The document provides guidance on interview skills and preparation techniques. It outlines key steps which include understanding the job requirements, preparing for common interview questions, what to expect during the selection process, and following up after the interview. Sample interview questions are given along with tips on how to structure responses using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method. The document emphasizes being prepared, rehearsing answers, and following best practices during the interview such as maintaining eye contact and asking questions of the hiring committee.

1. Human Resources
March 2017
INTERVIEWING
SKILLS
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2. Agenda
• Introductions
• Understanding job requirements
• Key interview preparation techniques
• What to expect during a selection panel
• Interview follow up
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3. Understanding Job Requirements
• Job description
• Minimum requirements
• Core skills and competencies
• Overall fit
These determine if you should apply and how to
tailor your application
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4. Application Preparation
• Cover letter
• Resume presentation and length
• Accomplishments to highlight
• Other relevant information
• Preparing references
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5. 5
Purpose of the Interview
The Candidate’s
role is to evaluate
the position for fit
with their
personality and
career goals.
The Selection
Committee’s role
is to evaluate the
candidate’s fit for
the position.

6. Preparing for Interview Success
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Rehears
e
Rehears
e
ReviewReviewResearchResearch

7. Research
Research the job
• review the College website
• examine the specific department’s profile
• browse the Strategic Plan
• study the position description or job fact sheet
• read the job posting
• Professor of the 21st Century
You will want to be able to answer the following:
• how did you prepare for today’s interview
• how does the department fit into your career plan
• how does the position help the department reach
business plan goals
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8. Review
• Review the job description and job posting, write
down the skills, education, competencies and
experience that are required for the job.
• Review your education, skills, experience and
accomplishments that are applicable to the job you
are applying for.
• Create a T graph and on one side list the jobs
requirements and on the other map your skills,
experience and accomplishments to them.
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What is
required
?
What do
I have?

9. Rehearse
• Rehearse your answers for the difficult types of
questions until you have them down pat.
• Rehearse your accomplishments until you know them
inside out and backwards.
• Visualize yourself in the actual Selection Committee
setting.
• Conduct a mock interview, or record your answers and
listen to them.
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10. 10
Focusing Your Interviewing Energy
• The best way to reduce the interview stress is to be
prepared.

11. Selection Panels
Insights from the HR Trenches
•Members of a selection panel – min. 3 – max. ?
•Guidance provided to panel members
•What we look for
•Screening applications in/out
•Evaluation
•Follow up process
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12. 12
Type of Interview Questions
• General
• Situational / Scenario
• Behavioural

13. 13
General Questions
• Direct, straightforward questions
- “Tell us about yourself.”
- “What skills do you have that are related to this
position?”
- “How does this role fit into your career path?”
• Always make your response relevant to the job you are
seeking
• Share information – keep it concise

14. • Scenario questions use a problem solving approach
to determine your analytical skills and critical thinking
abilities.
• These are “what if" type questions and are presented
in the form of case examples or problem situations.
• You will be asked to imagine yourself experiencing a
situation and will then be evaluated on how you
would handle that situation.
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Situational Questions

15. • Based on the premise that the best way to predict
future behavior is to consider past behavior.
• Focuses the panel on actions and behaviors, rather
than subjective impressions.
• You will be asked to give a specific example of how
you did behaved in the past in a specific situation.
• You will be asked to provide details.
• PREPARE!!!
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Behavioural Questions

16. 16
STAR Interview Responses
Situation: The panel wants you to provide a recent challenge or
situation in which you found yourself.
Task: The interviewer will be looking to see what you were trying to
achieve from the situation.
Action: What did you do?
Results: What was the outcome of your actions?

17. Best Practice Interview Tips
• Stay professional
• Eye contact, shake hands with committee members, be aware of
your body language
• Take your time before you respond to the question - silence is ok
• It’s ok to ask for clarification, for a question to be repeated or to
go back to a question.
• Be specific in your answer (difference between “I” and “we”)
• Pay attention how the panel is reacting to your responses.
When interviewing with people you know, assume they know
nothing about you.
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18. 18
ACTIVITY – Ask a Friend
Interview questions in pairs…

19. Be Prepared:
“Do you have any questions for the hiring committee?”
• Demonstrate the research you’ve done
• Are very interested in the position
• Are confident and able to assert yourself
appropriately.
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20. After the Interview
• Write down some notes on the questions asked
and where you thought you did well or poorly.
• Send a “thank you” e-mail to the interviewer(s).
• If you don't get the job, consider calling the hiring
manager for some feedback about the interview.
• Don't get discouraged! Interviews are about both
parties finding the right fit for the job. Better
interview skills can be developed through
preparation and practice.
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21. Survey Please
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22. QUESTIONS
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