EVALUATION CRITERIA FOR BIG INTERVIEW MOCK INTERVIEW:
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Answers the question well
Appropriate attire
Appropriate body language
Communicates enthusiasm
Conveys relevant qualifications
Does not use filler word
Keeps answers concise
No nervous gestures
Speaks clearly
Steady eye contact
BIG INTERVIEW
Webcam Troubleshooting
Written by Abbey Byrne
Updated over a week ago
If students are experiencing difficulties with Big Interview--here are some options:
A mobile app will allow your students to complete the assignment. The app is available on iOS
and Android.
Troubleshooting Site:
https://support.biginterview.com/en/articles/3654995-webcam-troubleshooting
The ability to record videos is a crucial part of Big Interview's mock interview feature. You will
want to make sure that your camera is working and connected to Big Interview long before your
assignments are due. Here are some steps to try if your webcam isn't working with the Big
Interview Site.
1. Restart your computer (don't skip this step. 70% of computer issues can be solved by
turning your computer on and off.)
2. Clear your cache and cookies.
3. Make sure you are using an updated and compatible browser. We are not compatible
with Internet Explorer.
4. Make sure your computer has allowed pop-ups and that you select "allow" on the
webcam permission pop-up. After you allow pop-ups, be sure to refresh your browser.
5. Try using an incognito window.
6. If Chrome isn't working try using Firefox or our Mobile App.
7. Reach out to our Support Team (support@biginterview.com) for advice or to schedule
a troubleshooting call.
INTERVIEWING / MOCK INTERVIEWS – 2 Assignments
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This will be the launch of completing your virtual mock interview via Big Interview.
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We will have a Blackboard Collaborate Class on Thursday, March 11, 2021 on Interviewing.
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Assignment 1: Written Mock Interview questions to be submitted via Blackboard by Thursday,
March 18, 2021 by 4:00 p.m.
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Assignment 2: BIG INTERVIEW – Virtual Mock Interview – due April 15, 2021
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TIMEFRAME FOR BIG INTERVIEW COMPLETION: Four Weeks--Thursday, March 11, 2021 to
Thursday, April 15, 2021 (due by 4:00 p.m.)
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Directions on how to use Big Interview to complete your Interview Preparation Assignment has
been uploaded to Blackboard ("Week 8- Mock Interview".)
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To access BIG Interview go to MyUT, under Student Portal, go to Main Campus Career
Services, click on BIG Interview. Look for the Spring 2021 CIVE 2000 Professional
Development Mock Interviews. https://utoledo.biginterview.com/
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In order to complete the assignment on Big Interview, you must use the following
code: 501e4b. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Rhonda Moore – CIVIL or
Mr. Geoff Humphrys – ENVE for details.
TIPS for your Big Interview Mock Interview:
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Attire: Business casual. (Nice shirt, tie, sweater, no t-shirt or jeans or sweatshirts.) If you have
a suit, great wear it.
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Use GOOGLE CHROME to access Big Interview.
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Look at your computer camera as best as you can when responding to questions.
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Have your resume and notes available—you can refer to them if needed.
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Be thorough with your responses—do not feel rushed.
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Repeat the question and then answer; you have 2 minutes or less to answer each question.
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Make sure your microphone and volume are up. Speak clearly.
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Make sure your background is clean, no distractions and lighting is good. Best to have a light
in front of or to the side not behind you. Look at your camera to see what is shown in
background.
Big Interview Support Articles:
https://support.biginterview.com/en/article/completing-an-assignment-1oxu9je/
Big Interview Mobile App:
https://support.biginterview.com/en/article/how-to-complete-an-assignment-on-the-mobile-app-zvzt0q/
Interviewing Guide
Shah Engineering
Career Development Center
1040 Nitschke Hall
On-campus Interview Success
"The average person puts only 25% of his energy into his work.
The world takes off its hat to those who put in more than 50% of their capacity,
and stands on its head for those few and far between souls who devote 100%."
- Andrew Carnegie Consider the on-campus interview for a moment. You will be spending twenty to thirty minutes in a
tiny cubicle with a total stranger. This person will subsequently decide whether you will ever have a
chance of working for their company. The best you can hope for is to avoid being disqualified, which
only takes you one step further into the interviewing maze. One little mistake, one little error, and
you could be history.
Actually, the entire process seems rather absurd, except for the fact that you will not get a job
without playing the interviewing game. On-campus interviewing is often the starting point for the
interviewing process. On-campus interviewing is not simply meeting with three or five (or even ten)
companies and then picking the one you want to work for.
To maximize your on-campus interviewing success, you need to first maximize both the quality and
quantity of the interviews, and then maximize your interview efficiency. It is not enough to just
"show up" for the interviews and hope that someone will miraculously offer you a job. You have to
perform at your peak to gain any mileage from on-campus interviewing. Don’t just read this one
section, but read all of the sections related to interviewing.
On-campus interviews are a gift. They will be the easiest interviews for you to find. You should not
depend exclusively on these interviews to guarantee you after-graduation employment. There are
far more companies than those visiting your campus. Many of the best companies may not be
visiting any campuses. Please make sure to take note of the additional sections on how to reach out
to these "other" companies.
