Aspire Professional Development: Interviewing

Summary

This video script offers comprehensive guidance on job interview preparation, emphasizing the importance of researching the company and role. It advises preparing for common and behavioral questions using the STAR method for structured responses. The script also covers interview etiquette, such as dressing professionally, arriving on time, and sending a follow-up thank you note. Additionally, it provides tips for virtual interviews, including understanding the format, testing equipment, and maintaining a professional demeanor throughout.

Takeaways

• 🔎 Research the company and the position you're applying for to understand their mission, values, and what they seek in a candidate.
• 📝 Prepare answers to common interview questions and outline them to stay focused and succinct during the interview.
• 🌟 Be ready to answer behavioral interview questions that assess past behavior and experience to predict future performance.
• 📚 Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses to behavioral questions effectively.
• 💡 The STAR method helps to demonstrate problem-solving abilities, initiative, and leadership skills through specific examples.
• 📈 Provide a clear example of overcoming an obstacle at work to showcase self-reflection, motivation, and skill development.
• 👔 Dress professionally for the interview, even if it's virtual, to show respect for the position and company.
• 🕰 Be punctual and prepared with copies of your resume and relevant documents for the interview.
• 🤝 Greet the interviewer with a positive attitude, a firm handshake (if in-person), and maintain good eye contact.
• 👂 Listen carefully to the interviewer's questions and respond thoughtfully to show engagement and understanding.
• ❓ Prepare questions for the interviewer about the position and the company to demonstrate your interest and initiative.
• 💌 Send a thank-you note or email within 24 hours of the interview to express gratitude and reiterate your interest in the position.

Q & A

What is the purpose of a job interview in the hiring process?

The purpose of a job interview is to share your skills and capabilities while also learning more about the company and the role you are applying for. It is typically the final step in procuring a job.

Why is it important to research the company and position before an interview?

Researching the company and position helps you understand their mission, values, and what they are looking for in a candidate. This information can be found on the Internet or through networking conversations with people who work or have worked at the company.

What should you prepare in terms of answers for a job interview?

You should prepare answers to common interview questions such as why you are interested in the position, your strengths and weaknesses, and why the company should hire you. Writing a brief outline of your answers will help you stay focused and succinct.

What is a behavioral interview question and how is it used to assess a candidate?

A behavioral interview question is used to assess a candidate's past behavior and experience to predict their future performance. It typically begins with phrases like 'tell me about a time when' or 'can you give me an example of' and asks the candidate to describe a specific situation they have encountered in the past and how they handled it.

Can you explain the STAR method for answering behavioral interview questions?

The STAR method stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. It helps you provide specific examples of your skills and experience, demonstrating how you have handled similar situations in the past and your problem-solving abilities, initiative, and leadership skills.

What does the acronym 'STAR' stand for in the context of answering interview questions?

In the context of answering interview questions, 'STAR' stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result, which is a framework to structure your responses to behavioral interview questions.

How should you showcase your skills and experience during a job interview?

You should showcase your skills and experience by providing specific examples of how you have applied them in previous roles, using frameworks like the STAR method, which helps to highlight your problem-solving abilities, initiative, and leadership skills.

What is an example of how to apply the STAR method in a job interview?

An example of applying the STAR method could be describing a time you overcame an obstacle at work by explaining the situation (learning bookkeeping by hand), the task (adapting to new software), the action you took (watching tutorials, scheduling a call with a trainer, enrolling in courses), and the result (being able to use the software effectively and earning professional certification).

What should you consider when preparing for a virtual job interview?

When preparing for a virtual job interview, consider dressing professionally, having a neutral or professional background, arriving on time, logging on early for technical setup, making a good first impression, and avoiding multitasking during the interview.

What is the significance of sending a thank you note or email after the interview?

Sending a thank you note or email within 24 hours of the interview expresses your gratitude and reiterates your interest in the position. It can leave a positive impression on the interviewer and potentially differentiate you from other candidates.

What are some additional tips for a virtual interview that can help ensure a smooth process?

Additional tips for a virtual interview include understanding the format of the interview, testing your equipment beforehand, making sure your computer, internet connection, camera, and microphone are working properly, and familiarizing yourself with the platform that will be used for the interview.