Guide for a Winning Interview is an in-depth review of the interview process. Preparation is a key element to acing an interview. Learn the best approaches from the initial phone screen to the face to face meeting with the hiring manager. You will hear great answers to several standard questions, including the dreaded “Tell Me About Yourself”.

1. Guide to a Winning
Interview
brought to you by
Bruce A. Bennett
Career Coach Corner
September 16, 2020

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Introduction & Notes for Workshop
 Introduction
 Professional Career in Media & Marketing Research
 MCWN Volunteer & Contractor
 Career Coach Corner Blogger, Podcaster & Presenter
 General Notes for Today
 My contact info is on last slide
 Presentation file available upon request
 Workshop is interactive, Q/A & Parking lot
 Red Arrows
 Social Media Revolution

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Outline for Workshop Today
Interviewing
Preparing by researching company & position
Review the interview process
Q & A examples
Five toughest question videos
Closing the interview
General Do’s and Don’ts

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Goals for Workshop
Goals
Repeat strengths as STARs for interviewing
Recognize how to respond to Tell Me About Yourself
Investigate and research employers and companies
Know Thyself – Personal Intelligence

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Resources Available On-line
http://www.illinoisworknet.com/

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Resources Available On-line
Online Safety Tips for Job Seekers

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Resources Available On-line

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How to Ace an Interview
Self awareness
Inventory your skills
Strength Finder by Gallup - now CliftonStrengths
SWOT analysis
Preparation
Select 3 to 5 of your key strengths
Use a STAR to illustrate the skill to interviewer
Research company and individuals
Practice
Scripted answers
Mirror or camera
Family, friends or pets

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Strength Finder Report
https://www.gallupstrengthscenter.com/

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Strength Finder Report

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Strength Finder Report

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Strength Finder Report

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SWOT Analysis

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Key Strengths - STARs or CARs
Relate a memorable story with your core traits
Customer Service
“Are you calling me a liar” story.
Decision Making
Our equipment in the garage appeared to be the
source of the fire.
Computer Software Adaptability
Became the beta tester for new roll outs of
proprietary programs for regional managers.
Training Staff
Coached and developed 22 direct reports into
supervisory role positions.

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Research Company and Position
7 Fundamental Things You MUST Research
Research the company
Google the company
Company website, news, management team, etc.
Mission statement and/or core values
Check them on LinkedIn
Research the position
Use Indeed or other job boards for similar positions
for key words or skills not covered in their posting
Check salary.com to get range of compensation
LinkedIn Research
Search for interviewer(s) and company
Find details from their profile and LinkedIn page

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Research Company Exercise
Target company research exercise
Select a target company, e.g. Sage Products
Google the company
Visit company website
LinkedIn
What talking points were discovered?
Mission statement?
Corporate culture?
Management changes?
New product/services launch?

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Research Position Exercise
Target Position research exercise
Select a position, e.g. CSR, Salesman, Manager
Google the position
Check Indeed website
Check LinkedIn
What common elements were found?
Key skills?
Previous experience?
Education?
Industry experience?

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Interviewing Situations
Prescreen Phone Interview
Spur of the moment
Prearranged for a scheduled time
Determines your next step in the process
Follow up with F2F interview
Keep your resume on file
F2F Interview
Job Fairs
On Campus recruiting
Company location

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Interviewing Situations
Video Interviewing
Background & Environment
Practice recording on laptop or tablet
https://www.myinterviewpractice.com/

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Interviewing Situations
 Hire Vue
 On-line interviewing application
 https://www.hirevue.com/blog/how-to-take-a-hirevue-
interview/

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Interviewing Situations
Zoom, Skype, Facetime Interviews
Andrew LaCivita talks about Online interviewing

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Phone Screen Interview Preparation
Schedule the time rather than spur of the moment
Locate to a distraction free environment
No pets, no TV, no Radio, no computer
Have your cell phone fully charged
Take note of interviewer’s name
Have work history and job description handy
Relate the job’s and your key skills

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Phone Screen Interview Preparation
Stand during the phone interview
Smile while on the call
Have a few questions ready for the interviewer, e.g.
Is position new or replacing someone, i.e. budgeted?
Next steps in the application process
Avoid rambling and/or really long answers

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F2F Interviewing Preparation
Prepare story examples that illustrate skills and
capabilities
Interview practice with family, friends, etc.
Have work history and reference details
ABCs of references
Take several copies of resume
Dress for interview
Over dress rather than under dress
Appropriate for position, e.g. Ad Agency
Research the company and position
Google it
Check them on LinkedIn
Check company’s webpage

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F2F Interviewing Process
Turn on positives, creative, am quick learner,
relationship builder, etc.
Eye contact
Self on shoulder alter ego (good/bad angel)
Humor ok!?!?
Know the corporate culture
Personal branding - Portfolio
Ideal or dream job

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Standard Questions
Why did you leave your last job?
What did you learn at your last job?
What level of education did you achieve?
What is your greatest strength?
What have you been doing since being laid off?
Why were you fired?

