1. Effective Interviewing
Center for Career and Calling
Seattle Pacific University
May 2013

2. Preparation is the Key to Success
 Know yourself
 Know the organization and the position
 Practice, practice, practice
 Know the time and place – pre-plan
 Dress appropriately
 What to bring

3. More Tips
 Remain calm
 Memorize your resume
 Body language is important
 Speak clearly and articulately
 Elaborate on your responses (when practical)
 Focus consistently on positive, strong points
 Be prepared with pertinent questions

4. Showtime!
 Eye contact/ firm handshake
 Listen actively
 Answer the questions
 Ask informed questions
 Gracefully close – ASK for the JOB!

5. After the Interview
 Evaluate
 Send a thank you note (within 24 hrs.)
 Inquire
 Second interview

6. What is the Interviewer Looking For?
 Ability to communicate/ intelligence
 Self-confidence
 Willingness to accept responsibility
 Initiative/ Leadership/Communications Skills
 Energy level
 Imagination
 Interpersonal skills
 Flexibility/ Ability to handle conflict
 Self-knowledge

7. STORY TELLING:
The Key to Effective Interviewing!
 Situation
 Opportunity (Obstacle)
 ACTION (What did you do?)
 RESULTS (IMPACT!)

8. Tips for Effective
Behavioral Interviewing
 Answer with a behavior-based answer.
 Think through and practice.
 One story can apply to more than one
question.
 It’s OK to take some time to think of a
good example.
 Have a “portfolio” of stories and examples
ready.

9. Standard General Questions:
 Tell me about yourself.
 Why do you want to work here?
 What makes you special?
 What are your 2 greatest strengths and 2
weaknesses?
 Why you (vs. other candidates)?
 What work experiences have you had?

10. Sample Behavioral
Interview Questions
 Discuss a time when you were asked to break a
rule (your integrity was challenged).
 Include how you handled it.
 State the outcome.
 You can even say, ”Looking back, I would probably
do some things differently. i.e., …”
 Tell me about a group project that was difficult.
 Include what was difficult about it.
 Specifically state your individual contribution.
 Don’t forget to include the outcome.

11. More examples…
 Give me an example of a time when you
challenged a policy.
 Tell about a time when you had to meet a
tight deadline.
 Discuss a recent experience when you
had a conflict with a colleague.
 Describe a success you’ve had in the last
week.
 Tell me about a situation where you “blew
it.”