The Company's Interviewing Process
From the employer’s side of the desk, there are four distinct steps that interviewers
go through in our entry level hiring process:
1. Marketing - getting our company name out on campus
2. Screening - reviewing a candidate's qualifications against our basic criteria
3. Assessing - reviewing a candidate's behaviors against our critical behavior profile
4. Selling - encouraging chosen candidates to choose our company over the competition
The first two steps, Marketing and Screening, take place on campus. The final two, Assessing and
Selling, take place at our company-site interview. It is the fourth step, Sellling, where you want to
find yourself--where you are being courted as the employee we want. But, before you get to the
Selling stage, you will need to pass the first three steps. The opening steps take place right there
on campus.
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Types of Interviews….
There are many different types of interviews. Sometimes you will interview with only one
person and yourself. Other times you may encounter several interviewers at once or be one
of several interviewees.
The following is a partial list of some of the types of interviews you may encounter.
Campus Interviews:
Tend to be brief, approximately 1/2 hour long.
Tend to be screening interviews and usually with no more than 2 interviewers.
Should not be used as practice interviews.
Usually held after information sessions; make sure you research employers.
Review and remember university no-show interviewing policies.
On-Site/Company Interviews:
Can be a first (screening) or a follow-up (second) interview.
May be meeting with one individual, several people, bosses, co-workers, or others.
Can be any length and include anything from an individual interview, to several interviews,
to lunch and organizational tours.
When contacted for an on site interview ask for the day's agenda including who you'll be
meeting with, special things to bring in, will there be tours, parking, etc.
Remember secretaries, receptionists, and similar individuals.
BE COURTEOUS TO ALL YOU MEET!
Panel/Board/Committee Interviews:
The interviewee is interviewed by more than one interviewer (who may be from different
departments and have different function levels).
Try to appear calm and make eye contact with all participants.
These types of interviews are becoming more common.
Good chance to see "culture" and typical interactions of people from the organization.
Ask assertive questions as needed.
Telephone Interviews: VERY COMMON!
Brief (10-15 minutes) you better have a prioritized list of your top selling points.
Keep information by your phone.
Watch your answering machine messages. (Make sure it is professional.)
Respond to employers within 24 hours or sooner.
May be at odd times (be prepared). They will call in the evenings or weekends!
Use your voice to show enthusiasm. Smile while you are talking on the phone.
Informal Interviews:
Company informational sessions, lunch with a recent graduate from your school, and XYZ
Profession Night are all supposedly "informal" gatherings or "get-to-know-you" activities.
They are still a very important part of the interview process!
Virtual / Video Interviews:
Recruiters will use video conferencing software via Skype, Zoom, to screen potential
candidates.
Important to know your technology, have a strong WIFI connection, no background
distractions, turn phone off, make sure in quiet place, dress up in your suit, prepare notes
and questions ahead of time. Have resume in front of you.
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Ten Critical Success Factors Nearly
Every Company is Looking For:
You may wonder what exactly the employer is looking for in their
candidates.
The following is a list of ten critical success factors that nearly every
employer is looking for:
Positive attitude toward work—no matter what the job is
Proficiency in field of study
Communication skills (oral and written)
Interpersonal skills
Confidence
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Flexibility
Self-motivation
Leadership
Teamwork
Show your competence in as many of the above critical success factors
as possible and you will rise above the competition.
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Interview Tips and Preparation
During an interview, you should strive to put your best foot forward. To do this, you must
know your own capabilities and limitations, understand the job for which you are interviewing,
know what you can contribute to the organization and the position, and present yourself and
your capabilities positively. Interviews are stressful for most people. You can avoid some of the
stress by preparing beforehand. Let the interviewer set the pace, BUT seize the opportunity to
present qualifications.
The following tips might be useful to you in preparing for interviews:
Know the Organization. R esearch the organization beforehand. Visit the organization's web site and read about the agency's mission and about the specific part of
the organization where the position is located. Talk to others who work in the
organization. Know the job you are interviewing for.
Be Enthusiastic. Show that you're truly interested in the job you applied for
and in the organization. Speak clearly and smile. Provide a firm handshake and
maintain eye contact.
Be Yourself. Don't put on an act for the interview er. Being yourself m ay help
you relax during the interview and eliminate unnecessary stress.
Be Prepared. Arrive ten m inutes early. R eview your résum é or job application
beforehand. Review the announcement for the job applied for. If you have time, you
might want to request a copy of the position description for the job so that you can get
a better understanding of the position you applied for. Prior to the interview, have
questions prepared to ask the interviewer.
Be Honest. Openly discuss w ith the interview er your w ork sk ills, strengths,
and experiences, including reference to any volunteer work you perform. If you do not
have experience directly related to a particular task that's part of the job, say so.
However, explain your willingness to learn new skills. Don't exaggerate your experience,
simply present yourself in a positive manner. Do not criticize past employers, classes,
professors, etc… and do not have a superiority complex.
Look Your Best. You w ill never get a second chance to m ak e a good first
impression. Dress for your interview in clothing appropriate to a typical office
environment. Dress professionally by wearing a suit with tie for men, blouse for women.
Make sure your clothing is clean and pressed. Polish your dress shoes, too.
Good Luck In Your Endeavors!
If you don't get the first job, keep trying. Each interview should be viewed as a learning
experience and will be helpful to you as you try to land the job that's right for you.
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“Interviewing Intangibles”
APPEARANCE. An upbeat personality, positive attitude and a sm ile is a
professional way to meet a potential employer. In men, conservative dress (charcoal gray
or dark blue or black suit with white shirt and dark tie). In women, a good suit with a blouse
is recommended. Jewelry should be minimal, hair neat.
PERSONALITY, STYLE. Utilize your m anners and poise, adopt a diplom atic
approach, and act with confidence.
