Hey Cornerstone students, Cristie here!
I hope you all had a good and restful Spring Break.
This week our topic is interview skills.
You will start by going on this website: http://www.perfectinterview.com/ucf/
Select a short interview and choose three question categories you struggle with.
You may choose to complete with a video capture but if you choose not to you must write out your answers.
After your interview click on "Review Saved Interviews." Select the "Share" button. E-mail yourself your interview and include the links in your posting.
For your posting:
Reflect on your interview. Did you find the questions challenging? What areas did you find problematic? What were you strengths and weaknesses in responses? What could you improve? Did you learn from the “Coach” tool?
Also share some advice that you have learned through your past interview experiences.
Here is some advice that I want to share with you:
<!--[if !supportLists]-->o <!--[endif]-->When going into a room for an interview ALWAYS knock before entering the room even if somebody has escorted you to the door where they are expecting you. Chances are this is your first test. Second give a firm handshake to everybody in the room and introduce yourself individually to each person.
<!--[if !supportLists]-->o <!--[endif]-->When dealing with a panel interview make sure you’re looking at the person directing the question but when answering the question make eye contact with the other interviewers. Be aware of your posture because every interviewer will be looking at you from different angle. Acknowledge everyone in the room during the interview the last thing you want is for someone to feel like they were invisible to you.
<!--[if !supportLists]-->o <!--[endif]-->When dealing with a phone interview first and foremost be aware of your surroundings. Make you are somewhere where you won’t be interrupted. Stay seated so you won’t be tempted to pace around the room, which can be heard on the other line of the phone. Be sure your phone has battery capability to last longer than the expected time. Lastly remember to close this is your time to sell yourself and secure a face-to-face interview.
<!--[if !supportLists]-->o <!--[endif]-->Salary talk, chances are your employers will mention a starting salary this is your time to speak up. The best way to go about this if it’s your first time is to ask if the salary is negotiable this is a low-pressure way to open up the discussion. Some companies are more likely to offer more money if asked but if you never ask then they will give you the rock bottom.
<!--[if !supportLists]-->o <!--[endif]-->Never forget a key component of a successful interview is a thank you note.
Be sure to look over another student’s posting and comment.
The question about having my old boss in the room was a bit hard to come up with something to say considering I worked part time with my old boss for 15 years and learned much from him, nor would I want to think that I was using him as a stepping ladder. Although he knew I had another business opportunity and endeavors I was pursuing. If I had to put a weakness it would be coming up with those types of answers on the drop of a dime. The coaching tool helped me get something started if I writers block or couldn’t think of a response but overall, I felt it was a good experience.
ReplyDeleteAdvice on other job interviews would be to always keep eye contact and be very firm with your answers and think before you speak.
Adam Kelley
I agree, it's fairly easy to come up with a response when you are typing it, but speaking right at the moment and on your mind under pressure it is a whole 'nother ball game. Especially since it's not very often you will find yourself in a setting where someone is drilling you with questions in any normal day. These things are definitely something that practice is needed beforehand if you want to leave a good impression.
DeleteI don't remember anything about my old boss's. Tell you the truth, I stayed clear from my boss and managers. Less they saw me the better. I just wanted to be a worker who stayed low and got my pay check. I think the more you put yourself out there, the more you get rapped into office politics. When a manager never hears your name come up, they typically like you more because they don't have to deal with anything. Some would argue this tactic, but it works for me.
DeleteTanveer Mia
Mia,
DeleteI sort of agree with you about flying low on the radar, but depending on the job you may want to go that extra mile and that sometimes involves putting yourself right in the middle of "office politics". What I mean is maybe you have something or an ideal that could save the company money, or better the quality, ect. But yea I can remember the days as a teenager when I would literally hide from my boss lol just because I didn't want to get stuck doing something I didn't want to like cleaning the bathroom's or something along those lines. But I totally agree with what you were trying to say.
