Interview Preparation Notes

Overview of Interview Preparation

  • General Context
    • Facilitator’s goal: Help students prepare for interviews through practical advice and experiences.
    • Emphasis on celebrating achievements in the upcoming last class with cake and awards.
    • Discussion of preparation methods for interviews and portfolios.

Interview Preparation

  • Key Activities Prior to Interviews

    • Practice Sessions
    • Importance of practicing interviews to build confidence.
    • Suggestion to use campus career services for mock interviews at any time.
    • Research
    • Conduct thorough research on the organization.
      • Understand the purpose, funding structures, and clientele.
      • Connect research findings to answers during the interview to demonstrate knowledge.

  • Preparation Essentials

    • Arrive early with necessary materials.
    • If needed, have a copy of the resume available digitally or physically.
    • Demonstrate thorough knowledge and preparedness akin to studying for an exam.

Personal Attributes During Interviews

  • Presentation

    • Display confidence through good eye contact and appropriate body language.
    • Dress in suitable business attire for the interview.
    • Ensure a professional background in video interviews, utilize Zoom features to customize backgrounds.

  • Attitude and Engagement

    • Maintain an authentic and enthusiastic demeanor.
    • Engage actively by using appropriate posture, nodding in agreement, and smiling.

Interview Process Insights

  • Types and Structure of Interviews

    • Each interview session typically lasts around ten minutes.
    • Be prepared for a variety of question types, including situational, behavioral, and stress-related questions.

  • Effective Responses

    • Ensure answers are well-structured and relevant to the interview question.
    • Avoid script-like responses; aim for natural conversation while discussing experiences.

Interview Questions

  • Common Question Types

    • Behavioral Interviews
    • Elicit responses detailing past conflict and resolution experiences.
    • Candidates should choose relevant and appropriate examples.
    • Situational Questions
    • Assess problem-solving skills: "What would you do if…?"
    • Example: Responding to a request for assistance when unfamiliar with a patient.

  • Stress Questions

    • Utilize unconventional or abstract scenarios to test candidate's composure and self-awareness.
    • Example questions might involve hypothetical situations (e.g., being miniaturized in a blender).

STAR Technique for Storytelling

  • Components of STAR Technique
    • Situation: Describe the context and background.
    • Task: Define the challenges faced.
    • Action: Explain the steps taken to address the situation.
    • Result: Highlight outcomes and lessons learned.
    • Focus on the setup of a story to draw the interviewer in and emphasize developmental experiences.

Post-Interview Strategies

  • Follow-Up

    • Send a thank-you note within 12 hours of the interview to express gratitude and reiterate interest in the position.
    • Remind candidates that the professional community is interconnected, and every interaction matters.

  • Peer Feedback and Continuous Improvement

    • Engage in peer-review feedback sessions to provide constructive critiques among classmates.
    • Employ the "sandwich technique" for feedback: start with positives, provide one area of improvement, and end with another positive.

Conclusion

  • Personal Reflection and Growth
    • Acknowledge the opportunity for learning and skill enhancement through the interview practice.
    • Preparation is key; the effort invested in practicing and understanding the interview process can significantly enhance performance and confidence in actual scenarios.