ARTICULATE. This category is increasingly im portant because even if you have
the proper educational background, dress and manners, you'll ruin your chances if you
cannot communicate your background and experience. Make sure you can write and speak
fluently.
ENERGY, DRIVE, AMBITION. Easy to recognize through the quick stride, fresh
appearance, and tone. Practice the art of being "stimulating company." You can learn it.
POSITIVE ATTITUDE. Have a cheerful outlook on life. N ever be negative in an
interview.
THOUGHTFUL. Think about the question, repeat it before you answ er interview
questions. Make sure you answer the questions given.
OVERALL COMPOSURE. M aintain great eye contact.
Eliminate any distracting habits: nail biting, twirling hair or moving hands or feet.
AURA OF LEADERSHIP. Be confident but not cocky. Show self -confidence and
knowledge of skills learned.
BRIGHT, INFORMED. B e w ell-rounded, and enthusiastic.
BREADTH OF INTEREST. Be ready to carry on an intelligent conversation.
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RESEARCHING COMPANIES FOR INTERVIEW
Showing up to an interview without knowing about the company is a recipe for failure!
Why research a company?
1. It shows a genuine interest in the company.
2. Helps to see if you have the skills demanded of the position.
3. Helps to see if you are a good fit for the company.
4. It helps to make a good first impression to be able to talk about the company.
5. It allows you to formulate questions about the company.
What to look for?
Company Name: Get it right!
Size of company
Office Locations
Basic understanding of business
Company culture
Why?
To prevent you from making easy mistakes and knowing ahead of time what the company does.
Where to find information on companies?
Company website
Google, LinkedIn, Indeed, Yahoo Finance (look at competitors)
What to look for?
Qualities and skills they are looking for out of a candidate.
Where to find?
Specific position job posting or similar postings on company website
Company Culture - W hat to look for?
Mission Statement, Core Values, Leadership, Sustainability, Community Involvement
Where to find it? “About Us” section of company website or Company Social Media
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COMPANY RESEARCH
Industry type
History highlights
Products / services they manufacture or provide
Domestic and global locations, where is headquarters
Divisions ( functions of divisions)
Markets they are in
Competitors—how do they rank
Mission statement, strategies, goals, vision
Core values
Recent news, announcements, acquisitions, etc. (avoid
negatives)
Financial data: company value, company stock value, privately
owned, private equity firm, etc.
Initiatives: innovations, sustainability, community outreach
Manufacturing technologies
Social media
Professional development / growth opportunities
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Fifty Standard Interview Questions
1. Tell me about yourself.
2. What do you want to do with your life?
3. Do you have any actual work experience?
4. How would you describe your ideal job?
5. Why did you choose this career?
6. When did you decide on this career?
7. What goals do you have in your career?
8. How do you plan to achieve these goals?
9. How do you evaluate success?
10. Describe a situation in which you were successful.
11. What do you think it takes to be successful in this career?
12. What accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction in your life?
13. If you had to live your life over again, what would you change?
14. Would you rather work with information or with people?
15. Are you a team player?
16. What motivates you?
17. Why should I hire you?
18. Are you a goal-oriented person?
19. Tell me about some of your recent goals and what you did to achieve them.
20. What are your short-term goals?
21. What is your long-range objective?
22. What do you see yourself doing five years from now?
23. Where do you want to be ten years from now?
24. How do you handle conflict?
25. Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or professor? How did you resolve it?
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Fifty Standard Interview Questions continued...
26. What major problem have you had to deal with recently?
27. How do you handle pressure?
28. What is your greatest strength?
29. What is your greatest weakness?
30. If I were to ask one of your professors to describe you, what would he or she say?
31. Why did you choose to attend your college?
32. What changes would you make at your college?
33. How has your education prepared you for your career?
34. What was your least favorite class? Why?
What were your favorite classes? Why?
35. Do you enjoy doing independent research?
36. Who were your favorite professors? Why?
37. Why is your GPA not higher?
38. Do you have any plans for further education?
39. How much training do you think you'll need to become a productive employee?
40. What qualities do you feel a successful manager should have?
41. Why do you want to work in the _____ industry?
42. What do you know about our company?
43. Why are you interested in our company?
44. Do you have any location preferences?
45. How familiar are you with the community that we're located in?
46. Will you relocate? In the future?
47. Are you willing to travel? How much?
48. Is money important to you?
49. How much money do you need to make to be happy?
50. What kind of salary are you looking for?
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25 Tough Questions Employers Might Ask…
1. What are your short-range objectives?
2. What are your long-range objectives?
3. Why are you leaving your present position?
4. What can you do for us that someone else cannot do?
5. Why should we hire you?
6. What is your philosophy of management?
7. Define “Success”. Define “Failure”.
8. What kind of salary are you worth?
9. What are your five biggest accomplishments in your present or last job?
10. How long would it take you to make a contribution to our firm?
11. How long would you stay with us?
12. What is your biggest strength? Weakness?
13. If you could start again, what would you do differently?
14. Are you creative? Give an example.
15. Are you a good manager? Give an example.
16. How would you describe your personality?
17. Have you helped increase sales? How?
18. Have you helped reduce costs? How?
19. What do your subordinates think of you?
20. What computer experience do you have?
21. Would you be willing to take a drug test?
22. How do you feel about people from minority groups?
23. Why do you want to work for us?
24. What other types of jobs are you considering? What companies?
25. Tell us about yourself.
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10 Tough Questions and Answer Examples
1. Tell me about yourself. M y back ground to date has been centered around
preparing myself to become the very best _____ I can become. Let me tell you specifically
how I've prepared myself .
