Tips on how to make the most of your interview.

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Slam Dunk
the Interview
And Win the Job!

2. Do interviews SCARE you?
Do you get NERVOUS and forget
what to say?

3. Remember…YOU were asked
to be interviewed because they
believe you might be the right
person for the position.
The interview is your opportunity
to confirm their belief!

4. Preparing for the “Big Game”…
the Interview!
Do your Research
• Visit the company website
• Organization size and location of facilities
• Product line or service, potential markets,
competitors
• Mission and Vision statements

5. Know Yourself
• What special skills do you have?
• Analyze your strengths and weaknesses
• Review your accomplishments
• Make a list of your best “selling points” for
the position
Preparing for the “Big Game”…
the Interview!

6. Prepare Yourself
• Who is interviewing you?
• What special skills/experience are
required?
• Where is it located?
• How should you dress?
• What should you bring with you?
Preparing for the “Big Game”…
the Interview!

7. Do you practice for an
interview?
YOU SHOULD!
Practice Your Drills!

8. “I’ve always believed that if
you put in the work, the
results will come. I don’t do
things half-heartedly.
Because I know if I do, then
I can expect half-hearted
results.” Michael Jordan

9. You never get a 2nd chance to make a
first impression…
and you only have a few seconds to
do it!
First impressions affect the rest of
the interview.

10. How to Ace the Interview

11. • The hiring decision usually gets made
early in the interview
• All researchers agree that the “die is cast
in the beginning” within the first 1-5
minutes
Start Strong!
 Dress to Impress  Be Early  Be Smart  Be Friendly 

12. • Send the right non-verbal signals;
make good eye contact
• Build good rapport
• Communicate carefully
• Be enthusiastic
Be a “Star” Candidate

13. • Market yourself with conviction
and confidence
• Be clear and concise
• Participate, don’t dominate
• Ask questions
• Close well
Be a “Star” Candidate

15. Telephone Interviews
• Pick a quiet setting
• Avoid interruptions and allow
plenty of time
• Speak clearly and listen well
• You don’t have the advantage of
body language
• Have your notes at your fingertips

16. Panel Interviews
• Typically 2-5 interviewers
• Smile and introduce yourself to
each person
• Try to connect with each person
• Shake hands with all members
before leaving

17. Group Interviews
• Multiple people interviewed at
the same time
• You don’t need to dominate
• Be interactive
• Interject with well thought out
content when it is appropriate
• Listen, listen, listen

19. Prove by Example
 Situation: Briefly describe what happened.
 Task: Explain the goal that needed to be
achieved.
 Action: Emphasize the specific action you
took to solve the situation or complete the
task.
 Results: Close with the result. What
outcomes were achieved?
Use the STAR Method

20. “Tell me about yourself.”
• This wide-open question is a gold mine
• Sell yourself; don’t give your life story
• Use your “30 second drill” or “elevator
speech”
• Showcase accomplishments, strengths,
adaptability, flexibility, and results

21. “Why did you leave your
last job?”
• Never talk badly about an employer
• Be honest yet discreet
• Turn a perceived negative into a
positive
• Focus on what you’ve learned in your
previous position and how you are ready
to use those skills in your new position

22. • Be honest
• Overcoming being fired is difficult—make sure
you’ve taken the time to get your confidence back
• Don’t “shout it from the rooftops,” but be ready to
discuss the situation if it is brought up
• Show how you have objectively analyzed and
learned from the situation
• If you were fired for misconduct, convince them it
won’t happen again
What if you were fired?
“Why did you leave your
last job?”

23. Example Answers
Layoff: “I really enjoyed working at ABC Company. I was able to apply my
skills in ______ and develop new skills in _____ . Because of the economy,
the company decided to eliminate 6 departments, including mine.”
Quit: “I enjoy challenges and learning new things. I decided to look for a job
with higher levels of responsibility and where my ______ skills would be
used more fully.”
Fired: “I enjoyed my job at ABC company and did well in the _____
department. Unfortunately, I had car problems that caused me to be late
and miss work. I was terminated because of points. My supervisor said he
was sorry to see me go because I was a good worker with an eye for detail.
I now have reliable transportation, so you can be assured I will be here on
time or early every day!
“Why did you leave your
last job?”

24. • Companies want to recruit people who
are enthusiastic about their products
• Use your company research
• Relate your career goals and give
evidence that you can make a
contribution
“Why do you want to work
for us?”

25. “What are your greatest
strengths?”
• You are really being asked, “Do
you have what it takes to
effectively do this job?”
• Align your strengths with the key
functions of the job opening
• Support your answer with
examples

26. “What are your
weaknesses?”
• The employer is looking for proof that you can
identify your areas of development and then do
something about them
• Minimize weaknesses and emphasize
strengths
• After naming a weakness, discuss
what you have done to overcome it
• Pick a weakness that you have overcome or
explain how you will develop the skill within
their organization

27. “Give an example of a problem
you’ve faced on the job and
how you handled it.”
• This is a problem-solving question that
tests your critical thinking skills
• Show that you are a creative and
capable problem solver
• Try to tailor your answer to a problem
that you are likely to face on the job

28. “Tell me about a time you had to
work with someone you didn’t get
along with. How did you handle it?”
• Stay positive
• Explain your ability to get along
with others
• Provide evidence of success or
great effort

29. “What challenges do you
think you’ll face in this job?”
• The interviewer is trying to extract real
fears and apprehensions about the
problems you would face in this role
• Show how you can fulfill the needs of the
company
• Demonstrate confidence and anticipation
rather than fear and concern

30. “Where do you see yourself
in 5 years?”
• The interviewer wants to see if the
position fits in your overall career
goals
• Show interest in the position as well
as your growth in the company
• Be honest, realistic, and positive

31. “Do you have any
questions?”
• Prepare several questions
beforehand
• Show your interest by tailoring
questions to that specific company
and position
• Ask for constructive criticism
• Never request information about
pay or benefits

32. • The employer may be concerned that you’ll
grow dissatisfied and leave
• They might be worried about how well you
would work with a line manager and peer
groups which are potentially younger and
less qualified than you
• Give a clear picture of why you’re
interested in the position and how you’re
the best fit
What if you’re overqualified?

33. What to Avoid
• Never lie
• Never criticize
• Never ask about pay or compensation
• Don’t be late
• Don’t be arrogant
• Avoid touchy subjects: ex-boss,
spouse, health

34. Reviewing the Game Plan!
1. Keep your answers brief and concise
2. Include concrete, quantifiable data
3. Support your strengths with examples
4. Prepare 5 or more success stories
5. Put yourself on their team

35. Reviewing the Game Plan!
6. Be conscious of your nonverbal
communication
7. Ask questions
8. Maintain a conversational flow
9. Research the company
10.Keep an interview journal

36. After the Interview
• Send a thank you note or email
• Keep a log or journal
• Take any steps suggested by
the interviewer
• Stay positive

38. “Obstacles don’t have to stop you.
If you run into a wall, don’t turn
around and give up. Figure out
how to climb it, go through it, or
work around it.”
Michael Jordan

39. Like what you saw?
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