Adam Kelley
Hey everyone!
DeleteI did the interview exercise and found it to be most helpful. I have had several interviews in the past and a few recently as I have been trying to work as an independent contractor doing online clerical work for clients.
I found the interview questions very helpful and not to confusing or challenging. I was a bit thrown off by the question regarding something about your former supervisor that you didn't like. I thought it was perhaps a trick question at first and I think I might have been a little bit right about that after watching the coaching response. It is hard to find fault with someone who did their job well and was a joy to work with everyday. I didn't know exactly how to respond to that but I tried to not say anything negative because I think that could reflect negatively on you when applying for any job. You don't want a prospective employer to think that you think you are above or better than those you worked with or will work with in the future. I think I did alright on the other responses as well. I am always nervous about interviewing for jobs but I think as I have gotten older and have more experience in jobs and interviewing that perhaps it is not as scary as it seemed it be in the past.
I think this was a good exercise and I will definitely be using it again to construct more interviews and practice my responses to fine tune any areas where I have weaknesses in. I picked areas I thought were weak areas for me in interviews but I seemed to feel more confident with them than I thought so I definitely think it will be beneficial for me to do some more and polish my skills with the other subject areas I did not choose.
http://www.perfectinterview.com/online/review_gateway.asp?id=3040976&type=standard
this is the link for my interview and responses.
My advice would be when you are in an interview make sure you toot your own horn, although not to loudly. A little bit of confidence on your part always seems to help the interviewer feel that you are knowledgeable about the job for which you are applying.
Always maintain eye contact with the interviewer and try not to wiggle around and seem uncomfortable although you might be very nervous this may come off in a negative light with a prospective employer.
Lorri Cowart
Tanveer,
DeleteYou said some would argue.... :)
I think it's important to stand out and UP! With so much competition these days, you have to provide your employer with a good reminder of your worth. I make sure I earn my paycheck and provide plenty of reasons for my employer to not regret signing my check. Employers cringe on payday. I want mine to to see me as an investment and an asset!
Heather Coleman
Lorri-
DeleteI agree with tooting your own horn. The whole point of the interview is to stand out. In the past, I have made a point to remember projects that I contributed on with the numbers in mind so when asked what I can bring to the table I can convert that to something employers understand- bottom line. It's important to have your horn tooting in mind so you can easily convert statements to dollars and create your own worth. It's very different to say "I'm a very hard worker" and "I am directly responsible for bringing in X amount of dollars due to my efforts at yada, yada, yada."
Heather Coleman
Heather,
DeleteI agree, it is important to stand out in a positive way. When it comes time for raises, promotions, evaluations, or even layoffs, you want your employer to know who you are and that you are a valuable asset to the company, what ever that may be. I understand not wanting to get involved in gossip, but definitely let them see what you are worth. I am not too good yet at the tooting my own horn, I have to get better at that.
Katina Bolton
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteLorri,
DeleteI know exactly what you mean about focusing on bad responses and how it affects the tone for the rest of the interview. You just have to remember to take a deep breath gather your thoughts and keep going. Don't let one response ruin the entire interview.
Post#1
ReplyDeleteHere is the link to my interview: http://www.perfectinterview.com/online/review_gateway.asp?id=3040924&type=standard
Did you find the questions challenging?
Not particularly, the questions I received were fairly basic. The hardest question to answer was definitely "tell me a bit about yourself". I never know what exactly they want to know so I just gave a general answer about what are my likes and dislikes. But it's a much deeper question than that I feel. So it's pretty difficult. This scene from Anger Management though sums up how I feel when answering these questions though perfectly.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-GV46SUcWs
What areas did you find problematic?
Nothing in particular was problematic except for the "tell me about yourself" question and finding something that I would like to change in my last job. It took me a little while to come up with something. I feel like these questions are trick questions when interviewers ask them because there is no real way to answer it in a positive way. Any question that says "what is the thing you would change about yourself" or "one bad habit that you have" or "what is your biggest weakness" are annoying to me because really no one is going to answer those honestly if they want a job. Just ranting at this point but I am serious at the same time. My opinion is these questions have no basis in an interview.
