Mastering Interview Preparation: Your Key to Success

 
INTERVIEW PREPARATION
January 27, 2015
 
Sara Loritsch
Assistant Director
Division of Student Affairs
Virginia Commonwealth University
 
Agenda
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: 
Research: 
What makes you stand out?
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: 
Research: 
Know about the job
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: 
Research: 
Scenario
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: 
Research: 
Interview Formats
Interview Formats
 
Formal Interview Formats:
One-on-one
Panel
Demonstration/Presentation
 
Expect the unexpected
Be prepared to interact with other candidates
Every
 interaction with anyone from organization is part of
interview!
Informal Interview Formats:
  Lunch
  Tour
  Information Session
Interview Questions
Interview Questions
 
Introductory Questions
Strengths & Weaknesses
Behavioral Questions
Atypical Questions
Illegal Questions
 
Resume/Application Questions
Case/Technical Questions
Scenario
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
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
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
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
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 (
S
ituation
, 
T
ask
,
 
A
ction
, 
R
esult
)
Give a 
specific example
Offer examples even when they are not specifically requested
Scenario – take 2
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
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
Scenario
 
Interviewer:  
As a female, do you plan to have
a family and children in the future?
 
Illegal Questions
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
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
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
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
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
Professional Dress
 
Who is in “healthcare appropriate” professional dress?
 
First Impression: Professional Attire
First Impression: Professional Attire
 
MEN
Conservative, dark suit
Shirt ironed
Belt matches shoes
Comfortable shoes
Hair cut/ shaven/ well-
groomed
Remove jewelry
Avoid aftershave or
cologne
 
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
 
“Healthcare appropriate”
professional dress for men
and women
 
First Impression:
First Impression:
Non-Verbal Communication
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…
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
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
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
Career Services Interview Resources
 
1.
InterviewStream (virtual mock interviews)
 
http://careers.vcu.edu/
 - HireVCURams  to log in to
InterviewStream
Select “Conduct an Interview”
Select “Created For Me”
Select “Health Care Interview”
 
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?
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, 1
st
 floor
 
Schedule an appointment:
http://careers.vcu.edu/
 
Sara Loritsch:
skloritsch@vcu.edu
Slide Note
Embed
Share

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

Uploaded on Sep 26, 2024 | 0 Views


Download Presentation

Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.

The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. Download presentation by click this link. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.

E N D

Presentation Transcript


  1. INTERVIEW PREPARATION January 27, 2015 Sara Loritsch Assistant Director Division of Student Affairs Virginia Commonwealth University

  2. The Interview is: An Opportunity

  3. 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

  4. The interview is a chance to MARKET yourself What do YOU want to talk about during the interview? What are your KEY SELLING FEATURES?

  5. 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?

  6. 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/

  7. 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

  8. 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!

  9. Interview Questions Introductory Questions Strengths & Weaknesses Behavioral Questions Atypical Questions Illegal Questions Resume/Application Questions Case/Technical Questions

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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.

  14. 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

  15. 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).

  16. 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

  17. Scenario Interviewer: As a female, do you plan to have a family and children in the future?

  18. 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?

  19. 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

  20. 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!

  21. 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!

  22. 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

  23. Professional Dress Who is in healthcare appropriate professional dress?

  24. 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

  25. Healthcare appropriate professional dress for men and women

  26. 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

  27. 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)

  28. 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

  29. 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

  30. 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

  31. 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/

Related


More Related Content

giItT1WQy@!-/#giItT1WQy@!-/#giItT1WQy@!-/#giItT1WQy@!-/#giItT1WQy@!-/#giItT1WQy@!-/#giItT1WQy@!-/#