Unit 2: During the Interview
Unit 2 delves into strategies for interview success, focusing on understanding the interviewer's expectations and presenting oneself as the ideal candidate while also considering objectives for the role and organization. This unit offers insights into various interview formats, including phone and AI interviews. Additionally, it discusses two main types of interview questions: behavioral and situational. Behavioral questions prompt drawing on past experiences, such as resolving conflicts or implementing innovative solutions. In contrast, situational questions challenge with hypothetical scenarios relevant to the job, such as managing tight deadlines or navigating team disagreements.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 1 hour.
Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- describe different types of job interviews, such as competency-based interviews;
- differentiate between behavioral and situational interview questions;
- describe how the STAR technique showcases relevant skills and experiences;
- list standard interview questions, such as "Can you tell me about yourself?";
- describe the difference between legal and illegal interview questions in the United States;
- describe effective strategies for closing an interview, such as expressing appreciation for the opportunity;
- identify effective techniques for conducting technology-based interviews, such as testing equipment beforehand; and
- describe effective post-interview follow-up activities, such as sending a thank-you note.
2.1: Job Interview Methods
This article discusses the specific objectives of interviewers, whether traditional one-on-one interviews, panel interviews, or behavioral interviews. It gives examples of questions tailored to each interview format, which will help you prepare for many situations you may encounter in your job search.
This article offers practical strategies for preparing for phone and webcam interviews. Despite the format differences, the interviewer seeks the same information as in a face-to-face interview. Maintaining good posture and body language is crucial, even in a virtual setting, to leave a positive impression.
This video will help you prepare for a phone interview. It starts with common interview questions and then offers tips on handling unexpected questions and maintaining professionalism throughout the conversation.
In video and AI interviews, you interact with a computer or AI program rather than a person. You will need to know how to present yourself effectively on camera and navigate a variety of virtual platforms.
2.2: Behavioral vs Situational Interviews
In this video, gain insights into behavioral questions, which are interview-type questions prompting discussion about situations where you worked in a team, demonstrated leadership, resolved conflicts, or managed failure. For instance, "Can you tell me about a time when you had to resolve a conflict in a team?" The presenter suggests utilizing the STAR technique to articulate the response effectively, which involves sharing a story about a specific situation, detailing actions taken, explaining actions, and discussing outcomes, including any positive results or lessons learned from the experience.
Explore situational-based interview questions in this video. It focuses on case interviews, which evaluate the capacity to think critically, address complex problems, and communicate effectively, especially under pressure. For example, a business scenario or problem to analyze is given, and analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills are demonstrated by discussing thought processes, asking pertinent questions, and presenting recommendations logically.
This article presents several common open-ended interview questions, which require detailed responses rather than brief ones. For example, "Describe a role where you were least effective and why." Take some time to answer a few of these questions. Practicing will help enhance interview skills.
Explore practical strategies for answering "Tell Me About Yourself" in this video. It provides tips such as starting chronologically in your career and emphasizing results and job-related topics, such as discussing how your current actions align with your career goals, avoiding personal information, keeping responses concise, and aiming for about two minutes per answer.
In this video, discover valuable tips for answering the question, "Why Should We Hire You?" The speakers suggest providing three reasons why the company should choose you, focusing on what sets you apart and why you're an ideal fit for the role. Additionally, they emphasize the significance of tailoring your answer to match the company's needs and the job requirements.
This article outlines the questions potential employers in the United States are permitted and not permitted to ask. For instance, inquiries to determine if applicants are aged 40 or older are restricted under the Fair Inquiry Guidelines established by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. These guidelines protect against discrimination when hiring individuals from certain protected groups.
As the interview nears its end, leaving a solid impression is crucial. In this video, explore effective tactics for concluding an interview, such as showing enthusiasm and asking questions. For instance, you might ask, "When can I expect to hear back from you, and when would be a good time to follow up?"
2.3: Following Up after an Interview
This insightful article from HR Bartender examines the follow-up step by analyzing a compelling question a reader poses. Part of the question inquires whether it's okay to send the interviewers a second email follow-up two weeks after sending the first. After reading this article, refer to the Interview Checklist in Unit 1.1 for follow-up guidance.
Handling a job interview rejection can be challenging, but maintaining professionalism is crucial for continuing the job search. This video explores steps to navigate a job interview rejection. One valuable suggestion is to seek feedback if the employer is willing to offer insights into why one wasn't selected. The video explains that constructive criticism can serve as a valuable tool for growth, helping identify areas for improvement in future interviews.