Interview Techniques

Prepared

Do your research;

The Company; strengths, culture, competitors, any recent news
Person(s) interviewing you; do you have anything in-common? example: ISU Alumni, hometown, etc.
The role; review and read the job description
Specific; highlight your background, what makes you a "fit"
Questions; what do you want to know about the job - company - culture?

Poised

First impressions matter;

Attitude; passion and enthusiasm
Nerves; use positive self-talk
Dress for Success; reflect company culture
Review; your personal commercial, qualifications and key skills

Present

Undivided attention;

Remove Distractions; watch, phone, etc.
Active Listening; eye contact, non-verbal's (head nods, smile)
Relax; take deep breaths, slow your movements
Focus; summarize what you hear, ask clarifying questions, remain professional

Interview Techniques: Prepared • Poised • Present

Watch: Interviewing 101 (external link: Candid Career)

Quick Check

What is one way that you can let the interviewer know you are interested in the position?

Have some questions that you have prepared for them: Correct: Correct
Mention other jobs you are interviewing for: Incorrect, please try again.
Constantly check your phone or watch: Incorrect, please try again.
Act above the process, seem disengaged: Incorrect, please try again.

Case in Point

Find out how Stephanie's "elevator pitch" landed her a job she loves!

Name: Stephanie, Field Marketing Specialist

Major: Communications (Bachelor)

In-Person Interviewing: The main way I prepare for an interview is I
sit down with the job description and kind of go through what I think they would ask me based on what they're looking for.

I make sure that I have some speaking points that I really want to get across to them based on what my background is.

If the job is heavily marketing-design based and I want to show them I came up with these marketing campaigns. This is how I did it. This is the budget that I used. I think the best thing in an interview is to have tangible results to talk to somebody about. If you're giving very generalized answers it's harder for someone to see what actually you can do in that job.

Putting to Practice

Interviewing A successful interview includes advance preparation, confidence, and a strategy to be used before, during, and after.

Your goal is to communicate that you are the right person for the job during your interview. Each question is carefully designed to help the employer learn about you. With each answer you are being judged on your qualifications, fit and value you will bring to the company.

NEXT...utilizing BigInterview Software prepare for an interview, practice potential questions and receive critical feedback.