This document provides an outline for a workshop on interviewing success. The workshop covers preparing for interviews by researching companies and positions, understanding different interview formats, practicing responses to common questions, closing the interview successfully, and following up after an interview. Key points emphasized include researching the employer, knowing your strengths and skills, having examples of past experiences ready, being prepared to answer behavioral questions, and following up with a thank you note after the interview. The document also provides additional online resources on interviewing and lists some past workshop participants who obtained jobs after attending.

1. Guide to a Winning
Interview
brought to you by
Bruce A. Bennett
Career Coach Corner
August 5, 2020

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Introduction & Notes for Workshop
 Introduction
 Professional Career in Media & Marketing Research
 MCWN Volunteer & Contractor
 Career Coach Corner Blogger, Podcaster & Presenter
 General Notes for Today
 My contact info is on last slide
 Presentation file available upon request
 Workshop is interactive, Q/A & Parking lot
 Red Arrows
 Social Media Revolution

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Outline for Workshop Today
Interviewing
 Preparing by researching company & position
 Review the interview process
 Q & A examples
 Five toughest question videos
 Closing the interview
 General Do’s and Don’ts

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Goals for Workshop
Goals
 Repeat strengths as STARs for interviewing
 Recognize how to respond to Tell Me About Yourself
 Investigate and research employers and companies
 Know Thyself – Personal Intelligence

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Resources Available On-line
http://www.illinoisworknet.com/

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Resources Available On-line
Online Safety Tips for Job Seekers

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Resources Available On-line

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How to Ace an Interview
Self awareness
 Inventory your skills
 Strength Finder by Gallup - now CliftonStrengths
 SWOT analysis
 Preparation
 Select 3 to 5 of your key strengths
 Use a STAR to illustrate the skill to interviewer
 Research company and individuals
 Practice
 Scripted answers
 Mirror or camera
 Family, friends or pets

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Strength Finder Report
https://www.gallupstrengthscenter.com/

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Strength Finder Report

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Strength Finder Report

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Strength Finder Report

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SWOT Analysis

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Key Strengths - STARs or CARs
 Relate a memorable story with your core traits
 Customer Service
 “Are you calling me a liar” story.
 Decision Making
 Our equipment in the garage appeared to be the
source of the fire.
 Computer Software Adaptability
 Became the beta tester for new roll outs of
proprietary programs for regional managers.
 Training Staff
 Coached and developed 22 direct reports into
supervisory role positions.

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Research Company and Position
 7 Fundamental Things You MUST Research
 Research the company
 Google the company
 Company website, news, management team, etc.
 Mission statement and/or core values
 Check them on LinkedIn
 Research the position
 Use Indeed or other job boards for similar positions
for key words or skills not covered in their posting
 Check salary.com to get range of compensation
 LinkedIn Research
 Search for interviewer(s) and company
 Find details from their profile and LinkedIn page

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Research Company Exercise
 Target company research exercise
 Select a target company, e.g. Sage Products
 Google the company
 Visit company website
 LinkedIn
 What talking points were discovered?
 Mission statement?
 Corporate culture?
 Management changes?
 New product/services launch?

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Research Position Exercise
 Target Position research exercise
 Select a position, e.g. CSR, Salesman, Manager
 Google the position
 Check Indeed website
 Check LinkedIn
 What common elements were found?
 Key skills?
 Previous experience?
 Education?
 Industry experience?

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Interviewing Situations
 Prescreen Phone Interview
 Spur of the moment
 Prearranged for a scheduled time
 Determines your next step in the process
 Follow up with F2F interview
 Keep your resume on file
 F2F Interview
 Job Fairs
 On Campus recruiting
 Company location

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Interviewing Situations
 Video Interviewing
 Background & Environment
 Practice recording on laptop or tablet
 https://www.myinterviewpractice.com/

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Interviewing Situations
 Hire Vue
 On-line interviewing application
 https://www.hirevue.com/blog/how-to-take-a-hirevue-
interview/

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Interviewing Situations
 Zoom, Skype, Facetime Interviews
 Andrew LaCivita talks about Online interviewing

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Phone Screen Interview Preparation
 Schedule the time rather than spur of the moment
 Locate to a distraction free environment
 No pets, no TV, no Radio, no computer
 Have your cell phone fully charged
 Take note of interviewer’s name
 Have work history and job description handy
 Relate the job’s and your key skills

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Phone Screen Interview Preparation
Stand during the phone interview
 Smile while on the call
 Have a few questions ready for the interviewer, e.g.
 Is position new or replacing someone, i.e. budgeted?
 Next steps in the application process
 Avoid rambling and/or really long answers

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F2F Interviewing Preparation
 Prepare story examples that illustrate skills and
capabilities
 Interview practice with family, friends, etc.
 Have work history and reference details
 ABCs of references
 Take several copies of resume
 Dress for interview
 Over dress rather than under dress
 Appropriate for position, e.g. Ad Agency
 Research the company and position
 Google it
 Check them on LinkedIn
 Check company’s webpage

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F2F Interviewing Process
 Turn on positives, creative, am quick learner,
relationship builder, etc.
 Eye contact
 Self on shoulder alter ego (good/bad angel)
 Humor ok!?!?
 Know the corporate culture
 Personal branding - Portfolio
 Ideal or dream job

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Standard Questions
 Why did you leave your last job?
 What did you learn at your last job?
 What level of education did you achieve?
 What is your greatest strength?
 What have you been doing since being laid off?
 Why were you fired?

