I'd try to show how my experience relates to the qualifications of the job - using specific examples.
ReplyDeleteNice tool. I love the webcam feature. Nice for practicing different scenarios.
Lisa Schmidt
John~
ReplyDeleteYou asked "How to deal with phone interview and panel interviews."
I have not actually done a phone or panel interview but would think they would be very similar to that of a normal interview. Obviously the phone interview wouldn't require you to dress appropriately, but it might be a good idea to get you in the right mindset. I think that for myself at least, I would want to arrange the call in a part of the house that is clear of other residents and/or distractions like pets, clutter, TV, or anything else to distract might me from the interview.
Is a panel interview pretty much the same as a normal interview except their are more interviewers? If that is the case, then just be sure to make eye contact with everyone in the room, and try to keep your cool. It would probably be very intimidating to have multiple people "judging" me, so taking deep breaths would be important. But, like I said, I have not do either a phone or panel interview.
Kylee Jones
I have to add that most of the positions I have had over the years I was not required to do an interview. This was because I knew the company and their hiring personnel personally, or because I was helping start a business. THe only interviews I did do were for entry-level positions. They all pretty much seemed the same with the same questions. "What experience do you have?" "What assets could you bring to the company?" stuff like that. For my position in an aquarium department where scuba diving was a requirement, they actually asked me to do a demonstration. I had to build my gear, get in a tank and scrub/perform maintenance activities before they would even consider me for a sit down interview. That process kinda threw me for a loop, but I can definitely understand why did that, they wanted to weed out the applicants that said they could dive, compared to those who actually could.
ReplyDeleteKylee Jones
Having been on countless interviews over the last 4 years, I have been fortunate enough to have had several interviews in all sorts of settings. I obtained my current job through a very informal interview spent walking through an orchid nursery talking sports. I have been in very formal, office interviews as well. The Perfect Interview is a great tool to prepare for professional interview. Employers and Human Resource managers are looking for you to fit into a certain mold they have established for a position. While it is important to accent your strong points, they want to make sure you will fit in properly with the team and be able to handle the responsibility.
ReplyDeleteSalary is a very important point in any interview. I believe that it is something to be talked about at the end of the 1st interview. You don't want to waste the employers time, and you don't want them to waste yours if the numbers to fit.
When generic questions come up in an interview, it's nice to be able to lighten the mood with a quick witted joke or at least try to create a more comfortable conversation with the interviewer by responding to their question with one of your own.
I feel my interview was strong. I am not afraid of interviews and didn't have any problems answering the perfect interview questions. The biggest problem I have is not having much traditional work experience. I've worked for my Dad and many of his friends in the photography and art world, which is very different from the business world. The best way to be successful in an interview is to be confident. If the interviewer sees you are confident in an interview, they can assume you will be confident in your job.
ReplyDeleteI also forgot to add some other info I have about interviews. I read a book in a class for Digital Media. It was called Digital Media problem solving and the book had a large section devoted to interviews. Basically it said that the most important part of your interview is the first 30 seconds you walk in, or in other words your introduction. Realistically, most companies make their decisions on whether or not they like a person. If they have gone through the trouble of bringing you in for an interview, then we can assume they have already compared your resume to all of their other applicants, and think you will be a good asset. So the idea is to show them you will be that good asset they are looking for.
ReplyDeleteMike, thanks for sharing both of the above posts. Your said that the art and photography world is different than the business world, and I agree but not totally. As to teh creative aspects of making the work, yes, but artists have to be business people as well to be able to market, sell, and manage the rights to their works. Depending on what jobs you've had with your dad and friends, you may find that you actually have more business experience than you think.
ReplyDelete"You never have a second chance to make a good first impression." - Yes, I know, it sounds like the poster in every corporate breakroom in America, but really, it's true. The first impression is a huge part to an interview. You're correct, one reason the company calls you in for an interview in the first place is to be able to see you in person - and not just as a clean typed piece of paper that is your resume. The first impression of a firm handshake, eye contact, being appropriately dressed for the interview, and you confidence and interest in the job all come through to your benefit.
One important thing, job interview is the best way employers seal our resume and qualify us for the job. This is why a good diversified approach, a practical knowledge, and a resourcefulness of using the Internet are keys to pass an interview. From my many past years of experiences, I found out that I couldn’t answer correctly several questions because I wasn’t prepared. I had to answer certain questions with strategy or tact in order to hold the interview. Therefore, I understand that interview practice can be a great tool to deal with unexpected interviewer’s questions.
ReplyDeleteThere is no doubt that the more important and useful information you give the employer the more leverage you have against your competition for the job. One of my strengths which I have developed over the years is to give as much information as I can. Also, being able to prove myself confident in answering most of the questions is always a major successful step. To sum up, we need to get prepared to pass successfully a job interview.
