Go to http://www.perfectinterview.com/ucf/ and create an account with UCF Career Services, then tailor your unique interview based on your skills, background and position type. Be sure to take advantage of all of the interview tools available, such as, recording and playing back your responses, using the coach tool, and viewing the example responses in order to help you improve for the next time. Happy Interviewing!
Discuss the results of your interview practice with the group.
- What did you learn about yourself?
- How has this activity helped you prepare for a real interview?
- Discuss the best ways to answer standard and non-standard interview questions
- How should phone interviews and panel interviews be handled?
- When should you discuss salary?
******Don’t forget to also comment on at least two other posts!*****
-What did you learn about yourself?
ReplyDeleteNot to sound arrogant, but I’m not sure if I learned anything new about myself from this exercise. Most likely it is because I have taken interviewing seminars and classes with the component built in. I’m not going to say I have the most perfect interviewing skills because even with practice it is far different in my opinion when you go into a real life interview because the butterflies in my stomach come out do to the nature and level of importance involved. But practice isn’t a bad idea and still helps so that one can calm the nerves.
-How has this activity helped you prepare for a real interview?
I can’t stay that this activity has personally helped me much in the world of interviewing but I do believe it helps many others. Not everyone has had my opportunities of working on interviewing techniques so this is a great tool for them to have access to and be able to begin the practice in the comfort of their own homes. As I said before, the butterflies may still come out during a real interview but they wont necessarily come out in the hundreds is you are more prepared through the practice of interviewing.
~Joy Perez
You are so LUCKY! I was recently watching a show on MTV where this girl was trying to clean her life up and was super smart and had amazing potential, but she had never been to an interview in her life and wasn't even sure what to wear. Though this may seem extreme, there are a lot of people out there who just haven't done it yet. I can only imagine some of the tips you've learned at those seminars that set you above the rest. What was something really helpful you learned from those seminars and classes that you haven't already discussed that really surprised you? Have you utilized what you learned in an interview yet? I'm really interested in attending something like that because I am FAMOUS for being nervous beyond belief right before something important like that!
Delete@ Heather Austin
DeleteI know one tip that didnt really surprise me but it was something I never really thought of in-depth… You should be a little personal, rather then a cold, text book, reciting lines like a robot but of course there is a level to maintain and do get "too personal". The term “too personal” varies from situation to situation and person to person. You have to learn how to read someone and do your research on your interviewer before entering. “Too personal” might be talking about your children, because this might make a person think that you are to busy in life for a job of this high level stress and work, but then again for other jobs such as teaching it might mean you have good experience with children and have already learned patience with little ones. That is how it can vary for situations, and for persons it can be as simple as, you may want to avoid talking about your amazing time and how amazing it was going to Harvard if your interviewer went to Yale…but if they went to Harvard, this can be a good bonding subject. My brother beat out a lot of guys for his current job because he did his homework and found out that one of the CEO’s (who was his interviewer) not only went to the same college as him but was in the same fraternity, so he made sure to find a time to bring that up and show it on his resume.
~Joy Perez
Joy,
DeleteI don't think you are arrogant; I think you are honest and experienced in the matter. You have an advantage by having taken seminars and classes on interviewing techniques. And you just reminded me that these things are offered for free to military families, so I should certainly take advantage of them.
~Sara Lopez
@ Joy
DeleteYou have an excellent point! It may seem obvious but I feel that is something a lot of people overlook, and you posting that is a nice, friendly reminder of how important it is and to not forget it! Thank you for sharing ;-)
-Discuss the best ways to answer standard and non-standard interview questions
ReplyDeleteThe best way to answer any question is truthfully. If you lie, it may come back to bite you in the butt (remember that). But other wise simple turn of phrase can help sometimes.
Standard questions, you may not want to repeat back ever one in your answer because it may come off more like a parrot mocking then an individual response. Make sure your answer stands out the best from everyone else; start of with your strongest response to help make you memorable. Making one’s self memorable is the key in a good interview.
Non-standard questions- here is where you may want to repeat the question back, just to make sure you not only heard them right but you understood what was asked. Sometimes interviewers may even help elaborate upon the question when they hear it back them selves. Never be afraid to ask questions, ESPECIALLY if you are confused. Same answer style still applies though; put your best foot forward and show your strongest points first and where possible feel free to associate anything that may relate to your interviewer. If you are going for a music position and see that the interviewer has a marching band picture on the wall, and you also were in marching band. Find the appropriate time to interject the comment so that you can peak their interest and give them something to remember you by. It is always a wise idea to research your interviewer before coming in, when ever possible.