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Behavioral Type Questions
 How did you handle a difficult situation with a
supervisor?
 Give me an example of how you set goals and
achieve them.
 Teamwork is important to the position. Give me an
example of your working with a team.
 Tell me about how you worked effectively under
pressure.
 Relate when you had to enforce a company policy
that you did not agree with personally.
Pamela Skilling Discusses Behavioral Questions

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F2F Interviewing Process

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Oddball Questions
 How much does the earth weigh?
 What would you expect to pay for the empty lot next
to our company?
 How far away is Alpha Centuri?
 What animal or tree would you like to be?
 What kind of cookie would you like to be?
 What is your spirit animal?
 Who is your hero?

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Five Tough Questions Videos
John Heaney offers advice for these tough questions
 “Tell me about yourself!”
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhWq1Q8uGg4&t=2s by John Heaney
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmFuWmzeiDs by Pamela Skillings
 “What are your greatest weaknesses?”
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhTbeeUtWKs&t=3s
 “Why should we hire you?”
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yx1_CZTdKAc&t=8s
 “Why do you want to work here?”
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g619eeLPSi0&t=81s
 “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRURxgW4eBE&t=3s
Search Google and YouTube for additional interview Q & A

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Do You Have Any Questions For Me?
You better!!
 Be prepared with questions to ask the interviewer
 A printed list will demonstrate your preparation and
interest in the company and position
 Interview Questions MarketTools
 Questions can range from evaluations to
management style
 Is Corporate Culture is another potential topic?
 How has Covid-19 affected the business?
Google for other questions to ask the interviewer

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Interviewing Closing Suggestions
John Heaney suggests to not ask these questions
10 Questions to Never Ask on a Job Interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNW8u1yC4Bg 7 minutes
Don Georgevich advises never ask these questions
 NEVER Ask These Questions in a Job Interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPRG7_fXe_E 8 minutes
 Closing statement?
 Elevator speech repeated with knowledge gained
through the interview
 Express interest in the job, “I want the job!”
 Next steps in candidate selection process
 “May I have your business card?”
 Handshake or fist bump?

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Interview Do’s
 Bring a notebook to take notes
 Press your clothes and shine shoes
 Be aware of your body posture
 Turn off your phone
 Be friendly with everyone you meet
 Smile

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Interview Don’ts
 Do not be too early or late
 Do not answer cell phone or texts
 Do not wear perfume or cologne
 Do not disparage your previous employer or boss
 Do not leave your notebook at home
 Do not cross your arms
 Do not answer with simple yes or no
 Do not fidget

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Post Interview Suggestions
 Debrief yourself
 Keep a journal of interview questions & answers
 Rate your answers to learn from interview to
interview
 Thank you letter
 Personal Thank you card best
 Email note is acceptable
 Follow up with phone call
 Lastly, remember the Challenging interview

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Success Stories
Michele N. – Medical
Attended Resume & LinkedIn workshops and gained confidence
Mary M. – Educator
Changed her resume after Resume, CL & ATS workshop and got 9 interviews
Stefanie S. – Pharmacy Technician
Prepared effectively after Winning Interview workshop and was hired
Terri A. – Accounting Professional
Attended webinars and negotiated her position
Val M. – Retail Supply Chain
Incorporated my recommendations from workshops & 1 on 1
I want to add your name to the list!!

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McHenry County Workforce Network
McHenry County Workforce Network
July Calendar of Events & Services
Personalized Job Search Assistance Services
To sign up, request the professional directly by email
Mock Interviews
60 minute sessions
Kraig Roberts – July 13 & 27
9:30 - 10:30
Email: mcwnkraig@gmail.com

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Upcoming Events
NTS Job Club - Building Confidence
Wednesday August 12, 2020 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Click here to register in advance for this webinar
LinkedIn for Your Job Search
Monday August 17, 2020 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Click here to register in advance for this webinar
LinkedIn Strategic Guidelines
Wednesday August 19, 2020 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Click here to register in advance for this webinar
NTS Job Club - Job Search for Over 50
Wednesday September 9, 2020 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Click here to register in advance for this webinar
Resumes, Cover Letters and Applying Online
Wednesday September 14, 2020 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Click here to register in advance for this webinar

41. Feel free to follow up or
connect with me on LinkedIn
Contact Info:
Bruce A. Bennett
Mobile: 815-302-9552
Email: BABennett73@gmail.com
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/bruceabennett
Career Coach Corner Blog: http://bruce73.wordpress.com/
Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/b-squared-linkedin