2. Why should I hire you? Because I sincerely believe that I 'm the best person for
the job. I realize that there are many other college students who have the ability to do this
job. I also have that ability, but I also bring an additional quality that makes me the very best
person for the job--my attitude for excellence. Not just giving lip service to excellence, but
putting every part of myself into achieving it. In _____ and _____ I have consistently reached
for becoming the very best I can become by doing the following . . .
3. What is your long-range objective? Where do you want to be 10 or 15 years
from now? Although it's certainly difficult to predict things far into the future, I
know what direction I want to develop toward. Within five years, I would like to become one
of the _____ your company has. In fact, my personal career mission statement is to become
a world-class _____ in the _____ industry. I will work toward becoming the expert that others
rely upon. In doing so, I feel I will be fully prepared to take on any greater responsibilities that
might be presented in the long term.
4. How has your education prepared you for your career? As you w ill note on m y
résumé, I've taken not only the required core classes in the _____ field, I've also gone above
and beyond. I've taken every class the college has to offer in the field and also completed an
independent study project specifically in this area. But it's not just taking the classes to gain
academic knowledge--I've taken each class, both inside and outside of my major, with this
profession in mind. So when we're studying _____ in _____, I've viewed it from the
perspective of _____. In addition, I've always tried to keep a practical view of how the
information would apply to my job. Not just theory, but how it would actually apply. My
capstone course project in my final semester involved developing a real-world model of _____,
which is very similar to what might be used within your company. Let me tell you more about
it .
5. Are you a team player? Very m uch so. I n fact, I ’ve had opportunities in both
athletics and academics to develop my skills as a team player. I was involved in_____at the
intramural level, including leading my team in assists during the past year—I always try to
help others achieve their best. In academics, I’ve worked on several team projects, serving as
both a member and team leader. I’ve seen the value of working together as a team to
achieve a greater goal than any one of us could have achieved individually. As an example...
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6. Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or professor? How was it resolved? Yes, I
have had conflicts in the past. Never major ones, but certainly there have been situations where there
was a disagreement that needed to be resolved. I've found that when conflict occurs, it's because of a
failure to see both sides of the situation. Therefore, I ask the other person to give me their
perspective and at the same time ask that they allow me to fully explain my perspective. At that
point, I would work with the person to find out if a compromise could be reached. If not, I would
submit to their decision because they are my superior. In the end, you have to be willing to submit
yourself to the directives of your superior, whether you're in full agreement or not. An example of this
was when . . .
7. What is your greatest weakness? I w ould say m y greatest w eakness has been m y lack
of proper planning in the past. I would over commit myself with too many variant tasks, then not be
able to fully accomplish each as I would like. However, since I've come to recognize that weakness,
I've taken steps to correct it. For example, I now carry a planning calendar in my pocket so that I can
plan all of my appointments and "to do" items. Here, let me show you how I have this week planned
out . . .
8. If I were to ask your professors to describe you, what would they say? I believe they
would say I'm a very energetic person, that I put my mind to the task at hand and see to it that it's
accomplished. They would say that if they ever had something that needed to be done, I was the
person they could always depend on to see that it was accomplished. They would say that I always
took a keen interest in the subjects I was studying and always sought ways to apply the knowledge in
real world settings. Am I just guessing they would say those things? No, in fact, I'm quite certain they
would say those things because I have several letters of recommendation from my professors, and
those are their very words. Let me show you . . .
9. What qualities do you feel a successful manager should have? The key quality should
be leadership--the ability to be the visionary for the people who are working under them. The person
who can set the course and direction for subordinates. A manager should also be a positive role
model for others to follow. The highest calling of a true leader is inspiring others to reach the highest
of their abilities. I'd like to tell you about a person who I consider to be a true leader . . .
10. If you had to live your life over again, what would you change? That's a good
question. I realize that it can be very easy to continually look back and wish things had been different
in the past. I also realize things in the past cannot be changed; only things in the future can be
changed. That's why I continually strive to improve myself each and every day, and I'm working hard
to continually increase my knowledge in the _____ field. That's also the reason why I want to become
one of the very best _____ your company has ever had. To make positive change. All of that is still in
the future. So, in answer to your question, there isn't anything in my past that I would change. I look
only to the future to make changes in my life.
In reviewing the above responses, please remember these are sample answers. Please do
not rehearse them verbatim or adopt them as your own. They are meant to stir your
creative juices and get you thinking about how to properly answer the broader range of
questions that you will face.
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THE STAR Method of Interviewing
The STAR method is a structured manner of responding to a behavioral-based interview question by
discussing the specific situation, task, action, and result of the situation you are describing.
Situation: Describe the situation that you w ere in or the task that you needed to accom plish. You
must describe a specific event or situation, not a generalized description of what you have done in
the past. Be sure to give enough detail for the interviewer to understand. This situation can be from a
previous job, from a volunteer experience, or any relevant event.
Task: W hat goal w ere you w ork ing tow ard?
Action: Describe the actions you took to address the situation w ith an appropriate am ount of detail
and keep the focus on YOU. What specific steps did you take and what was your particular
contribution? Be careful that you don’t describe what the team or group did when talking about a project, but
what you actually did. Use the word “I,” not “we” when describing actions.