~Joy Perez
@ Joy
DeleteI can’t agree with you more on the honesty policy :)
I still can’t believe how people lie and not expect to get caught in that lie. At my place of work I see it all the time. People are getting hired based on their “experience” but when they are put to the test they fail miserably. And these same lying people are not entry leveled employees I’m talking high up execs… its baffles me. Its like come on people just be HONEST!!
~Zenya Moreira
@ Joy
DeleteI love how you start by saying you should answer truthfully. It shows that you have good morals and sometimes in a professional setting that can be hard to come by (depending on the field). I remember a movie I saw once (I think it was courageous), where a man was called in to interview for a management position (meaning he would be moving up the ranks). This position would mean a lot to him and he would be able to better support his family. At the end of the interview they handed him a piece of paper and asked him to count the shipment coming in the next day, but they asked him to lie about the number. He thought all night about it and decided to do the right thing and told his boss that he could not lie and that it was not morally correct, thinking this would cost him the promotion. It turns out that this was actually a test and when he decided not to lie the boss reached out and shook his hand and said that he was the man he was looking for. Apparently there were many before him who agreed to lie and were fired. This is just one example of how important the truth can be in an interview.
I also like how you brought up to find a commonality between you and the interviewer. It shows that you have interests outside of work and know how to connect with people. And what's funny, what that reminds me of, is the number one skill majority of companies look for in employees, and it's ironically the number one thing most college students lack; communication skills. Learn how to be a good communicator and be confident doing it and interviews will be a piece of cake!
-Tori Bernard
-How should phone interviews and panel interviews be handled?
ReplyDeleteAll interviews should be handled professionally. Give whom ever is speaking to you, your full attention, especially on the phone. Do Not be on your computer or laying in bed, or especially, do not have the TV on. You should go to a quite room, preferably (if you have one at home) an office/work area. Make sure if you are using a cell phone (land line preferable but not necessary) to have your charger plugged in and ready in case the conversation runs to long for your battery. Prepare you self ahead of time if you are aware of the interview time. Call ahead and tell anyone who normally contact you during that hour, that you will be unavailable, but if someone calls, just hit ignore; do not answer another call during a phone interview unless it is an emergency.
In a face to face panel interview, Turn Off Your Phone! Do Not put it on vibrate. Everyone can still hear it if someone calls, just turn it off.
Basically, all interviews should be treated the same
1. Full attention
2. Phone off
3. Come prepared
4. give eye contact to whom ever is speaking to you (if applies)
5. Dress professionally
a. Closed toe shoes
b. Appropriate length bottoms
c. Not too low cut of a shirt
d. No mid-drift
e. Clothes, hair, and body, Clean and fresh
f. Hair out of face (Professional cut and styles)
g. Clean shaven (if applies)
h. Nothing too loud, but a bit of color as compared to all black does help. This is an interview not a funeral =)
(Even on the phone, don’t wear P.J.s it might affect your state of mind, try at least casual wear, but of course you do not have to do the full hair and makeup, but primp for the attitude you want to portray.)
-When should you discuss salary?
Salary is a tricky subject. For many jobs, doing your research should help provide a good “guess-timate” for salary base, but if not….
If this is a job with multiple interviews, then I would suggest to wait until you are called back for a second interview, otherwise…
It is best to judge the situation and see if the interviewer brings up the topic first. If it looks like they are not going to engage in that topic then find a place where it is correlated to work its way into your time for questions. Make sure to sell your self but allow yourself time at the end for your own questions to the interviewer. This time can be were you insert such questions. You can relate a salary question to an area where work hours are discussed.
~Joy Perez
Joy,
DeleteIt sounds like you have quite extensive experience in this area and you provided excellent suggestions. You make some great observations about how being in the real situation can cause a lot of jitters that might have not been there in a practice run. I, on the other hand, found myself much more nervous than I thought I would be with the mock interview, so I found it really helpful to tweak my responses and play back my responses.
You also gave a great suggestion about when to discuss salary. It can be awkward and send a bad message about you if you blurt out that subject out of context, so addressing when other housekeeping topics like work hours are discusses is a great tip.
Lauren :-)
I like your idea of not wearing PJs during a phone interview! You definitely want your outside to parallel what you're feeling on the inside: confident, well put together, professional, and outgoing. On a sort of related note, I recently discovered that news casters that you see on the evening news sitting at their desk reading their reports looking all professional in front of the camera are often only partially dressed! They are suited up from the waste up, and comfortable in jeans or shorts from the waste down. I found this hilarious and intriguing for some reason, maybe because it's pretty ingenious and I can imagine what they look like out from behind the desk. Still, they maintain a great poker face on camera because what CAN be seen portrays the image they want everyone watching to see. Just thought all that was kinda interesting ;-)
DeleteJoy,
DeleteThese are great tips about how to handle a phone interview. I would even suggest sitting in a dinning chair or office chair, not the sofa or a comfy chair. I know I sound differently when I sit on the couch to talk on the phone. I've had people ask if I was sleeping, when I was just sitting back in my puffy couoch; guess I sound very relaxed.