Georges Desliens
Scott Pollack
ReplyDeleteHow would you answer some stale boring interview questions like, “Where do you see yourself in 10 years?” and “Why should we hire you?” - and those do come up.
I always felt that saying I wanted to be with the same company in tens years helping drive revenue and continue to boost the overall morale of the company as a good start. I try to avoid saying things like "Vice President in ten years" or "Making more money than I am now" (people really do say that!). Asking why they should hire me is always tricky. I try to put things in terms of the company: my acumen for (insert company industry here) and "my continued persistence in this field", etc.
How might you respond if the interviewer moves to questions that are not legal to ask in an interview (sometimes done without even realizing, like, “when did you graduate from high school? (age), or asking about the origin of your name, or “how long have you been married? (familial status) "I like that accent, where are you from? (potential race).
I would politely deflect the question towards something having to do with the industry. I wouldnt necessarily tell them its not legal to ask me those questions, but I would make it clear that I am going to deflect those questions hoping they get the hint.
What was the occasion for your last interview – would you share some highlights that helped you be successful?
I always like to look at a company's website for pertinent information. I like to show them that I have done my research on their company and that their company's philosophies are in line with my own. I also like to use some industry standard jargon during the course of conversation, but not to muddy up what I am saying to the point it sounds fake and rehearsed.
I thought the perfect interview site is a very good resource for someone entering the workforce for the first time, or entering the workforce after a long break. I can imagine if I was going on an interview for my first job I would have been surprised by some of the questions. Overall, it was a good general exposure to the types of questions one can expect in an interview.
ReplyDeleteWith that being said, there is no stress factor in this website. There's nothing on the line, I don't have to be conscious of my body language when listening to the question or delivering my response, and no verbal or non-verbal feedback from the interviewer to interpret. Typing a response is night and day different from verbally communicating a response to an interviewer.
I'm not sure I understand the purpose of this exercise, especially for someone that has a lot of interview experience.
Regarding phone and panel interviews, I've had the opportunity to be an interviewer and interviewee in each scenario. As an interviewer on a phone interview, I would suggest being very mindful of background noise and doing things which the interviewer can hear over the phone (I actually heard someone receiving instant messages while I was interviewing him over the phone). Also, remember to disable your call waiting. If you have to, offer to call the interviewer back so you can disable call waiting for the duration of the interview. Panel interviews can be intimidating, but just keep in mind it isn't an interrogation. Also, remember to not ignore the other panel members when responding to a question. I suggest directing your response primarily to the one who asked the question, but remember to also make eye contact with the other members when answering. Even if one of the panel members has a good poker face, you can generally get some kind of non-verbal feedback from someone on that panel.
I would also suggest doing some sort of research about the company and position you are applying for. While you may be asked what makes you stand out from other candidates, which is a good question to be prepared to answer, it would make a great impression if you could work into the interview how you and this specific company are a great fit for each other. Knowing specifics about the company and the job in the company you are applying for would make a good impression.
-William Powell
@Mike Sanacore,
ReplyDeleteI agree about the most important part of the interview being the first 30 seconds or so. The interviewer may have some questions to get you to expand on your experience cited in your resume, but for the most part they already believe you have the basic qualifications for the job. If they didn't, they wouldn't waste their time in an interview. I've found the most important purpose of the interview is determining if the candidate is going to be a right fit in the office, and if I think the candidate is compatible with the corporate culture of the company.
-William Powell
@Kylee,
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned being asked to give a demonstration for your current job. Great example! I really appreciate you sharing that because that is often something that isn't mentioned when preparing someone for an interview. I think applicants should be prepared to give a demonstration at any time. This could be a practical demo such as what Kylee described, or it could be a sample of your work such as a sample lesson plan, etc.
Years ago I went to an interview for an IT position. During the interview I was asked how I would accomplish a specific task. After I answered, the interviewer turned a laptop towards me where she wanted me to accomplish the task in one of their lab environments. Clearly she was trying to separate the candidates who can say the right things from the ones that can actually do the job.
-William Powell
Believe it or not! I would say that the phone or panel interview seems to be mostly subjective. The interviewer expects some feedback that I cannot imagine before. Sometimes, the way you dress, introduce yourself, or create confidence or impression at the beginning nay generate less or more embarrassed questions. For sure over the phone, articulation will play a great role on how to convince the interviewer. Definitely, Powell some research about he company is the key to succeed any interview. Improvising is not the right thing to do. Certainly, Research about the organization will make our questions
ReplyDeletebetter—and will demonstrate enthusiasm and create good will.One last thing, I tend to agree with Crosby that standard politeness is essential when meeting for the first time.
