In Module VI. find out how to BEST to answer behavioral questions. Prepare for successful interviews - review the videos and resources.

1. INTERVIEWING

2. Prep-TALK
International Students Job Search
Seminar
By: Julia Montier-Ball, MEd, CI/IDT, MGR. International Student Services, Adjunct Instructor 2017-2018
Module VI.
I m p r o v e
Yo u r
S k i l l s

3. AGENDA In Module VI. find out how to BEST to answer behavioral questions.
Prepare for successful interviews - review the videos and resources.
• What is the 1st thing you do in an interview? How does it flow?
• Is STAR the best way to answer a behavioral type question?
• Which soft skills are most important to emphasize?
• What are the types of interviews? What should I do to
prepare?
• What is Interview Communication? How will they evaluate me?
• Related Resources
There are many laws in
place to protect against
discrimination including a
provision that does not
allow hiring based on
national origin, birthplace,
cultural background,
heritage, religion, or
ancestry. However,
employers are allowed to
ask about the applicant’s
authorization to work in
the US.

4. COOPERATIVE
EDUCATION
Job Interview Expert Tips
Watch video (stop at 0:57)

5. Interview :
First, greet recruiter with a smile and a firm handshake, then…
• Break the Ice – Positive energy, confidence, personality, enthusiasm
 The recruiter usually will ask you a question, “Did you find the parking OK?”
 You respond with small talk*, “Yes thank you, and I’m glad I brought my sunglasses!”
*See last slide for resources on this topic
 Wait until recruiters are seated before sitting down
 Listen as they introduce themselves, give a summary about their company and the job
• 2-Minute Commercial – Impressive & succinct (Click link to watch video)
 When asked, “Tell me about yourself” take a deep breathe, open your portfolio and hand
them a fresh copy of your resume – this gives a few seconds to get everyone focused
 Smile and go right into giving your self-introduction, speak slower than usual to be clear
 Remember, this is your 2-minute commercial – so sell yourself!
Set the Tone Sell your Story Close the Deal

6. Interview :
Win over recruiters with your knowledge of their company…
• Amplification/Focus – Why are you here?
 Recruiters will ask, “Why do you want to work here?” and “Why do you want this job?”
 THIS IS A TEST to find out what you know about their company, about your career goals and
how this position fits in your plan.*
 You must be able to answer both of these questions to ace your interview.
 But you have researched them, have written bullet points, and are very prepared to impress
them! *See last slide for resources on this topic
• Answer questions – What can you do for me?
 In the interview, recruiters want to hear the answer to this main question.
 Show you are the BEST candidate, by referring to the required key skills and abilities.
 So, in preparing for the interview, the night before you have reviewed the job description.
Set the Tone Sell your Story Close the Deal

7. Interview :
Like in sales, closing the deal is tricky…
• Pitfalls for International students - An unenthusiastic answer makes the
interviewer wonder if you really want the job.
 Convince the recruiter that you are EXCITED about working for them. (Practice doing this)
 Be assertive - say how strong of a candidate you are – this is not boasting.
• Ask prepared questions – You’ve done your homework*
• Tying it together – Revisit key points of your qualifications
• Get specifics – Ask how long the hiring process may take
• Thank you – Appreciation, Smile, Handshake & Small Talk
• Follow-up – 24 – 48 hrs., email or written note (professional thank cards)
*See last slide for resources on this topic
Set the Tone Sell your Story Close the Deal

8. COOPERATIVE
EDUCATION Situation…
Task…
Action…
Result…
Employers ask behavioral questions in an interview as,
“Past Performance Predicts Future Performance”
Learn how you use the STAR Method to answer them:

9. Where, Who, & When
“Tell me about a time when you were creative in solving a
problem?”
The Best Way to approach answering a Behavioral Question:
1. Repeat the question – giving you a few seconds to make sure you
understand the question. (If you don’t, it’s OK to ask for clarification)
2. Describe a situation – begin telling your story including details:
 Where it happened: “While on coop in Miami, at XYZ company…”
 Who was involved: “…I was finishing up with my supervisor…”
 When it took place “…after a long team meeting just before 5.”
 With enthusiasm share details without exaggeration. Be truthful.
To PRACTICE
answering behavioral type
questions use
InterviewStream
See next slide for
details.

10. What
Answering a behavioral question is like playing a video in
the mind of the recruiter.
The Best Way to explain your specific role in the situation:
1. Relate what you saw as your responsibility – use “I”, this is your
interview, so you should avoid saying “we”.
2. Explain your role in this case – give the facts and stay on point, it’s
easy to get into too much detail and ramble on too long.
Don’t forget: You can do as
many virtual mock
interviews on
InterviewStream
as you want – it takes less
than 30 minutes!