Result: Describe the outcom e of your actions and don ’t be shy about taking credit for your
behavior. What happened? How did the event end? What did you accomplish? What did you learn? Make sure
your answer contains multiple positive results. Make sure that you follow all parts of the STAR method.
Be as specific as possible at all times, without rambling or including too much information. Oftentimes
students have to be prompted to include their results, so try to include that without being asked. Also, eliminate
any examples that do not paint you in a positive light. However, keep in mind that some examples that have a
negative result (such as “lost the game”) can highlight your strengths in the face of adversity.
SAMPLE STAR RESPONSE:
Situation (S): Counter sales w ere falling off at the store I w orked at part tim e w hile in high school
and these sales accounted for roughly 70% of the net profits generated form miscellaneous inventory.
Task (T): M y goal w as to generate new ideas, m aterials and incentives that w ould result in at least a
25% increase in those counter sales from the year before.
Action (A): I designed a new prom otional strategy that consisted of a four -prong approach to increasing
counter sales. This consisted of telling the customer about: existing promotions, future sales promos, and upselling based on the customer’s purchases. The fourth prong or idea consisted of establishing an incentive for
employees to engage customers with the new promotional strategy, by setting up a healthy completion among
the counter sales employees.
Result (R): Our first quarter counter sales reversed and started an upw ard clim b. One year later,
counter sales had increased 22%. The store is on track to beat that number this year.
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HOW TO PREPARE FOR A BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW
Recall recent situations that show favorable behaviors or actions, especially involving course work, work
experience, leadership, teamwork, initiative, planning, and customer service.
Prepare short descriptions of each situation; be ready to give details if asked.
Be sure each story has a beginning, middle, and an end, i.e., be ready to describe the situation, including
the task at hand, your action, and the outcome or result.
Be sure the outcome or result reflects positively on you (even if the result itself was not favorable).
Be honest. Don't embellish or omit any part of the story. The interviewer will find out if your story is built
on a weak foundation.
Be specific. Don't generalize about several events; give a detailed accounting of one event.
Vary your examples; don’t take them all from just one area of your life.
SAMPLE BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:
Practice using the STAR Method on these common behavioral interviewing questions:
1. Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully convince someone to see
things your way.
2. Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation that demonstrated your coping skills.
3. Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a problem.
4. Give me an example of a time when you set a goal and were able to meet or achieve it.
5. Tell me about a time when you had to use your presentation skills to influence someone's opinion.
6. Give me a specific example of a time when you had to conform to a policy with which you did not agree.
7. Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job done.
8. Tell me about a time when you had too many things to do and you were required to prioritize your tasks.
9. Give me an example of a time when you had to make a split second decision.
10. What is your typical way of dealing with conflict? Give me an example.
11. Tell me about a time you were able to successfully deal with another person even when that individual
may not have personally liked you (or vice versa).
12. Tell me about a difficult decision you've made in the last year.
13. Give me an example of a time when something you tried to accomplish and failed.
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Sample Behavioral Type Interview Questions continued...
1. Give me an example of when you showed initiative and took the lead.
2. Tell me about a recent situation in which you had to deal with a very upset customer or co-worker.
3. Give me an example of a time when you motivated others.
4. Tell me about a time when you delegated a project effectively.
5. Give me an example of a time when you used your fact-finding skills to solve a problem.
6. Tell me about a time when you missed an obvious solution to a problem.
7. Describe a time when you anticipated potential problems and developed preventive measures.
8. Tell me about a time when you were forced to make an unpopular decision.
9. Describe a time when you set your sights too high (or too low).
10. Please give an example of a research project that you recently completed that required you to use your
analytical skills and demonstrated your technical expertise in a scientific area. Explain your work.
11. Describe a project where it was important for you to collaborate or consult with another group or
organization with whom you did not usually interface. What steps did you take to facilitate cooperation
or resolve a conflict? What was the outcome?
12. Although we all try to be experts in our area of study, it is impossible to know and understand
everything. What aspect of your technical field are you still working to master? What steps have you
taken to further your learning?
13. Have you ever been in a situation in which traditional solutions did not work? What did you do in that
situation? What was the outcome?
14. Can you give me an example of a recent problem that you were called on to help solve? How and with
whom did you check your ideas as you proceeded? What was the result?
15. Interacting with others can be challenging at times. Have you ever had an experience with someone
you have worked with who was less cooperative than you needed him or her to be? How did you handle
the situation? What was the result?
16. We all make decisions that occasionally turn out to be mistakes. Describe a project-related decision that
turned out to be less than satisfactory.
What did you do to correct the problem? What was the result?
16
Questions you should be asking…
Before an interview, prepare some questions to ask during the pre-interview stage and the interview stage. You should be actively involved in the interview process.
Pre-Interview Questions:
Ask for the name of the person who is speaking to you on the phone (receptionist, interviewer, head of the company/department, etc.).
Are their parking arrangements that I need to know about?
Who will I be interviewing with?
How much time should I allot for the interview?
Where should I meet my interviewer?
Anything special I should bring with me to my interview?
Are there any forms/applications to be filled out before the interview?
Interview Questions:
Can you tell me what a normal day is like for someone in this position?
What qualities are you looking for out of a co-op student?
What kind of projects would the co-op student be working on?
Are there possibilities for relocation and travel?
Do co-ops have the opportunity to participate in training experiences?
How much supervision does a co-op receive?
How long have you had co-op students working for you?
Can you tell me types of positions or projects I might have during subsequent co-op periods?
How does the co-op position fit in with the professional staff positions?