~Sara Lopez
@ Joy,
DeleteYou have listed a lot of good pointers. As a former hiring manager, I could not believe the kinds of stuff people would wear to a interview. Part of is that many people either don't know the not to do's or have never had a former training on what to do. It's important to have good hygiene and to dress for success. You really gotta walk in there like you know this jobs is yours. Dressing for success can and will improve your chances.
--Sandy Cilliac
Joy, thanks for the tips on the salary subject and how to come to an interview! Salary is very important for us, but asking about it too soon might make us seem eager about how much were going to get paid. Personally, I agree with you on how to act, dress for an interview. It's so important showing a responsible image through how you dress becuase that's the first thing the interviewer notices.
DeleteThe most important things one can attain for interviewing:
ReplyDelete1. Come Prepared - which relates to doing your research, and practicing
2. Be and look professional
3. Relax!!!!!
~Joy Perez
Q: What did you learn about yourself? How has this activity helped you prepare for a real interview?
ReplyDeleteA: I’ve haven’t really been subject to many interviews but after reviewing the suggested example responses, I found that my answers where not that far off. This site definitely helps get you prepared by giving you that practice you need. Especially with the playback options you can work on your tone of voice making sure you’re not rushing through it etc. This is definitely a great tool to keep in hand.
Q: Discuss the best ways to answer standard and non-standard interview questions.
A: The best way to answer any question whether its standard or non-standard you should always make sure you are answering honestly. You should think about the question and provide an appropriate response, one that is based on your background and skills. You do not want to go into a lengthy explanation/story but rather make your answer focused and purposeful to the position you are applying for.
Q: How should phone interviews and panel interviews be handled?
A: Regardless what kind of interview it is just make sure you are prepared. Do your research and get familiar with the company and industry. You want to make sure you are prepared to answer any questions regarding your background and skills. Have a paper and pen in hand to write down notes. If you are going to have a phone interview make sure the phone you are using is working and you can hear the person clearly. The last thing you want to do is tell them you can’t hear them or asking them to repeat themselves. Best bet would be to find a quiet room with a door. Also make sure to never answer your call waiting. As for panel interviews, I’ve never experienced it. I could only imagine how nerve-racking that would be. I would suggest that you just relax and focus on the questions that are being asked. Make sure you give eye contact especially with the person asking the questions.
Q: When should you discuss salary?
A: The best time to talk about salary would be when they are telling you they want to hire you for the job. If you get into salary to early in the game I think it could possibly hurt you because you haven’t given them the chance to “fall” for you completely. So if they bring it up try changing the subject politely. If you find you cant I would be honest about the figure you want. Like I said earlier just be prepared and make sure you researched what the going salary is for the position you are applying for.
~ Zenya Moreira
Hey Zenya,
DeleteI have done allot of interviews, and the best advice I could give you is to be yourself. On an interview, ask questions about the job. This shows that you are interested and that you are taking the interview seriously. I have always gotten a job because I would ask questions. If you show confidence in yourself and the interview, I feel that you will have the job.
Best of luck,
Sam
Zenya,
DeleteYou make an excellent point about how to answer questions about background and skills. You don't want to go into lengthy discussions about things that don't pertain to the job that you are applying for which can make you seem like you do not completely understand the job that you are applying for. To add on to this same point; I think it is important to be in-tune with the interviewer's internal temperature (so-to-speak). If they seem uninterested; change it up. If their eyes are glazing over; changes are you are losing them. You have to almost anticipate what they want to hear while still remaining true to yourself. It is a balancing act of sorts.
Lauren :-)
• What did you learn about yourself?
ReplyDeleteI learned that if I had to go to an interview tomorrow I am most definitely not prepared for it. But then it has been at least 20 years since I had an interview.
• How has this activity helped you prepare for a real interview?
I think this activity can help me to some extent to break the ice. Even thought this was not in front of a real person, I got somewhat nervous, mostly because of not knowing how to effectively respond to some of the questions. I will absolutely be using this and practicing in order to get more comfortable with the process.
• Discuss the best ways to answer standard and non-standard interview questions.
I think all questions should be answered honestly and thoroughly, and without trying to embellish them. You should answer in complete sentences without being too wordy. Stay on topic and do not go off on tangents. I liked how in the interview exercise the applicant turned a potentially negative answer into a very positive sounding one when asked about weaknesses.
• How should phone interviews and panel interviews be handled?