11. Which
Even if you find it difficult to articulate your skills, the
ordered content in your answers should persuade a
recruiter.
The Best Way to describe which actions you took in this case:
1. Describe the steps in order – what did you do first, second and
third relating the skills you used.
2. Briefly tell why – relate your experience to why you thought this
was the right course of action.
3. Include some soft skills – how you addressed the concerns or
requirements of others involved.
Practice to gain confidence.
Watch this short video:
“How to be Confident in
Interviews”

12. Win
Employers want to know how this situation will enhance
your performance on the job at their company.
The Best Way to tell the outcome of the actions you took:
1. Describe how things turned out – relate if they did or didn’t turn
out the way you expected.
2. Win or lose, what did you learn – this information can show a
recruiter your analytical skills and ability to work well under
pressure.
3. Share how you felt – how did this experience impact what you may
do differently in the future.
4. Recognition- what recognition did you receive? (even if didn’t turn
out as expected, your boss may be impressed with your actions)
Add 30 minute
bi-weekly practice sessions
to your
Job Search Plan-o-gram!
(Then, add dates your
calendar.)
See next slide for details.

13. Frequent will help you
improve your interview skills
Take advantage of the great
Resources on the
InterviewStream website!
To PRACTICE answering behavioral type questions use
InterviewStream
Directions: (access to link also on www.uc.edu/careereducation.html)
1. Create an account
2. View InterviewWebinar
3. Click “Conduct an Interview”
4. Select “created for me” and then, “general interview”
5. Do Steps 1-2 to set-up (PC/Laptop/tablet w/webcam required)
6. See how to “click here”, then, “Proceed to interview”
8. View interview video
(Optional: “request counselor review”)
InterviewSuite
Self Evaluation Form
Elevator Pitch Guide
- and more!

14. COOPERATIVE
EDUCATION
When it comes to
soft skills, show—
don't tell

15. Employers want*
Communication skills
• you have to express yourself well,
• writing a coherent memo,
• persuading others with a presentation
• being able to calmly explain to a team member what you need
Teamwork and collaboration
• effectively work on a team, monitoring the progress
• sometimes being a leader, or being a good follower,
• meeting deadlines and working across the organization
Conflict resolution
• have the skill to develop mutually beneficial relationships in the
organization
• *See last slide for resources on this topic

16. Employers want*
Adaptability
• have a passion for learning, growing and stretching your skills
• adapt to the changing needs of the organization
Problem solving
• specific examples where you solved a tough problem
• explain what you did, how you approached the problem, how you
involved others, and the outcome real, measurable results
Critical observation
• ability to collect data, manipulate it, analyze and interpret it
*See last slide for resources on this topic

17. COOPERATIVE
EDUCATION
Prepare for all types of interviews by:
 Researching the company
 Practicing your self-introduction
 Doing a mock interview (or two!)
 Preparing questions
 Putting copies of your resume in a pad-portfolio
 Laying out what you will wear
 Getting a good night’s sleep, checking the
weather and eating a good breakfast!

18. What are the of interviews?
1. Behavioral - Most Popular, STAR Method expected, measures preparedness,
employability skills, fit w/organizational culture, situational problem-solving, team work,
communication
2. Traditional / Structured – Basic Screening, Scripted /Checklist & Ranking, seeks technical skills
and overall ‘fit’
3. Phone/Skype – Short, Pre-Screening measures preparedness, language skills, social skills
4. Panel – Evaluated by Committee, intimidating, measures adaptability, focused communication
5. Online Assessments – Specific Personality Types are weeded out, impersonal but used often

19. What are the of interviews?
6. Free-form/at a meal – Most Tricky! – measures social etiquette, communication skills, stress
7. Nondirective – Project-based measures meeting deadlines, accuracy, following directions
8. Observation-based – On-site problem solving , site visits, meeting potential co-workers, career
fairs, employer info-sessions, during volunteer work, and business-related social settings
9. Standardized– Measures Technical/Work Skills proficiencies for employees at your level
10. Assessment – Intimidating, predicts potential for advancement, measures stress levels
11. Competency-based - Wide range of factors (creativity, flexibility, strategic thinking, aptitude)

