Well for this week, we will be continuing with the topic of interviewing. Last week there was a bit of a delay in the posting of Blog #8, that was our fault, and on behalf of the capstone8, its great students, I apologize. So, Professor Spraker created a post that outlines a number of steps that you will need to do including logging on to (www.perfectinterview.com/ucf/). Also, Amanda posted some interesting points and questions as well. So, for this week, we will simply continue from last weeks postings. Thank you, good luck!
-Ben DiBiase
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I posted this week's responses on Ms. Spraker's post from last week.
ReplyDeleteGail Weinstein
Well, since I've already posted my response to the online interview, I'll just answer the questions found on webcourses. The best way to handle an interview is preparation. There are standard questions that are usually asked and if prepared for, can make a huge difference. There are many different websites that tell you what some of the standard questions are. Knowing what will be asked of you, gives you a better chance of getting the position or accepted. The best way to answer some of these standard questions is to be completely honest. DO NOT LIE. I dont know this from experience but I've heard of students who lie during their interview for grad school and get caught, which resulted in their rejection from that school. I know that when I get nervous my brain can't think as well as it normally does, so I try to find a way to relax before so I wont come off as being nervous and feel cornered to lie. Honesty is really the best policy :)
ReplyDeleteIn my past, I did have phone interviews for numerous jobs. This may seem less intense because there is no eye contact but it really isn't. In my opinion, having a phone interview may be worse because you get easily distracted from focusing on the conversation. For example, I remember I was being interviewed on the phone last year the same time the Tyra show was on. Was I giving this interview my 100% undivided attention? No. Luckily, I didn't give that impression to the man who later became my boss haha. However, some people may prefer the phone interview because there is no eye contact. As for a panel interview, these are the worst. I have yet to experience this but Ive heard horror stories. All I can say about this one is first impressions last a lifetime. I've been told, when going in for a grad school interview, I need to wear a business suit and look professional. Even though this isn't how I dress everyday, this is something I have control over to help me get in to grad school, so my recommendation for panel interviews is to remain calm and dress professional.
ReplyDeleteWhen a person is being interviewed for a job, salary is clearly something on their mind, unless this job is to volunteer. I feel as though the topic of salary should be left for the end of the interview. This may be something to be discussed after the interview because the person got the job. But if curious, I would wait until the end of the interview to bring it up because for some reason I feel it's more professional to wait. Discussing salary before even starting the interview could just be a waste of time because you dont even know if you will get the job or even want it after the interview. I personally don't discuss something in an interview unless I'm asked first.
ReplyDeleteAfter doing the interviews last week, I can see how the perfectinterview.com may be useful to some people. Personally, I would rather talk to a real individual because I believe it would better prepare me. Either way, the online interview is a good tool to jump start thinking about possible questions that may arise. I liked the randomization and the realistic questions. Having them asked through a video also helped to create a more lifelike experience. So overall, even though a real person would be better to practice with, this online service is a useful tool to prepare for an interview.
ReplyDeleteJoanna Goldonowicz
I agree with Leeron, the best way to prepare for an interview is practice. It's important to see what works well for you. There are many resources available for us as students to practice prior to the actual interview. If you're looking for something online I think the website we used is a good tool. If you work better in a live situation with a real person, the Career center on UCF's main campus is a great place to go. I personally know one of the advisors and she was telling me how students come in all the time for mock interviews. Personally, I would prefer going in and actually practicing with a real person because he/she can give me feedback on all my forms of communication. Now that I am more informed on this resource I may use it.
ReplyDeleteJoanna Goldonowicz
Leeron-
ReplyDeleteYou give great advise for someone who is about to go in for a first time interview. You're right about not wanting to lie and just preparing the best you can. After all, wouldn't you want to hire an honest person for your job openning? Thanks for all your great tips.
Lauren Larson
I am a firm believer in the phrase "actions speak louder than words," and with interviews I think that this phrase holds especially true. At the YMCA I work for, I have helped with camp counselor interviews. Being on the interviewer side of the picture has taught me to look for specific things. Posture, interaction, and genuineness are just some of the things employers look for in potential employees. I learned that employers look to hire people that are good spirited and can handle difficult situations. I believe that by being open both in body language and conversation will help you as you tackle that interview.
ReplyDeleteJoanna Goldonowicz
I realize this is late, I just noticed that there was a part two as I posted my comment to Sprakers as well. I would just like to mention my experiences with interviews as I have been through a few over the years. When I have an interview, I usually write down all questions and concerns about the position and company before hand. This does help me feel more prepared however I sometimes do feel that anxiety just before it begins. The best advice I have for any new commers to this dreadful moment is BREATH, review your notes, check body language and smile with plenty of eye contact, also resighting something positive (inside voice. This will begin your interview on the right track and keep you in the right frame of mind.
ReplyDeleteApril Dilio
Two very important details to interviewing with success is reviewing your resume before the interview and preparing for any possible questions that might arise. I found the perfectinterview to be helpful with some of the challenging questions they sometimes ask, even if they bring something up that is your weak point, always put a confident spin on your answer.