-Matthew Vickers
Matthew,
DeleteWhen I seen those questions in the video I thought the same thing to myself, who in their right mind would go and blow it with some absurd remark. Well sir I have a bad habit of stealing, and uh I lie a lot and you should see my house its a wreak because I'm a slob,lol. Some of them I thought were just a little to much but with the few interviews I have had I try and think of the questions I could be asked so I already have an answer, I may even already know my answer and just sit their and act as if I am pondering the questions depending on its nature. I would have to agree about the trick questions I myself as new people when I am about to higher them questions just to see how they respond and what type and tone of a response I got, so yea boss men or ladies like to throw out trick questions that's part of their ob to weed through the best of the best.
Adam Kelley
The trick to those type of questions is to make yourself look good through a fault. "I'm a perfectionist....I'm an overachiever....I'm a workaholic...." I have a hard time with those too because no matter which answer you give, you have to reveal a flaw with an up side that is more positive than negative. Sadly, many people don't know how to interview. When they are asked "tell me about yourself" they ramble on about their home life. I have always believed interviewing should be taught in a class in high school!
DeleteHeather Coleman
I see what you mean by the question "what is your biggest weakness?" or "what would you change about yourself?". Most people choose to anwser this with a positive flaw for example "my biggest weakness is am a perfectionist" or "I can't walk away from a project undone". Either way you choose answer it just be sincere beause in the end it will all come to light.
DeletePost #2:
ReplyDeleteWhat were you strengths and weaknesses in responses?
My strengths were definitely in the questions regarding my former boss, I know for a fact that she greatly appreciates my lifeguarding abilities and teaching new children how to swim. I have been working there for the past 3 summers so I feel I have a fairly strong recommendation there. My biggest weakness in my responses are listed above, namely the "tell me about yourself" and the second question about what I would like to change.
What could you improve?
I could improve in making my responses a little longer and expanding on a few things a little more. I feel my responses are fairly good but are somewhat short if I were to speak them. So that's one area I could improve as well.
- Matthew Vickers
Life guarding is a awesome job. I was a life guard in high school and it was the best summers ever. Teaching the little kids to swim was fun and so was saving them from drowning. I think jobs like life guarding are a good start for young adults into the work field. It is fun and stress free. I'm glad you enjoy your job.
DeleteTanveer Mia
The "tell me more about yourself" question is always tricky. How much should you say or not say? It's especially hard when that is one of the first questions a potential employer asks you. My boss told me (after I was hired of course) that she asks that question first to test confidence and composure under pressure. She also said that she chooses that question because many times people will reveal certain things about themselves that she couldn't necessarily ask outright.
DeleteAmanda Hofer
Post #3
ReplyDeleteDid you learn from the “Coach” tool?
I didn't really try it unfortunately, I didn't know we were supposed to use it. Sorry!
Also share some advice that you have learned through your past interview experiences.
I have only been through one interview in my past and it was fairly easy for my lifeguarding job. One thing I know is its very important to be kind and courteous and follow all the tips that are up on this page. Just by being nice you put yourself ahead of a lot of people. It's amazing how many people take the interview for granted even today. As long as you have a good head on your shoulders and can appear competent, you greatly increase your chances at getting the job.
- Matthew Vickers
Hello Matthew,
DeleteI agree with you. I think a lot of people do take the interview process for granted. I think it is important to be prepared and to be courteous. When I worked many years ago (before my 5 kids) I interviewed people 5 days a week. The ones that left an impression were polite and direct. They also made eye contact. The biggest thing for me was a firm hand shake. In my opinion it shows character and self-assurance. I think it's good you have a grasp on what is important in an interview.
Appearing competent, lol How do you do that?
