Best Practices for Interviewing
Effectively
Sell yourself, but do
some shopping of your
own
Behavioral Interviewing
Past Behavior = Future Behavior
Employ the S.T.A.R. or S.H.A.R.E
Methods
S
• Situation you were in
T
• Task(s) you had to accomplish
A
• Action(s) you took
R
• Result(s) of you action(s)
Focus on the Positive
S
•Situation you were in
H
•Hindrances you encountered
A
•Action(s) you took
R
•Result(s) of you action(s)
E
•Evaluation of result(s)
Evaluate the Negative
Identifying the Models
1. Tell me about a time when you took initiative
to make something better when no one
asked you to.
2. Tell me about a time when you were not
successful in achieving a goal you set and how
you managed it.
TIPS FOR ANSWERING QUESTIONS
EFFECTIVELY

Expand answers, avoid yes and no…give details
 Tie in strengths to jobs and activities
 Weaknesses - go full circle. How did you learn from this?
 If stumped, ask for a few seconds to think
 Avoid verbal graffiti (um, yeah, like, gonna, kinda, etc)
 Convey sincerity and enthusiasm
TIPS FOR PROPER PREPARATION

Practice! Schedule a mock interview

Plan your interview attire early and arrive
properly dressed and groomed


Keep all appointments. If you must cancel, call as
early as you can, gracefully apologize, and followup appropriately
Arrive early – bring extra copies of your resume
and cover letter in a portfolio

Be assertive and honest

Speak slowly and clearly

Ask questions at the appropriate time

Ask the interviewer for a business card and followup with a thank you note as soon as possible