What are some of the products, services, and plans for the future?
Organization's record of employment stability (employee retention/turnover)
Ask the following questions tactfully early in an interview to assess what an interviewer is looking
for.
Formulate your responses accordingly.
What are some of the duties and responsibilities of the position?
What is the organization's personality and management style?
What are your expectations for new hires?
Can you tell me about the organizational culture/environment?
What percentage of co-ops continue to work with you after graduation?
Always ask this question!
What will the next steps be in the hiring process?
Ask for their contact information or business card so you can follow-up.
When should I expect to hear back from you?
END BY THANKING THEM FOR THEIR TIME!
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ASKING GOOD QUESTIONS
Questions about the Company
Do your homework!
If it is a publicly held company, go to the internet or library to read their annual report.
If it is a privately held company, look to your Co-op Director or Career Fair’s for any printed
materials e.g. sales brochures, product description…
Be resourceful! An internet search can bring forth valuable information.
Be alert to recent events and trends.
Examples of areas to question:
History
Products
Competitors and customers
Strategies for growth
Questions About the Department/Division
Narrowing your focus; prepared questions about the internal organization.
Here you are trying to get a sense for where the open position stands in the organization
and who you will be working with.
Areas to ask about:
Organization chart
People/positions you would interact with
Reporting relationships
Interactions with other divisions, subsidiaries or corporate departments
Interactions with outside groups including vendors, customers…
Questions about the Position
This is the heart of the interview. Your questions will serve two distinct purposes:
To provide you with sufficient information about the position.
To provide you with a view of what the hiring manager is looking for in your background.
Areas to ask about:
Specific duties and responsibilities for the position
Areas which may have been neglected that will require special attention
Projects to be addressed initially and over the co-op semester
An excellent question to ask each interviewer is:
“In your opinion, what will it take to be successful in this position and with the company?”
If you get the answer to this, you will know exactly what they are looking for in your background.
This is a natural lead-in to discussing your qualifications, background and experience.
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Phone Interviews
Employers use telephone interviews as a way of identifying and recruiting candidates for
employment. Phone interviews are often used to screen candidates in order to narrow the pool of
applicants who will be invited for in-person interviews. They are also used as a way to minimize the
expenses involved in interviewing out-of-town candidates.
While you're actively searching for your co-op, it's important to be prepared for a phone interview at
a moment's notice. You never know when a recruiter might call and ask if you have a few minutes
to talk.
BE PREPARED TO INTERVIEW:
Prepare for a phone interview just as you would for a regular interview. Compile a list of your
strengths and weaknesses, as well as a list of answers to typical interview questions (see Fifty
Standard Interview Questions). In addition, plan on being prepared for a phone conversation about
your background and skills.
Have a professional message on your phone.
Keep your resume in clear view, on the top of your desk or tape it to the wall near the phone,
so it's at your fingertips when you need to answer questions.
Have a pen and paper handy for note taking.
Turn call-waiting off so your call isn't interrupted.
If the time isn't convenient, ask if you could talk at another time and suggest some
alternatives.
Clear the room. Turn off music and the TV. Close the door.
Unless you're sure your cell phone service is going to be perfect, consider using a landline
rather than your cell phone to avoid a dropped call or static on the line.
PRACTICE INTERVIEWING:
Talking on the phone isn't as easy as it seems. It's important to practice. Keep your "ums" and "uhs"
and "okays" in check and practice reducing them from your conversational speech. Also, rehearse
answers to those typical questions you'll be asked.
PRACTICE INTERVIEWING:
Don't smoke, chew gum, eat, drink or type on your computer.
Do keep a glass of water handy, in case you need to wet your mouth.
Smile. Smiling will project a positive image to the listener and will change the tone of your
voice.
Speak slowly and enunciate clearly.
Use the person's title (Mr. or Ms. and their last name.) Only use a first name if they ask you
to.
Don't interrupt the interviewer.
Take your time - it's perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to collect your thoughts.
Give short answers. Do not answer yes or no, but provide a good example of work experience.
Be enthusiastic – show interest in the position and the organization.
Ask pertinent questions about the job and company. Do not ask about salary, or benefits.
Remember your goal is to set-up a face-to-face interview. After you thank the interviewer, ask
if it would be possible to meet in person.
AFTER THE INTERVIEW:
Take notes about what you were asked and how you answered and who you talked with.
Follow with a thank-you note which reiterates your interest in the job.
As with any interview, the better-prepared candidate will have a definite edge. Phone screenings
can benefit you by offering a chance to interview with an employer that is not close to campus but
may be just the type of organization you wish to work with.
19
How to Handle Illegal Interview Questions
On the surface they seem innocent enough. And most of the time, they are truly asked in
innocence. Yet the structure and format of the question may be entirely illegal. So you've just
been hit with an illegal question. What do you do? How do you respond?
In our politically correct society, we are often ready to cry "foul" at the slightest deviation from
the accepted norm. But the reality is that most illegal interview questions are asked in true
innocence, or better stated, in true ignorance. Ignorance of the law, ignorance of what questions
are proper, ignorance of how the information could be used by others in a discriminatory way.
Ironically, most illegal questions are asked when the untrained interviewer is trying to be
friendlier and asks a seemingly innocent question about your personal life or family background.
Therefore, any attempt by the candidate to "assert their constitutional rights" will merely throw
up the defense shields and put an end to mutual consideration. Warning lights go on, sirens
sound, and the interviewer begins backing down from what may have been an otherwise very
encouraging position.
