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. Bruce A. Bennett
Career Coach Corner
March 14, 2019
Interviewing Skills
Guide for a Winning Interview
brought to you by

2. 2
Introduction & Notes for session
Introduction
 Professional Career in Media & Marketing Research
 McHenry County Workforce Network Volunteer
 Career Coach Corner Blog & Presenter
General Notes for Today
 My contact info is on last slide
 Workshop is interactive
 Q/A & Parking lot
 Comments on the survey forms
 Other: Winning Interview
 Resume getting you the interview?

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Outline & Goals for session
Presentation Outline
 Preparation for the interview
 Researching a company & position
 Discuss the interview process
 Q & A examples
 Five toughest question videos
 Closing the interview
 General Do’s and Don’ts
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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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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SWOT Analysis

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Key Strengths

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Key Strengths - STARs or CARs
Quantify or Recognize experience
 Maintained accounting records for AR and AP
 Managed 1,000+ AR & AP accounts working
directly with the CFO
 Answered the phone
 Resolved customer issues through inbound calling
system, averaging 60 calls a day
 Sold computers and printers to customers
 Practiced consultative sales techniques to provide
customers with their hardware & software needs
 Managed and supervised 10 staff members
 Coached and developed 22 direct reports into
supervisory role positions

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Research Company and Position
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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Phone Screen Interview Preparation
Schedule the time rather then spur of the moment
Locate to a distraction free environment
 No pets, no TV, no Radio, no computer
 Have your cell phone fully charged
Have work history and job description handy
 Relate the job’s and your key skills
Stand during the phone interview
Smile while on the call
Take note of interviewer’s name
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 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
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
Arrive on time, but not too early
Friendly greeting to receptionist
Firm handshake
Mirror interviewer
Speaking cadence
Interviewers ask themselves during the interview:
 Can u do job
 Will u do the job
 Can I stand u for the job
Staying positive
Avoid chip on shoulder
Don’t make assumptions
Eliminate preconceived ideas - too old, not hirable

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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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F2F Interviewing Process

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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.

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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?

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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
“What are your greatest weaknesses?”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhTbeeUtWKs&t=3s
“Why should we hire you?”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcoat4ifHoY&feature=related
“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
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?
Interview Questions MarketTools
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
“Can I have your business card?”
Handshake

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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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McHenry County Workforce Network
March Newsletter of Events & Services
McHenry County Workforce Network Website

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Upcoming Events
McHenry County Workforce Network
Resumes, Cover Letters and Applying On-Line
Thursday April 4, 2019 from 10am – 12pm
Getting Started with LinkedIn
Thursday April 4, 2019, 2019 from 1pm – 3pm
Network to Success Job Club
Five Keys to Impress a Hiring Manager
Wednesday April 10, 2019, 2019 from 1pm – 3pm
Arlington Heights Memorial Library
500 N. Dunton Avenue, Arlington Heights, IL 60004
Effective Networking in Your Career
Wednesday May 22, 2019 from 7pm – 8:30pm

34. Questions?
Feel free to follow up later or
connect with me on LinkedIn
Contact Info:
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/