ReplyDeleteConcerning pay, I was always told not to bring up salary unless they ask. Often they will not bring it up until the 2nd interview, by then they are interested and may consider your request.
Man, I tell you that is the toughest of all...the pay issue!
ReplyDeleteIf you wait til they bring it up...it may not happen until the job offer and by then you may have invested a lot of your time, energy and emotions on getting the job.
If you bring it up too early, you may appear that money is the only issue for you and you will leave them if you get a better offer after they have trained you.
Know that whenever you see a salary range, you should always expect that your offer will be a the left hand side of that range. Usually, (and particularly true for large companies and government agencies), you are going to start out at the bottom no matter what. You may move up quicker, based on your experience and skills, but a range is usually given to express how much someone at the highest level could expect to max out at....it isn't what they might pay you on starting out.
As you may know, I am currently working in a job that I held 32 years ago. I am very skilled and my offer....the left side of the pay range. The department head said she was sorry, but that was all she could offer and my response (because I wanted the job and the benefits are terrific and really make up for the pay loss) was to say...yes, I would like more, but I will just have to work hard and convince you that I am worth it at review time. We'll see how that works out!
Gail Weinstein
I like to think that I am pretty familiar with the interview process, but I never fail to be nervous. To be honest, even though I am nervous and feel like I may not do EXCEPTIONALLY well, I have never felt like I will not get the job, til this day I have. I remember Gail mentioning that she would do little things to test the applicant in a hidden way, I just rememebered that I have been too, kind of. I had an interview with Lexus and he said he likes to talk to the person to hear their enthusiasm, and he liked how I sounded, and thats how I got my interview. This shows me you have to be on point at all times.
ReplyDeleteLeeron,
ReplyDeletePersonally have never done a panel interview. As far as the phone interview I have had a few, but most were kind of "pre" interviews. In my opinion phone interviews are a lot less intense, the only thing I have to worry about is the one of my voice and how I and how I answer the question. I'm not worried about my attire, my handshake, if I was early enough, nothing. A panel interview, oh no, I would die. More than one person to impress must be the most stressful situation, but if you are a people person it shouldn't be so bad.
I was reading a page about dressing for success. Ever since high school I have wondered why certain things are so specific. I ws told back in high school that open-toed shoes could be offensive to some people, which I found interseting. Why does a suit have to be black or navy? Why does your hair have to pulled back? Mostly everything makes sense, but some of them I feel like is really specific, and I just want to know is it along the same reasoning as no open-toed shoes?
ReplyDeleteFelicia:
ReplyDeleteYou may be able to get away with open toed shoes (but I wouldn't recommend it for the corporate environment) but you must, must, must wear hose (ladies only...men wear socks!!!!). Bare legs are always unacceptable interview attire.
The suit (blue or black) is a bow to conservative attire, always a safe bet...suits don't wrinkle or crinkle as badly as other clothing options...but they must be dry cleaned every time before use! Also blue/black makes the shoe choice easier.
Now on to the hair...this is good info for all business situations...and personal ones as well. A person's eye is drawn to wear your hair ends...if your hair is shoulder length or longer, it is best to (in conservative) situations, wear it up or pulled back...that way your interviewer's attention will be on your face...where you want it to be. A side note...often long hair is seen (especially by the guys in the corner offices) as youthful...something you may want to de-emphasize early in your career.
Hope this is helpful!
Gail Weinstein
Oh, by the way...panel interviews are GREAT...they allow you to make connections (via eye contact)with more than one person in the room...you increase your chances of impressing someone. Just make sure to vary your glances, don't "leave" anyone out and try to engage with as many members of the panel as possible. It really can take the heat off!
ReplyDeleteAnd the thank you .... (of course you write one) is sent to the person calling the interview (and/or the highest in seniority person on the panel)and the interview panel (or mention in the body that you wish to thank the members of the panel for their time...
Gail Weinstein
Leeron,
ReplyDeleteI agree with the fact that it seems professional to ask about salary after the interview, but I think it is also important to remember that you have to know what your getting into. It seems like you need to find some sort of understanding so that both you and the employer know what to expect. That makes sense that you wouldn't discuss certain issues in an interview, but I think it is important show the employer you are engaging and and emotive, rather than just stoic and sitting still. But, I could be wrong, I guess I',m just a chatty person! I have also been embarrassed to ask about salary, but usually it comes up, and it is a really important point.
-Ben
Gail,
ReplyDeleteThanks for all of that wonderful advice, I will certainly keep that in mind. I was always told not to wear a black suit unless it was an intervew at a funeral home. I always wear blue or grey, they just seem business-ish! If that makes any sense! I have never been to a panel interview, but I did have to defend my thesis in front of three people, and it really does take the pressure off when you can move from one person to the other. Also, they tend to feed off of each other's questions, and agree with each other. It does help. I will definately keep this in mind. Thanks.
-Ben DiBiase