Exercises collected as is in the TRACK manual (Training ...



Used by permission. Exercises collected as is in the TRACK manual (Training and Raising Awareness in Career Knowledge). Dunkel, Wofford, & Bray. Copyright: 1989. Second Edition. UF Division of Housing.

Exercises to complete for “Developing a 4+ Year Action Plan”

Appendix D (continued)

FORMAL INTERVIEWING

“Informational Interviewing is the process of gathering information from people who are already working in occupations or organizations which are of particular interest to you” (Moving On, 1988).

The formal employment interview is an exchange of information between an applicant and employer representatives designed to assist in the selection of a candidate for a career position or for a experiential educational-related experience (internships, summer jobs, co-op, etc.)

Prepare in Advance

It would not be difficult for you to write down 20 questions that you believe an employer is likely to ask you. You might miss a question or two but chances are good even then, that you would have the material in one of your other questions.

You do not need to memorize your exact response. All you need is to have a rough outline in mind. When asked a similar question in the interview, you can give a very reasoned, logical point-by-point answer verbally.

What Should you Ask?

You want to provide most of the information in an interview, but it is supposed to be a two-way communication. A recruiter would not be impressed if you left an attitude that you already knew everything there was to know about the organization.

Interviewers will expect you to ask questions about various aspects of the position and company. At the same time you are asking a question, though, it is possible to be telling the interviewer what you already know.

Preface your questions with comments related to what you already know. Ask them to expand on what you have already read. This lets them know that you are sincerely interested. You have done some homework already.

Most of your questions will relate to the assignments, advancement, and more detailed information on the company. You may focus on training, travel, and specific duties. You may ask about advancement policy, timing of promotions, geographical moves, appraisal criteria, and so on. One impressive approach is to locate recent news about the organization and ask for more detailed information about trends this might suggest.

What Not to Ask

One question on your mind is likely to relate to pay. You want to know what the employer thinks you are worth.

There is a time and place for salary questions. The initial interview is not normally the proper place to ask these questions. Wait until you perceive a strong sincere interest in the employer before you bring up salary.

It normally will not come up until there is a positive indication by the employer that you are the right job candidate. Be prepared for the question, but don’t initiate it.

INTERVIEW RATING FORM

Some important questions to ask yourself. (Give yourself 10 points for every “yes”)

1. Where you on time?

2. Did you establish rapport with your interviewer(s)?

3. Were you able to contain or otherwise deal with your nervousness?

4. Were you dressed appropriately?

5. Within the interview context, did you positively relate your strengths and your accomplishments?

6. Did you ask the kind of questions that prove you understand the employer’s needs?

7. Did you answer most of the questions without trouble?

8. Did you display interest in the job?

9. Did you get all the information you needed when you left?

10. Do you know the next step in the selection process?

Write a few paragraphs summarizing your performance.

What do you think was the interviewer’s impression of you?

What are you most proud of?

How did your research help?

What else could you have done better to prepare yourself before the interview?

Generally, how could you have improved this interview? (specify some of the ways)

INFORMATIONAL & FORMAL INTERVIEW RECORD FORM

(Cannastra, et. al., 1982)

Before the Interview:

Company: _________________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________

Telephone Number: _________________________________________________

Travel Instructions: _________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

Time: ______________________Date: _________________________________ Person to See: _____________________________________________________

Referred to Company by: ____________________________________________

After the Interview:

Interviewed by: ____________________________________________________

Title: _____________________________________________________________

Type of Company: __________________________________________________

Title of Position: ___________________________________________________

Salary Discussed: ___________________________________________________

Positive/Negative Feelings: ___________________________________________

Notes:

Follow-Up:

What is the next step? _______________________________________________

Additional Information in Thank you Note/Email: _______________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Sent Letter/Email: ________________Date: ___________________________________

Contacted you with Decision: _______________________________________________

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