So what is the proper response? The answer is up to you, but my recommendation is to follow
one of two courses of action: answer in brief and move on to a new topic area, or ignore the
question altogether and redirect the discussion toward a new topic area. The interviewer may
even recognize the personal misstep and appreciate your willingness to put it aside and go on.
Unless the question is blatant--and yes, blatant discrimination does still take place--your best
option is to move on to other things. But, if it is blatant and offensive, you have every right to
terminate the interview and walk out.
While laws vary from state to state, there are some definite taboo areas with regard to interview
questions that employers should be avoiding. Following are some of the basic subject areas and
questions that if asked during the course of the interview, might be viewed as illegal questions
being asked with the intention to discriminate:
Questions related to location of birthplace, nationality, ancestry or descent of applicant,
and applicant's spouse or parents. (Example: Pasquale--Is that a Spanish name?)
Questions related to your sex or marital status. (Example: Is that your maiden name?)
Questions related to race or color. (Example: Are you considered to be part of a minority
group?)
Questions related to religion or religious days observed. (Example: Does your religion prevent
you from working weekends or holidays?)
Questions related to health or medical history. (Example: Do you have any pre-existing
conditions?)
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Getting Over Interview Jitters by Carole Martin
Michael waits in the lobby for his interview. His hands are sticky and wet, his heart is beating faster than usual and his mouth feels like cotton. The interviewer approaches, and Michael has to wipe his hand on his pant
leg before shaking hands.
This is a familiar scenario in company lobbies throughout the world. The job interview can be very stressful
for most people. Since one of our top fears is rejection and one of our top needs is acceptance, it is not surprising that interviews make people sweat.
A Change in Thinking:
The first and most important step in overcoming the fear is to put the interview in perspective. This is not an
appointment with the dentist, who may inflict pain. It is a conversation with another person. The worst thing
that can happen is you won't get the job, which may not have been the right job for you anyway. Second,
think of this conversation as a two-way process. You are interviewing potential employers as much as they
are interviewing you. Is there a good fit here? What looks good on paper may not be what it appears for either party. Investigate whether this company is a good place for you and whether you want to invest a significant part of your life here.
Calming Techniques:
One of the best techniques to handle stress is through breathing. Take deliberate shallow breaths. Take air in
through the nostrils and exhale, quietly, through the mouth. This technique should be practiced to relax before the interview. Relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation classes are effective in overcoming
extreme cases of interview fright. The interview can cause panic attacks if the fear is strong enough. Preconditioning will do wonders for this type of anxiety.
Prepare Before the Interview:
Michael has been to six interviews in the past two months. He has been runner-up for a couple of the jobs
but has received no solid offers. These are competitive times, and rejection can be expected. Competition for
jobs is much keener than it was a year ago. It is important, however, to do everything possible to sell yourself by preparing for the interview. Start thinking of yourself as a product and presenting what you have to
offer the company. Can you imagine giving a performance without some practice and preparation? Winging
the interview in today's market is a big mistake. Preparation will make you feel more confident and less anxious.
Fear of Rejection:
Because of the number of interviews with no offer, Michael feels defeated, and it is beginning to affect his
self esteem. Such rejection hurts, but try not to take it personally. There are so many factors that could be
affecting the offer that it is impossible to say what is happening. There may be internal candidates, relatives
promised jobs, a competitor who is a perfect match for the position, a lack of chemistry or a mismatch in salary needs.
Let It Go:
When Michael has done everything to prepare for the interview and is satisfied that he has presented himself
in the best light possible, the next step is to let it go. There is something to be learned from each interview.
Give yourself credit for getting an interview -- only a small percentage of people get this far in the process.
Give yourself credit for going out there and putting yourself on the line, even though it is painful for you. Give
yourself permission to not get job offers. Believe that an offer will come through when it is the right offer -the right fit for the company and for you.
21
Cancellation / No-Show Policy
If you are scheduled for an on-campus interview or site visit with a company, you are
expected to keep your scheduled appointment.
Events may arise that cause you to cancel. To cancel an interview, you MUST notify the
Shah Engineering Career Development Center at least 24 hours before the scheduled
interview day. Failure to keep a scheduled interview or to cancel an interview will
constitute a “No Show”. Students who miss an interview may jeopardize their standing
with the ECDC which could prohibit interviewing with other companies.
If you miss an interview and do not notify the Shah Engineering Career Development
Center, you put The University of Toledo, the Engineering Career Development Center, and
the company in a very difficult position. Companies can easily decide not to recruit at the
University of Toledo based on students not showing up for scheduled interviews. Do not
allow this to happen!
If you miss an interview, you will not be able to interview or have your resume forwarded
until you have spoken with your designated Co-op Director.
This cancellation policy applies to students whether you are scheduled for an on-campus
interview or on-site interview.
If you encounter events that require you to miss an interview you must
1. Call or email the Shah Engineering Career Development Center/Co-op Director as soon
as you know you will be unable to keep your appointment.
2. Write a letter of apology to the company explaining what happened.
3. Email the letter to your Co-op Director.
***You will not be eligible to work with the Shah Engineering Career Development Center
until these items are received.
NOT showing up to an interview is VERY SERIOUS. Make sure you write down on your
calendar all interview times and check them carefully. If you are scheduled for an on-campus
interview, you can always contact our Shah Engineering Career Development Center Secretary
or Co-op Director for correct times.