DeleteI don't think a lot of people take interviews for granted. It is so hard to get a job nowadays, most people jump to the chance of a interview. I know I do. Even if I don't get the job, I feel like I learned something from the way I handled the questions. Looking good definitely helps though. Workout, stay fit and you would be surprised how easy it is to get a job.
Tanveer Mia
Haha sorry about the confusion the coach tool wasn't necessary. Just if you used it share a little bit about what you thought.
Deletehttp://www.perfectinterview.com/online/refer_send.asp
ReplyDeleteI did not find the questions challenging, but rather thought inclusive. I had to think about the answer I was going to give and make sure the response was to the point and not random blabber. I found the question about my GPA and class ranking problematic because I don’t see why that would be relevant to a job interview. If I wanted to get a job with my GPA, I would have done better in school. My strengths would definitely have to be my experience, as a business owner and a allied healthcare employee for 5 years. My weakness is definitely my GPA and class rank. I would improve my GPA, but it is too late, I graduate next semester. I definitely learned a lot from this practice interview. It is a great tool and I think I will use it again before a real interview to better prep myself. From my past interviews, I would recommend smiling and laughing a bit so it doesn’t seem you are too uptight. I didn’t get a job once because I looked too professional and not casual enough.
Tanveer Mia
I have read that employers often ask about your GPA specifically related to your courses in your major. I have never had this asked of me in an interview, but perhaps it is because I have not yet completed my degree. It makes perfect sense to ask about your GPA, especially if a candidate for a position does not have a lot of work experience. School would replace work history and your grades show how committed you were to doing well at school and is a clear indicator to how you would approach a job. If you did not have a high GPA you could always say something like it was a learning experience that I have grown from.
DeleteMary Cooley
I have never been asked my GPA or class ranking either. I honestly would not have any idea of my class ranking. GPA is one indicator of yourself and your work ethic but I believe there are more effective questions to ask in an interview other than your GPA. You want to know how a person can interact, communicate, and better your company, I dont believe you can get those answers by asking what your GPA is. That question is interesting to me.
DeleteCory Stoekel
http://www.perfectinterview.com/online/review_gateway.asp?id=3040944&type=standard
ReplyDeleteSome of the interview questions were challenging. It was uncomfortable to answer the question on how I would handle letting go 10% of my staff. This is something that no one wants to do, but unfortunately it has to happen from time to time. My strengths were due to my work history. I have worked for the same company for nearly 13 years without any issues. I am aware of my value to my company which makes me more confident in the interview process. My weakness is how to handle difficult situations at work. To be part of management you must learn how to sometimes make choices to better the business that may negatively affect an employee.
Mary Cooley
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteMary,
DeleteWow, I am glad I have never had that question about letting go some of your staff. I would not know how to answer that. I am not good with confrontation and would rather talk to them and try to work things out so they do a better job. I am glad you talked about that and I will have to get prepared to possibly answer questions like that in my future.
Cory Stoekel
Mary,
DeleteI do not envy your questions. Mine were fairly basic, and repetitive. I think I would have struggled as well with the concept of letting people go. Having that confidence is such a huge advantage in the interview process, it certainly showed in your answers. Your career choice sounds so interesting, and what a great reason to go to work everyday. Good luck to you.
Steven Bloom
I have not interviewed that many times but have had a terrible interview before and have had a very successful one. In the bad interview I was totally unprepared. I thought answers would naturally just come to me when questioned were asked - this was not the case. I realized how poor I was doing and it only got worse. It is hard to snap out of a bad response when you give one - I just kept thinking about the stupid thing I said and it affected the other responses I had. In the good interview I was very comfortable. I had a clear understanding of what the position was about and why I would be good at it. It was intimidating because it was a panel interview with four people. This also had some good aspects because I didn't have to impress just one person and it it felt more like a conversation than an interrogation. Well, kinda. :)
ReplyDeleteMary Cooley
Mary,
DeleteI was laughing to myself when reading about your bad interview because I have had it happen to me and it is just the type of thing that is so embarrassing you can't help but laugh at how ridiculous you must have sounded when responding and your response only got worse as you kept talking! I remember turning bright red and feeling my face get hot as I was babbling some off the wall response in an interview. And I think I would learn my lesson after that but I still for some reason think answers will just come to me naturally like you said. However, definitely not the case, you have to come prepared for interview, no doubt about it.