Georges Desliens
It is generally recognized that practice makes prefect. So for a perfect interview, we need to practice and making concerned research about the company. This is a perfect way to become familiar with the position applied for. Another specific thing to know, we don't have to ask question about salary during the interview. We need to reserve these for after being hired.
ReplyDeleteLearning about the organization where the interview will take place is an important part of interview preparation.Accordingly,the best way to answer some of the standard and non-standard interview questions is to be comfortable while making eye contact and letting the impression that we clearly understand the position we wish to mange. In brief, a perfect interview has real concern about a perfect interview practice.
Georges Desliens
I think it is a great idea to keep track of the types of questions that you could be asked at a range of different interviews. It would make it easier for someone to answer a question quickly if they have had practice. However, it is hard to always be fully prepared because you are never sure what questions you will be asked. There is always a chance that you can be asked a question that has never come across you before, and it'll be up to your creative thinking to come up with the perfect answer.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Kylee, it's a great idea to be able and ready to give a demonstration of some sort, but that scares me, as someone who will be starting at entry level. But this can help me actually begin to prepare myself in such a way.
-DeAnna Powell
Georges said,"There is no doubt that the more important and useful information you give the employer the more leverage you have against your competition for the job. One of my strengths which I have developed over the years is to give as much information as I can."
ReplyDeleteI think this is important and I can't agree more Georges. John mentioned the "illegal" questions and how would you respond. I realize we live in an environment that is politically correct and litigious society and that the "job" environment is especially so...but...it would seem that that would impede the hiring process.
In the "real" world, if you want to call it that, many employers and potential employees are sick of all the taboos of that sort. So much gets lost in "official" processes and everyone's walking on egg shells and you may get a question like that specifically to guage your orientation and if you flare up "Respectfully Mr. X, you can't ask me that question," you may and probably have just blown your opportunity. Ethnic heritage can play into your hand much more than it can hurt you...besides, a discussion of it could put both parties at ease, demonstrate one's real and unrehearsed personality, and possibly end up being the deciding factor in your favor.
I'd advise to not be adversarial and confrontational. Most people shouldn't have a problem sharing these things. In the case of age you could very well have a commonality with the interviewer that lands you the job. Regardless if they ask these "illegal" questions, you're being judged and analyzed in these contexts nevertheless--and it's best to make them selling points. If your downplaying or hiding something it will be detected anyway. People find it refreshing when people are real. They're tired of the phony pretexts, presumptions and pretenses.
Jonathan Andrew Harris
Like Kylee said,I have not had many interviews but usually slip in on a recommendation or some pre-arrangement. But the online tool, I found, has the same questions and strategies that have been around since the mid 1970s. In my human potential seminar book from 1979 were 90% of the questions I got on the undergraduate and executive interviews. Like Bill said, it could be a useful tool for those starting out.
ReplyDeleteA strange question I got one time was the last one for the Hilton Garden Inn-Daytona Airport: the GM asked me what the funniest thing that ever happened to me on the job. That threw me but I answered honestly...I can't go into it in mixed company but it probably cost me the job but then again I could tell he despised me from the onset and I him!
The truth is the most despised thing on earth. Honesty is second. (from my observations)
-Jonathan Andrew Harris
Moving along...
ReplyDeleteOne thing that everyone can do is this, and noone mentioned it. Every industry or job has something, a thing, an issue, something specific that's a perennial thorn in the industry's side or the postion that everyone would agree is a common problem but laughed off or brushed off as a cost of or part of doing business. If you can identify and articulate your awareness of this issue and potential remedies you just might hit a home run.
In hotels as a result of downsizing and consolidation of departments the "reservations" gets the short end of the stick. The one thing that can bring revenue in is neglected. Most properties used to have a full department seperate from the front desk with dedicated staff to handle res. GM's decided that GSR's (guest service reps or desk clerks) stand around 90% of the time doing nothing so they can pick up the res lines. NOT HAPPENING!
So, on my last job interview which was for an AGM (Assistant GM) postion, I hammered this home and my strategy for remediation...got the job, and within 90 days had the place spinning like a top and filled 23 days straight for BIKE WEEK, met budget and the house got a $50K Bonus of which I got 5K. Just one small thing that could make the difference.
Jonathan Andrew Harris
Lisa,I'm beginning to see how important the questions, that I, as an interviewee can ask.If I choose a good question to ask, it could help me if I don't answer others well. I always like to ask questions just so I know what I'm getting myself into. In relation to that, I like researching a company beforehand and asking questions pertaining to things that I found on their company site. This will make it obvious that I did my research on them, showing how serious and interested I am.
ReplyDelete-DeAnna Powell