This presentation provides guidance on interviewing skills. It discusses why some candidates don't get job offers, such as an inability to clearly express themselves or lack of research on the organization. The presentation recommends thoroughly preparing for interviews by researching the position, organization, and oneself in order to know how one's skills align. Candidates should develop examples to demonstrate key skills and provide specific situations, actions, and outcomes. Common interview questions are provided to practice answering, such as telling about oneself and strengths/weaknesses. Sample videos also model answering questions. The presentation emphasizes dressing appropriately, arriving early, asking questions, and following up.

1. Interviewing Skills
Presented by
Ben Hansen
St. Cloud State University

2. Objectives
 Why people don’t get offers
 How to prepare
 Common questions
 Sample videos
 Practice
 Q&A

3. Why people don’t get offers
 Inability to express self clearly
 Failure to research organization
 Lack of goals or focus
 Unwillingness to relocate
 Poor impression
 Failure to follow-up after the interview

4. How to Prepare
 Know the position
 Know the organization
 Know yourself

5. Know the Position
 What are the qualifications?
– Skills
– Knowledge
– Experience
– Characteristics

6. How to Identify Them
 Job listings (okay)
 Job descriptions (better)
 Informational interviews (best)

8. Know the Organization
 Who they are and what they do?
 What is their mission or values?
 What is the industry like? Current trends?
 Culture?

9. Finding Information
 Use the Internet
– Company websites
– ProQuest Newspapers
– WetFeet
– Google it
 Journals, publications & associations
 Talk to people familiar with the organization
 Informational Interviews

10. Know Yourself
 How do your skills, interests, goals, values
and experiences RELATE to the position and
organization?
 Use this Knowledge to Answer:
– Why are you interested in this position?
– Why are you interested in this organization?
– How are you the best fit for them?

11. Putting it Together
 Prepare for behavioral interviewing
 Develop 5-8 short stories (examples) for key
job specific skills
 Have a variety of stories to tell:
– Leadership - Conflict resolution
– Communication - Teamwork
 Provide: Situation, Action and Outcome

12. Proving It - SAO
 Provide specific examples
 Talk about what YOU did
 Describe outcomes
 Make sure you answered the question

13. Common Questions
How would you answer these?
 Tell me about yourself.
 What are your strengths/weaknesses?
 Why interested in position? Organization?
 Tell me about a time when…
Practice your answers

14. Sample Videos
 Tell Me About Yourself.
 What is Your Greatest Weakness?

15. Let’s Practice
 Get into groups of 2-3
 Practice answering these questions:
– Tell me about yourself.
– What is your greatest strength?
– What is your greatest weakness?

16. What Else?
 Prepare questions for them
 Dress appropriately
 Arrive 10-15 minutes early
 Be polite to everyone
 Follow-up
Remember, you’re always being evaluated

17. Summary
 Why people don’t get offers
 How to prepare
– Research position & company
– Dress appropriately
– Provide specific answers and questions
– Practice
 Common questions
 Follow-up

18. Questions???
Your Employment Connection