Chapter 9: During and After the Interview
Interview Stages
Lamarre, McClughan, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education
Canada. All rights reserved.
Stages of the Interview
• Pre-visit
• Greeting/Small talk
• Presentation of Company/Position
• Resumé Review
• Questions and Answers
• Closing
Lamarre, McClughan, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education
Canada. All rights reserved.
Chapter 9: During and After the Interview
Questions Asked During the Interview
Typical Standard Questions:
“Tell me something about yourself.”
“Why should I hire you?”
“What are your strengths/weaknesses?”
“How are you qualified for the position?”
“What are your long-/short-term goals?”
Lamarre, McClughan, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education
Canada. All rights reserved.
Chapter 9: During and After the Interview
Questions Asked During the Interview (cont.)
Typical Behavioural-Based Questions:
“Describe a time when you had to use your
best oral/written communication skills.”
“Tell me about a difficult problem/challenge you
faced and how you handled it.”
“Explain a role you filled as a group/team
leader.”
Lamarre, McClughan, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education
Canada. All rights reserved.
Chapter 9: During and After the Interview
Questions Asked During the Interview (cont.)
Typical Behavioural-Based Questions (cont):
“Describe a time when you had to adjust to
change.”
“Describe a time when you succeeded while
working under pressure.”
“Give me an example of a time on the job that
you showed initiative.”
Lamarre, McClughan, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education
Canada. All rights reserved.
Chapter 9: During and After the Interview
Proof Stories
Definition of a proof story:
“An effective technique for dealing with interview
questions, especially behaviour-based ones. A proof
story is a brief narrative that relates an instance
when a particular skill or trait was used. Proof
stories include background, action, and results
discussions.”
Lamarre, McClughan, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education
Canada. All rights reserved.
Chapter 9: During and After the Interview
Tips for Creating Proof Stories
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Try to create several stories for interviews
Don’t go into great detail in background
Don’t combine action and results
Try to create story based on one incident
At end of story, link back to trait proven
Use stories to prove your worth
Don’t overuse stories in interview
Lamarre, McClughan, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education
Canada. All rights reserved.
Chapter 9: During and After the Interview
Interview Questions for You to Ask
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General: asked to gain useful information for
decision making
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Defining: asked to help define hiring criteria,
can set up proof stories
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Controlling: asked to seek
answers to difficult questions
Lamarre, McClughan, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education
Canada. All rights reserved.
Chapter 9: During and After the Interview
Unlawful Interview Questions
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Applicant’s age
Applicant’s race
Applicant’s religion
Applicant’s marital status
Who lives with applicant
Whether applicant has children, their ages
Lamarre, McClughan, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education
Canada. All rights reserved.
Chapter 9: During and After the Interview
Some Dining Etiquette Tips
Do
Sit straight, elbows in
Place napkin in lap
Pass to the right
Eat slowly in small bites
Place used silver on dish
Replace chair after meal
Don’t
Put elbows on the table
Wipe off silverware
Blow on food to cool
Leave spoon in coffee cup
Stack your dishes
Sit sideways on chair
Lamarre, McClughan, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education
Canada. All rights reserved.
Chapter 9: During and After the Interview
Test Types
Aptitude
Personality
Drug
Technical
Lamarre, McClughan, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education
Canada. All rights reserved.
Chapter 9: During and After the Interview
Negotiating Tips
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Know your market value first
Determine salary requirement based on personal
budget
Negotiate money first
Negotiate benefits or perks second
Lamarre, McClughan, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education
Canada. All rights reserved.
Chapter 9: During and After the Interview
Negotiating Tips (cont.)
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Consider total compensation package when evaluating
an offer
Keep it friendly
Stress your value to the firm
Be sincere, honest, and honourable
Lamarre, McClughan, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education
Canada. All rights reserved.
• Handwritten notecard?
• Typed letter?
• Email?
Lamarre, McClughan, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education
Canada. All rights reserved.