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Behavioral Type Questions
How did you handle a difficult situation with a
supervisor?
Give me an example of how you set goals and
achieve them.
Teamwork is important to the position. Give me an
example of your working with a team.
Tell me about how you worked effectively under
pressure.
Relate when you had to enforce a company policy
that you did not agree with personally.
Pamela Skilling Discusses Behavioral Questions

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F2F Interviewing Process

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Oddball Questions
How much does the earth weigh?
What would you expect to pay for the empty lot next
to our company?
How far away is Alpha Centuri?
What animal or tree would you like to be?
What kind of cookie would you like to be?
What is your spirit animal?
Who is your hero?

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Five Tough Questions Videos
John Heaney offers advice for these tough questions
“Tell me about yourself!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhWq1Q8uGg4&t=2s by John Heaney
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmFuWmzeiDs by Pamela Skillings
“What are your greatest weaknesses?”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhTbeeUtWKs&t=3s
“Why should we hire you?”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yx1_CZTdKAc&t=8s
“Why do you want to work here?”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g619eeLPSi0&t=81s
“Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRURxgW4eBE&t=3s
Search Google and YouTube for additional interview Q & A

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Do You Have Any Questions For Me?
You better!!
Be prepared with questions to ask the interviewer
Interview Questions MarketTools
A printed list will demonstrate your preparation and
interest in the company and position
Questions can range from evaluations to
management style
Is Corporate Culture is another potential topic?
How has Covid-19 affected the business?
Google for other questions to ask the interviewer

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Interviewing Closing Suggestions
John Heaney suggests to not ask these questions
10 Questions to Never Ask on a Job Interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNW8u1yC4Bg 7 minutes
Don Georgevich advises never ask these questions
NEVER Ask These Questions in a Job Interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPRG7_fXe_E 8 minutes
Closing statement?
Elevator speech repeated with knowledge gained
through the interview
Express interest in the job, “I want the job!”
Next steps in candidate selection process
“May I have your business card?”
Handshake or fist bump?

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Interview Do’s
Bring a notebook to take notes
Press your clothes and shine shoes
Be aware of your body posture
Turn off your phone
Be friendly with everyone you meet
Smile

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Interview Don’ts
Do not be too early or late
Do not answer cell phone or texts
Do not wear perfume or cologne
Do not disparage your previous employer or boss
Do not leave your notebook at home
Do not cross your arms
Do not answer with simple yes or no
Do not fidget

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Post Interview Suggestions
Debrief yourself
Keep a journal of interview questions & answers
Rate your answers to learn from interview to
interview
Thank you letter
Personal Thank you card best
Email note is acceptable
Follow up with phone call
Lastly, remember the Challenging interview

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Success Stories
Michele N. – Medical
Attended Resume & LinkedIn workshops and gained confidence
Mary M. – Educator
Changed her resume after Resume, CL & ATS workshop and got 9 interviews
Stefanie S. – Pharmacy Technician
Prepared effectively after Winning Interview workshop and was hired
Terri A. – Accounting Professional
Attended webinars and negotiated her position
Val M. – Retail Supply Chain
Incorporated my recommendations from workshops & 1 on 1
I want to add your name to the list!!

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McHenry County Workforce Network
McHenry County Workforce Network
September Calendar of Events & Services
Personalized Job Search Assistance Services
To sign up, request the professional directly by email
Mock Interviews
60 minute sessions
Kraig Roberts – September 7 & 21
9:30 - 10:30
Email: mcwnkraig@gmail.com

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Upcoming Events
LinkedIn Basics and Best Practices
Friday, September 18, 2020 from 10:00am to 11:30am
LinkedIn for Your Job Search
Monday, September 21 at 1:00pm to 3:00pm
LinkedIn Strategic Guidelines
Wednesday, September 23 at 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Using Social Media in Job Search
Thursday, October 1, 2020 at 7:00pm
Resumes, Cover Letters & Applying Online
Monday October 5, 2020 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
NTS Job Club – Effective Networking
Wednesday October 14, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm

41. Questions?
Feel free to follow up or
connect with me on LinkedIn
Bruce A. Bennett
Mobile: 815-302-9552
Email: BABennett73@gmail.com
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/bruceabennett
Career Coach Corner Blog: http://bruce73.wordpress.com/
https://bruce73.wordpress.com/upcoming-presentations/
Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/b-squared-linkedin