IT Pro Interview Tech 2017 Centriq

INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES
&
JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES
K I E R A R O B E R T S , C A R E E R S E R V I C E S A DV I S O R
K R O B E R T S @ C E N T R I Q . C O M
91 3 - 3 2 2 - 7 0 3 8

To GET an INTERVIEW:
1. Stay organized on your
job search
2. Have a polished resume
(make sure Career Services
approved it)
3. Have a completed
LinkedIn profile
First Things First
Optional: Cover Letter/Bio-Cover Sheet

What to do:
• Set up accounts
• Upload your resume
• Set up keyword searches
• Set job notifications to DAILY!
• Do fresh searches too
• Keep a list of all sites
Suggested Job Boards:
• www.Indeed.com
• www.Dice.com
• www.Glassdoor.com
• www.LinkedIn.com
• www.beyond.com
Job Boards

SET UP AND SAVE
AN ONGOING JOB SEARCH!
Let’s Look For Some Jobs!
Coder Keywords
• DEVELOPER
• FULL-STACK WEB DEVELOPER
• PROGRAMMER
• .NET

Cool and quick Cover Letter alternatives!
Templates in Career Services course.
Bio - Cover Sheet

(Copy Your Resume Header Here)
Date (4 Returns)
Specific Person’s Name (if available)
Company Name
Street Address
City, State, and Zip (2 Returns)
Re: Job Title of Open Position (2 Returns)
Dear Mr. or Ms. _______ (if unknown, use “Dear Hiring Manager”): (2 Returns)
First Paragraph - Name of person who referred you, if relevant, as well as where you found the job opening. Briefly
introduce yourself and your qualifications. Mention your particular interest in the company (best if related to a fact you
found on their website).
Second Paragraph - Support your introduction. Provide additional detail on your key strengths and how they specifically
relate to the job description. Use specific keywords listed in the job ad. Don’t forget to mention your soft skills in addition
to your technical skills.
Third Paragraph - Close the Letter. Reiterate your interest in the position and company, but most importantly, make an
action statement for how you will follow up on your application. It’s ok to ask for an interview!
Sincerely, (4 Returns)
Your Full Name (sign above for mailed or faxed letter)
Attachment: Resume
Traditional Cover Letter Outline

Dear Hiring Manager,
I am submitting my resume for the Web Developer position posted by Kiera Roberts, at
Centriq Training. Your need for an energetic and highly motivated team member caught my
attention. This position is an excellent opportunity to contribute my newly acquired
Development skills as listed in my enclosed resume.
Through challenging leadership positions, I have developed a strong sense of responsibility,
effective interpersonal skills and the ability to contribute to teamwork, even in high-pressure
environments. My tasks in the workplace are planned, organized, and completed in the
shortest, most efficient manner with great attention to detail.
I am enthusiastic about this position and would like to meet with you to discuss my
experience in relation to your needs further.
Very Respectfully,
Traditional Cover Letter Sample
See Cover Letter outline in Career Services Course

Utilize Social Media!
What Impression
Does Your Profile Leave?

• Professional Photograph
• Headline
• Summary (elevator pitch)
• Status Updates –
• Centriq Training goes under “Education”
NOT “Experience”.
• Build your connections!
A Professional
Networking Site

Linkedin.com/in/CalebChristopher
LinkedIn Profile Example

L I N K E D I N P R O !
Linkedin.com/in/calebageorge
Standout on LinkedIn

• Pass an exam or get a new cert.?
• Learn something new?
• Find a great troubleshooting resource?
• Complete a project?
• Build a website, app or game?
• Follow companies.
• Like or forward a good post.
• Congratulate someone on a new job.
Get Active!
Get Noticed!
Utilize Social Media

Sample of Who’s Viewed Your Profile

To find THE BEST CANDIDATE for the job!
The Employer’s Goal:

Interviewers are looking for
answers to 3 questions…
1. CAN you do the job?
• Do you have the skills, expertise
and experience to perform the job?
2. WILL you do the job?
• Will you show up on time and every day?
• Will you stay on task?
• Will you do your very best work?
3. Will you FIT in?
• Will you fit with the current team?
• Are you passionate about the company and what they do?

Screening Interview
Most commonly conducted
over the phone.
Purpose: determine if you
have the minimum skills for
the position.
Be sure to speak clearly
and be in a quiet space
where you can concentrate
and not be interrupted.
Types of Interviews
Have: Your RESUME, RESEARCH & JOB DESCRIPTION on hand!

 Most common type of
interview.
 Typically conducted by
the HR Manager or the
Department Manager.
 Phone / skype / one-way
face-to-face
One-On-One Interview
Types of Interviews

Peer Group Interview
Panel Interview
 Most common for second
interviews.
 Conducted by various
departments. (example:
Department Head, Team Lead,
HR Manager, etc.)
Conducted to introduce you to your potential co-
workers.
Purpose is usually to see if you are a good “fit”
with the current work environment.
Could occur as a “job shadow” experience.
Types of Interviews

 Dress as if it was face-to-face.
 Tech glitches? Stay calm! (Do a trial run ahead
of time if you can!)
 Be aware of your environment
 Show personality and SMILE!
or Video Interviews
 Look into the camera to
“make eye-contact”.
 Know ahead of time who is
calling who!