-Charlotte Haught
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI don't know why my comments keep deleting! I know what you're coming from. Just try to take a deep breath and gather your thought before responing so that way previous answers don't affect the entire interview.
DeleteMary,
ReplyDeleteI've been in the same position! I had the bad interview first and then the second one awhile after. Was that same situation for you? I feel like I learned from my mistake and that's why my second interview went better. ( I GOT THE JOB). I was more prepared and every question they gave I knocked out of the ball park. :)
-Kris
http://www.perfectinterview.com/online/review_gateway.asp?id=3040958&type=standard
ReplyDeleteAfter completing the interview I found out that I need to better prepare myself for job and school interviews. I was able to complete the questions effectively but I had to stop and think about the questions. If sitting in front of a manager and having to give my response right away I do not know if my answers would have been as effective. I found the question about unfairly criticized by my boss challenging because there is a fine line on what to say and what not to say. I have never had any bad experiences with my boss. My strength in the interview was being confident and being able to answer the questions truthfully and effective. My weakness would have to be that I was not prepared to give answers off the top of my head and I had to think about some for a few minutes. I clicked on the coach after I wrote a response because I wanted to see if my answers were based on what the coach had suggested. I was relatively close with what the coach suggested to do. An area I found problematic was when they asked to sell him the pen he was holding. I am not good at selling things to people or getting money out of people. I had a hard time with this question. I do not want a sales job.
I have done a few interviews for jobs in my life. Always over dress and feel confident when you walk in. Try to feel out the interviewer and a good tip that I did when I walked into his office was looked at his pictures. He had a picture of him and his kids on dirt bikes. With me growing up with a dirt bike, I was able to connect with him automatically and was able to get him on the interview subject and talk about dirt bikes for 20 mins.
Cory Stoekel
Hey Cory!!!
DeleteI have to say I completely agree with what you said. I have never had any bad experiences with my past boss either. In fact I had a similar experience when I first went to interview with him for the position. He didn't have any pictures of himself dirt biking but his name was Glenn and that was an immediate connection because my son is named Glenn and so was my grandfather. So right away we both felt at ease and comfortable with each other. We became family to each other and we worked together for five years at Hollywood Video in Winter Park. We remained friends even after they closed my store and in fact we are so close that he adopted my grandchild because my daughter was not able to raise the child herself. We are family now and always.
Recently I have been working part time as an independent contractor securing clerical work online by placing an ad on Craigslist. This is like presenting an interview in itself because you have to put your skills out there as well as yourself and a bit of your personality so that perspective clients can get a feel for what you are about. I did not however post my resume, instead opting to have prospective clients email me for my resume if they were interested. So far I only have the one client but it's a good experience and I am able to do work for her and dictation in my spare time while earning a little cash as well.
I am not any good at selling things either and have no desire to have a sales job of any kind. Although you sell things in a movie store, it is not the same high pressure sales techniques that so many sales persons employ when trying to make that sale.
Sounds like you have a good start on having some quality interviews with future employers. Best of luck to you.
Lorri Cowart
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteCory,
DeleteI think your interview went pretty well. A while back I was given a chance to interview for a management position and was given several scenario questions, along the lines of "tell me a time when..." I was told after the interview that I was well spoken, I had good posture, I seemed confident, but my responses were lacking a bit. This bothered me quite a bit, so I went home and did a little research. My search basically lead to what is essentially "game-plan" for your interview. Prepare a couple of situational stories that you can present to answer their questions.