20. COOPERATIVE
EDUCATION
5Clear non-verbal signals that can reassure you that
the interview did in fact go well…
1. They talk to you for a long time comfortably
2. Body language is open
3. You get shown around and introduced to people
4. They want to know your other options
5. They picture you in their future

21. What is Interview ?
Non-Verbal communication is either on the plus (+) or minus (-) side of your interview
evaluation.Non-Verbal
• Poor eye contact
• Poor posture, Too casual
• Entitled, Arrogance, Bored
• Not listening/ missing Cues
• Un-assertiveness, Tired Body Language*
• Nervous, Fidgety, Intimidated
• Tense Facial Modes, (Body odor), Sweaty
• Closed, Stiff (body, arms, hands)
• Over-excited, Apathetic, Not in Control
Non-Verbal
• Good Eye Contact
• Posture, Engaged
• Attitude, Good Mood
• Active Listening/Follow Cues
• Walk-in Confidently, Energetic
• Calm, Relaxed, Sitting still
• Focused, Smiling Facial Mode, Pleasant
• Open, Rested (arms, fingers)
• Appreciative, Content, In Control

22. What is interview ?
Verbal communication will also be on the plus (+) or minus (-) side of your interview evaluation.
Verbal
• Unprepared, Uh-uh-uh…
• Too Low/Too High/Nervous Voice Tonality
• No Prepared Questions, Unthoughtful
• Poor Grammar, English-speaking skills
• Lack of Details, Vague
• Need Prompts, Unclear
• Run-on & on Responses
• Disorganized Presentation, Off-track
• Redundant Vocabulary
Verbal
• Prepared, Assertive Responses
• Even/Confident Voice Tone
• Clarity in Delivery of Thoughtful Questions
• Good Grammar, Tense, Vocabulary, Relevant
• Fluency, Well- paced Presentation
• Beginning & End to Telling Story
• Gets to the Point, Organized, Answers Directed
• Articulate, Expressive
• Uses Industry Jargon

23. How will they me?
Evaluations differ by job. Coop advisors will share it; in a follow-up email ask for feedback.
• On Time, Pleasant, Polite
• In Appropriate Professional Dress
• Confident/Relaxed
• Has Sufficient/Sustainable Energy
• Asked Relevant Questions
• Gave GREAT Answers to Tough Questions
• Respectful, Trainable, Receives Feedback well
• Has Direction & Goals
• Willing To Go The Extra Mile...Promotable
• Able to Meet Challenges of Change
• The Real Deal
• Could Represent the Company Well
• Took Time to Prepare
• Communicates Well, Good Interpersonal
• Leadership, Community Involvement
• Sincerity, Honesty, Work Ethic
• Basic vs. Outstanding Qualifications
• Thinks on Feet, Resourceful
• Connects the Dots
• Will be a good “FIT” for Company Culture

24. Helpful
Slide #5 Reference article - Discussion board topic: Read this article, comment on it in blackboard.
An Introvert's Guide To Small Talk: Eight Painless Tips - Forbes
https://www.forbes.com/sites/.../an-introverts-guide-to-small-talk-eight-painless-tips/
Introverts tend to dread small talk - but it doesn't have to be awkward or painful. By learning a
few simple techniques, you can polish your conversational skills and make a positive impression.
Slide #6 Reference article – Read and practice answering questions; record it
HOW TO ANSWER: Why Do You Want to Work Here – Big Interview
https://biginterview.com/blog/2013/03/why-do-you-want-to-work-here.html
A good answer will demonstrate a knowledge of the company and industry. That means you must
do your homework so that you can identify specific reasons for wanting to work for the firm.
Interviewing Tips for International Students – Illegal questions they should never ask you.
https://careercenter.missouristate.edu/students/Interviewing-tips-for-international-students.htm
Protect yourself against discrimination – Know what is legal to ask in an interview.

25. Helpful
Slide #15 Reference article
6 soft skills everyone needs and employers look for
https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/six-soft-skills-everyone-needs-hot-jobs
Technical skills may get you an interview, but these six soft skills will get you the job.
Slide #7 Reference article – Read and practice by writing out your answer
Interview Tips - The Top 5 Job Interview Tips You NEED To Pay Attention To
https://youtu.be/qSylCmes5dw
Slide #16 Reference videos (multiple) – Hear sample answers to tough interview questions
Expert Job Search Tips to Improve Your Interviewing Skills
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXUyg1vYSupswhi0zNeD-5w
Slide #21 Reference video - Important because it consists of your energy, the vibe that you portray
Body Language in an Interview - 3 Tips
https://youtu.be/P_SNAODLTxM