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What You Should Do After Every Interview…..Send a THANK YOU
Soon after the interview, while everything is fresh in your mind, sit down and write a thank-you
letter to send to all individuals who interviewed you! This is the time to reiterate your interest in the
company.
It is important to get business cards of all individuals who interviewed you to make this process
easy. You can send your thank you via email, if you have email addresses or through the mail, if
you know names, address, city, and state of the company.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Your Name
Address
Phone Number
Email Address
Month Day, Year
Name
Title
Company
Address
Dear Ms. or Mr. :
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to interview with you on _________________(date) to
discuss the _______________ (job title) position at _______________(name of company). I was
very impressed with the level of responsibility given to students such as myself and I would love the
opportunity to become a part of the team.
My ability to work long hours and meet strict deadlines is reflected in my grades. As I stated at our
meeting, I enjoy the challenges and learning opportunities posed by real world assignments in
which success is based on achievement.
I understand you will begin the hiring process in a ________________(time frame). I believe a
dedicated and focused individual, such as myself, would prove to be a great choice in an employee
to integrate into _____________( name of the company).
Again, I thank you for considering me for the ________________(position title). I look forward to
hearing from you. If you have any additional questions you can reach me at __________(phone
number) and/or _________________(e-mail address).
Sincerely,
Your Name
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Sample Thank You Letter
Your Name
Street Address
City, State, Zip code
Email
Phone Number
Hiring Manager
Title
Company
Street Address
City, State, Zip code
Dear (Mr. or Ms. Last name of interviewer),
Thank you for inviting me to (company) to interview with yourself and (department) team the other
week. I had a great time speaking with you (and another team member). Once again, thank you for
sharing more about the (position), the culture of the company, and learning more about
your experience at (company).
One of my biggest takeaways from our conversation (mention something that was said in the
interview about the employer, the company or the position).
Once again, I felt a connection with the culture of (company) and believe my (Key skills) has helped
me acquire the ability to adapt as well as the soft skills and technical skills which will allow me to do
well in this type of position.
Thank you for your time and consideration. If there is anything else that I can provide in order to
assist your decision, please let me know. Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
(Your name)
Your name
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Sample Thank you Email
Good Afternoon (name of person you interviewed with),
I hope this email finds you well. I just wanted to take a moment and say thank you for inviting me
to (company name) to interview with yourself and the (department name) team yesterday. I had a
great time speaking with you (*and name of other person) about (name of position), the culture of
the company, and learning more (something about the company that was mentioned in the
interview).
Once again, I felt a connection with the culture of (company) and believe my (Key skills) has helped
me acquire the ability to adapt as well as the soft skills and technical skills which will allow me to do
well in this type of position.
If there is anything else that I can provide in order to assist your decision, please let me know.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Kind Regards,
Your name
Email
Phone number
Professional Email Signature in Outlook Email
Make sure you create a professional email signature in your Rockets email so every time you send
an email it should say...
First and Last Name
Engineering Major
Cell Phone
Email Address
Or could look like this
First Name Last Name | XYZ Engineering Major
cell phone number | first.lastname@rockets.utoledo.edu
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Acronyms to Remember & Tips for Successful Interviews
SOLER:
S—Square: Sit squarely, focus on facing the interviewer.
O—Open: Do not cross arms or legs—indicates you are open to discussion.
L— Lean: Lean forward slightly, shows enthusiasm and you are interested.
E—Eye Contact: Make good eye contact when interviewer speaks and when you speak—don’t stare.
R—Relax: When you are relaxed others around you will be relaxed too.
STAR: (Remember STAR when answering questions)
S—Situation: Think of the P lace or Event .
T—Task: W hat w as the Assignm ent , Mission or Job you were trying to accomplish
A—Action: W hat did you do or not do that affected the outcom e?
R—Result: W hat happened in the end? How did it all turn out?
Tips On Handling Questions That Could Display “Negatives:”
Start off by acknowledging a strength.
Then state an honest but non-fatal weakness and what you’re doing to address it.
Don’t dwell too long on the negatives—you want to take a weakness and show how you are
working at overcoming it.
Example: “I am very proficient in C++ but I realize there are many software
languages that I have not yet learned—ALTHOUGH I am CONFIDENT I can learn them
quickly.”
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, & MORE PRACTICE!!!
Have your roommate/friend or anyone ask you some sample interview questions.
Videotape yourself during this mock interview and critique yourself on your behavior and the
answers you provided.
Utilize BIG INTERVIEW
Look at yourself in a mirror and pretend to answer questions.
FOCUS on answering the question—don’t get sidetracked.
Be yourself—Don’t LIE or pretend to be something you are not!
Practice saying positive statements about yourself! No one wants to hire someone who doesn’t
believe they are worthwhile.
Be Prepared! Take Action! Persevere! Ask for Help! Don’t Give Up!
If you don’t get this job - keep interviewing with other companies!
Do NOT Fear—your efforts will pay off!
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Website Links
Professional Attire:
https://www.utoledo.edu/career/students/professional-attire.html
Dressing for Interview Success:
https://collegegrad.com/interview-preparation/dressing-for-interview-success
Tips for Following up After Interview:
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/how-to-follow-up-after-a-job-interview-2061333
How to Handle Job Rejection:
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/how-to-handle-job-search-rejection-2062999
How to Accept a Job Offer:
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-accept-a-job-offer
Never Renege on a Job Offer:
https://community.naceweb.org/blogs/kayla-woitkowski/2017/10/02/when-a-student-reneges-on-ajob-offer-an-employers-perspective
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/
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