One I have received twice now is "Tell me a time when you made a mistake. What did you do to resolve the situation? " This one can be a killer, and a little tip, don't be afraid to fess up in your scenario. They want to see that you own up to your mistakes, or so I've been told.
Steven Bloom
This was a great exercise. I struggled way longer than I should have to "Tell me about a time when you applied practical knowledge to solve a problem and improve the bottom line". I eventually came up with a fantastic answer but I would have been very uncomfortable in an interview sitting there with a blank look on my face and drool on my chin. The other question that got me was "what would you like to change about yourself". The coach tool did help but didn't give away the farm. Some of my answers felt "canned" though they were strong. I tried to make them feel personal, but I know how I am supposed to answer. I know that the correct answer to "what would you like to change about yourself" doesn't really get the answer of "I participate in way too much office gossip and tend to take Mental Health days". (I don't really, by the way. Gossip yes, mental health days, no.)
ReplyDeleteOne bit of advice....one time I was applying for a city job that I was very excited to get. The interview was going well with no hiccups. The interviewee asked me what my least favorite office chore was. I responded with "filing". Shortly after, the interview wrapped up. As I left the office, I reviewed the paper work again that I had with me and made some notes. It was then I realized the job was for a "file clerk". Do your research!!
Heather Coleman
I had questions that I couldn't have answered right on the spot without having some time to think through and write and erase as well. I definitely would have had a blank stare on my face like you said! Also, I think a lot of interview questions you know what your supposed to say because you know what they are are looking for. It's hard to answer while showing both your personality and what they are looking for .
Delete-Charlotte Haught
When I did this exercise I too struggeld with how to answer "tell me about (insert situaion about yourself here). I think thats a tough question that is asked to make you think so if you take some time to answer its fine.
Deletehttp://www.perfectinterview.com/online/review_gateway.asp?id=3041219&type=standard
ReplyDeleteI found the questions asked were not too difficult for me. My first question was if I had knowledge of software programs other than office and I realized that I only really know how to use Windows Vista and programs like PowerPoint, Word, and Excel. However I know that I can pick up on computer knowledge quickly so if a new program was taught to me I think I could understand stand it in a short amount of time. When asked my strengths, I hesitated and had to think for a little while. However, creativity always is the first thing that pops in my head when I think about myself. I also said perseverance and integrity. I chose these three things because they get me to my goals in life.
To be honest, I've never really had a job yet in my life and I'm 21 years old. I worked at the UCF bookstore for about 3 weeks as a temporary during rush (when students sell and buy textbooks for the next semester). I've also worked for my dad's office as a secretary during one summer. Other than that my jobs have not been paid. I do a lot of volunteering and I have held leadership positions in my dental club. The rest of my time is spent shadowing doctors, studying, and attending classes.
The more I grow up the more I feel like I'm lacking experience in the job field. I've never really had to have a job before, my focus has always been to be the best student I can be and focus on my education while my parents provide for me. I think I need improved business skills but when it comes to working in teams or dealing with people I've had experience with that even if it wasn't paid. I've also had experience with working beneath supervisors and it wasn't paid as well. So, when asked about salary in the interview I didn't really know how to respond.
-Charlotte Haught
http://www.perfectinterview.com/online/review_gateway.asp?id=3041176&type=standard
ReplyDeleteThe questions I received were pretty easy and a bit redundant. The most challenging question was the one about being unfairly criticized. I found the coach tool be useful for this question, and it was a good reassurance for the rest of my answers. In fact one coach tip was almost verbatim to my answer.
This was a great tool, and I will probably try a few more interviews. Which brings me to my tip, practice, practice, practice. Sit down with friends and family and have them grill you. You don't want to sound rehearsed, but it's better than being caught off guard.
Steven Bloom
All of your responses were great. You also had a lot of helpful advice to share with one another. I liked seeing our group communicate so well with one another :D
ReplyDelete