Mastering Interview Preparation: Your Key to Success
Explore the essential steps to excel in your upcoming interview, including thorough research, meticulous preparation, and confident performance. Uncover your unique selling points, stand out by showcasing your skills and accomplishments, and familiarize yourself with the job, employer, and industry trends. Leverage professional organizations for valuable insights and present a professional image to leave a lasting impression.
- Interview preparation
- Key selling features
- Research strategies
- Professional organizations
- Performance tips
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INTERVIEW PREPARATION January 27, 2015 Sara Loritsch Assistant Director Division of Student Affairs Virginia Commonwealth University
The Interview is: An Opportunity
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: 1. What skills have you developed? How and where did you develop them? How will those skills help you to be a good (healthcare specialist)? 2. What does an exceptional (healthcare specialist) look like to you? Describe what you ve done to build those skills specifically. 3. What are your specific accomplishments? 4. What are your strengths? 5. What have you done to go above and beyond ? 6. 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 specialty 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 Informal Interview Formats: Lunch Tour Information Session Expect the unexpected Be prepared to interact with other candidates Every interaction with anyone from organization is part of interview!
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 (Situation, Task, Action, Result) Give a specific example Offer 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 question Ask 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 responses Be honest Don t say I don t know Be aware of interviewer s strategy Don 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 WOMEN Conservative, dark suit Appropriate length skirt with hose Bring extra hose Comfortable shoes with low heel Avoid camisoles or low riding pants Wear conservative makeup and jewelry Avoid perfume or scented lotion MEN Conservative, dark suit Shirt ironed Belt matches shoes Comfortable shoes Hair cut/ shaven/ well- groomed Remove jewelry Avoid aftershave or cologne
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 pen Don 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 1. http://careers.vcu.edu/ - HireVCURams to log in to InterviewStream Select Conduct an Interview Select Created For Me Select Health Care Interview InterviewStream (virtual mock interviews) 2. Schedule a Mock Interview http://careers.vcu.edu/ - HireVCURams to schedule an appointment Print 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, 1stfloor Schedule an appointment: Sara Loritsch: skloritsch@vcu.edu http://careers.vcu.edu/