I think they should both be handled in the same manner. They should both be handled professionally, and phone interviews should be handled as if the person was right in front of you. I think mannerisms and attitudes can be picked up in conversation without having to see body language.
• When should you discuss salary?
I think this could be the most awkward part of an interview. I think one should discuss salary when a position has been offered, or if during the interview the interviewer brings it up. One should also come prepared by doing some research on what the going salary for the position and the experience and skills you are bringing in.
~Sara Lopez
@Sara
DeleteYou are not alone in feeling unprepared for an interview based on the assignment. I feel the same way. It's also been many years since I sat in an interview as well. Fortunately, as students, we have an enormous amount of resources at our disposable that can really help us to be better prepared for the business world. Unfortunately, it hasn't seemed to help me in feeling comfortable in front of someone who is scrutinizing my every word and move. :-) Or at least, that's how I remember feeling.
I think you are right about being honest in an interview and staying on topic. I think for many people, getting wordy can really be a sign of nervousness.
@ Sara
DeleteI couldnt agree with you more that "mannerisms and attitudes are picked up on". I worked at a call center for a brief period in my life and let me tell you, the person on the other end of that call can defintley tell if you are not having a good day. The one thing that I have taken with me from that miserable place is to make sure you have a smile on your face when you are on the phone because it just makes your tone and demeanor better.
~Zenya Moreira
@ Sara,
DeleteDon't sell your self short. Employers look for someone who is well rounded. They know that interviews can be difficult for some people. The best advise I can have for you as some who is a hiring manager in the past is to, get plenty of rest the night before and to be yourself. People can see when you are fibbing or making stuff up. Also try to keep your words down to a minimal, because sometime saying to much is not good either.
Sandy
These are all really great tips for interviewing. I also recommend dressing one step above the dress code that the position requires. Being prepared and confident is one of the easiest and best things you can do for an interview.
DeleteErik Hempe
Sara, this was definitely a good way to help prepare yourself for a real life interview. Even though you haven’t been in an interview for a long time now I’m sure with researching you’ll just fine. If you are really dedicated with what you want to do which I’m sure you are, you’re going to be prepared and expect what will be asked.
DeleteIs our group off/ahead by one topic??? On monday #7 was open , and I responed but now I cannot get into it? and I know this week for grades we are supose to do topic 6 but I did that last week? and #7 corresponds with the subject matter of this weeks work in class, just as every topic has...I'm just a littlw confused as to what is going on and hoping I do not have to repost my comments...
ReplyDeleteSorry for posting it here, but I don not know how else to get ahold of any of the capstone students. I did email our teacher asking about this too...Please let me know, here is my e-mail if you'd like to get back to me...Thanks
Joy_Perez@knights.ucf.edu
Joy,
DeleteYour teacher has asked to have an extra week to complete this post. The next post for week 7 will be posted tomorrow around 4:30pm. I guess extra time can never really be a bad thing! ^_^
Hi everyone! I'm having trouble creating an account. When I click on http://www.perfectinterview.com/ucf/ it takes me to Outlook Web App to sign it, but I've never creating an account with Outlook Web App. Please help!
ReplyDelete*sign in
Deletemmmmm. not really sure. When I click on Create an Account, it only asks for first name, last name, and email address.
DeleteSorry, I don't know why that's happening to you.
Lauren :-(
Thanks though :)
DeleteWhat did you learn about yourself?
ReplyDeleteI learned how to reply to an answer in an effective way rather than just saying what comes to my mind first. I really like when I can see what I wrote for my reply because I was able to see how it really sounded. I believe I am capable of having a good strong interview reflecting on my experience.
How has this activity helped you prepare for a real interview?
This activity has given me an opportunity to really see how an interview goes and what some possible questions that might be asked are. All of the tools really helped me on being prepared for a good resulting interview. This makes good practice for me to ease up before an interview and not be so tense.
Discuss the best ways to answer standard and non-standard interview questions
Each question has its own way of being answered. Both standard and non-standard questions should be based on what kind of question it is. Some questions you only to need give a little of explanation and others need to be more elaborate. Depending on the question is when you determine the information the right information you’re going to say.
How should phone interviews and panel interviews be handled?
Phone interviews should be considered just as important as an in person interview. The only difference is that you will be talking on the phone rather than person to person. Both are extremely important. I consider phone interviews being more important that an in person interview because you can’t show the interviewer how professional you are or show how you professionally act. On the phone you have to express your answers in a way that show you are ready for the job and determined to show improvement.
When should you discuss salary?
I think salary should be discussed when you are sure that you definitely want the job and when you also know for sure that the interviewer is really interested. If you talk about salary then they might think the only thing you care about is how much you’re going to get paid and not really on the job description. Salary is a tricky subject to bring up. You don’t want to bring it up too early in the interview.