lecture recording on 03 March 2025 at 22.29.00 PM

Interview Process Overview

• Agenda Creation: Organize a comprehensive itinerary for candidates:

  • Meetings with various stakeholders: Dean, professors, directors, students, alumni, and staff.

  • Presentation Requirement: Candidates often need to deliver a presentation on a specified topic or their area of expertise.

Meal Interactions

• Role of Meals: Meals like lunch act as informal settings for candidates to:

  • Present their ideas and prospective projects.

  • Share their leadership style, values, and personal interests in a collegial manner.

• Tips: Use this time to connect personal anecdotes to the role for which you are interviewing.

Itinerary Preparation

• Advance Planning: Request the itinerary, names, and roles of individuals ahead of time if possible, though last-minute changes may occur.

  • Express appreciation for the information received.

Presentations and Writing Samples

• Tasks During Interviews: Candidates might be tasked with:

  • Preparing a presentation based on given prompts or topics of expertise.

  • Drafting memos on the spot to assess writing skills, structure, grammar, and thinking process.

  • Consider audience and professional tone in written assignments.

Desired Candidate Characteristics

• Key Qualities: Interviewers typically look for:

  • Interpersonal Skills: Collaboration and conflict management.

  • Personal Skills: Organization, confidentiality management.

  • Communication about Confidential Matters: Candidates should demonstrate awareness of what information is confidential and how to handle it responsibly.

Behavioral Competencies

• Assessment Techniques: Interviewers may evaluate:

  • Interpersonal soft skills and situational awareness, especially in scenarios involving confidentiality or legal obligations.

Pre-Interview Preparation

• Research: Candidates should:

  • Study the job description, mission, and hierarchy of the institution.

  • Prepare specific anecdotes connecting their experiences to the role.

• Timeliness: Arrive early and account for potential delays in travel.

Selling Yourself vs. Introducing Yourself

• Reframing: Rather than "selling yourself", think of it as presenting yourself to the company.

  • Highlight shared information and accomplishments relevant to the role.

Questions for Interviewer

• Closing Statements: Always prepare questions for the interviewer to engage in meaningful dialogue about the role and organization.

STAR Method for Response Preparation

• Behavioral Questions: Use the STAR acronym:

  • Situation: Describe the context related to the challenge you faced.

  • Task: Explain what you needed to accomplish and your level of responsibility.

  • Action: Detail the steps you took and alternatives considered.

  • Result: Share the outcome of your actions, emphasizing positive impacts and any learning experiences.

Situational and Hypothetical Questions

• CARE Method: When handling hypothetical questions, use CARE:

  • Consider: Identify key considerations.

  • Action: Define the action you would take.

  • Result: Anticipate results from that action.

  • Evaluation: Reflect on the possible outcomes and improvements.

Unusual and Puzzling Questions

• Answering Technique: Maintain composure and showcase thought processes rather than focusing solely on the answer.

  • Example questions: "What is your favorite 90s song?" or "Batman vs. Spider-Man: who would win?"

Addressing Inappropriate Questions

• Response Strategy: Redirect inappropriate questions to relevant details:

  • For age-related inquiries, respond focusing on professional experience instead.

  • If asked about children, pivot to your availability for the role.

Handling Uncomfortable Questions

• Preparation: Reflect and prepare professional answers to difficult queries regarding gaps in employment, weaknesses, or salary expectations.

• Salary Discussion: Research salary ranges for similar roles and discuss them openly while being flexible and realistic about what you expect.

Professional Appearance

• Dress Code: Ensure appropriate clothing is selected and prepared ahead of interviews:

  • Choose neutral, professional attire, minimal jewelry, and appropriate footwear.

• Hygiene: Maintain cleanliness and avoid strong fragrances.

Final Wrap-Up

• Post-Interview Actions:

  • Thank the interviewers for their time.

  • Send thank-you notes after the interview and reflect on personal performance.

  • Regular practice and feedback can enhance future interviews.