Bring:
• THREE copies of your resume.
• TWO copies of your reference sheet.
• Copy of questions to ask interviewer.
• Portfolio with pen and note paper.
Be Prepared!

 Business professional dress is appropriate and
normally expected at ALL interviews.
 Dark business suits are best and the most
powerful choice.
Navy
Gray/Charcoal
Neutrals!
Interview Attire
Looking the Part

Go see
Nicole in
Student
Services!
Where to Find Interview Attire

 Dark business suit, white or pale button down, collared
dress shirt with coordinating tie.
 Dark dress socks (NO WHITE)
 Minimal jewelry NO EARRINGS! (watch and wedding band
are okay)
 Neatly trimmed haircut, if hair is long pull back into a neat
pony tail.
 Clean shaven face, if beard or mustache make sure it is
neatly trimmed.
 Clean hands and fingernails.
Men’s Attire

Once you have
the job, check out
the company
culture and dress
code. If your
beard, long hair,
tattoos or
piercings are
common place
among your co-
workers then go
for it!

 Dark business suits (skirt or pants) are always the most
appropriate choice. Colors: Navy and Gray/Charcoal. If
your suit includes a skirt, make sure it is no shorter than
just above the knee.
 Button down shirt or blouse/shell underneath suit jacket.
Low cut tops are not appropriate. Try to stay away from
very bright or wildly patterned shirts.
 Dark leather heels (low to mid height-not above 3”)
 Conservative/simple jewelry.
 Classic, tasteful make up.
 Neat hands and fingernails.
 Classic hairstyle (worn up or down, as long as it is neat)
Women’s Attire

 Think professional, conservative and color coordinated.
 Make sure your clothing has been dry cleaned, is neatly
pressed, pet hair free and lint free.
 If you have visible tattoos, make EVERY effort to cover
these up (either with your clothing or tattoo concealer).
 If you have visible body piercings, remove them for the
interview.
 Make sure you DO NOT SMELL! (body odor, cigarette
smoke, alcohol, or too much perfume/cologne).
General Rules of Interview Attire

 Dermablend – Macys and Ulta
 Kat Von Dee – Sephora
 Sally Hansen – Air Brush Legs (Lotion)
Ulta, Walmart, Drugstores
Tattoo Cover Up Options

 Plan out your interview attire and have it ready
to go for your interview. You do not want to
feel rushed or lose confidence because of
hurrying.
 Remove your suit coat while you are driving to
avoid wrinkling. (hang it up)
 If you have a second or third interview with the
same company, you may absolutely wear the
same suit…try changing accessories (different
shirt/tie, add a scarf, etc.)
Reminders…

REMINDER: The interview begins before you
even enter the building!
 Know exactly where you are going. (plan to
arrive in the parking lot at least 20 minutes
early)
 Fresh breath is crucial, eat some breath mints
during your drive (NO GUM during your
interview!!!)
 Attempt to use the restroom upon entering the
building. Double check your appearance.
Interview Etiquette

INSIDE TIP!
Stay up with
Engaging in casual conversation
is important!

 Business Handshake – A firm grip is extremely important.
 Friendly Greeting – Smile, relax and try to talk about an
ice breaker such as the weather.
 Display Proper Posture – Sit as far back in your chair as
possible.
 Build Rapport – Have high level eye contact, nod when
interviewer speaks, lean forward slightly while listening.
 Control Nervous Jitters – Rest your hands in your lap, do
not tap your feet or shake your leg, etc.
Less movement = More power!
Body Language

YOU LOOK THE PART…
NOW TALK THE PART!
Familiarize yourself with:
• Products/Services
• Business stage…Are they growing?
• Years in business.
• Size, location, number of employees.
• Types of customers.
• Competitors
Research the Company!

 Company Website (Blogs, Press Releases)
 KC Business Journal
 LinkedIn
 Twitter
 Facebook
 Glassdoor.com
 Google
Where Do I Research?

Develop & Memorize YOUR Elevator Pitch!
An elevator pitch is a one minute summary
that focuses on your past experience
(transferable skills), training, and positively
explains your reason for transitioning to a new
career. Tell them what’s in it for them.
This is your chance!
Make a POSITIVE and MEMORABLE
impression by planning ahead!
Elevator Pitch

INSIDE TIP!
Ensure a smooth and confident start to all of
your interviews by…
MASTERING YOUR ELEVATOR PITCH!
This is the answer to:
“So, tell me a little bit about yourself.”
You can also use your Elevator Pitch at job
fairs and at networking events.
Elevator Pitch

Traditional –
• What is your greatest strength?
• What is your greatest weakness?
• Why do you want to work here?
Behavioral – (Past behaviors predict future behaviors.)
• The interviewer is seeking PROOF of your skills. Answer
using PAR method: Describe the “Problem”, “Action” you
took, and “Result”.
Critical Thinking Skills –
• The interviewer is looking to see how you would go about
solving a difficult problem.
Types of Interview Questions

Try and determine what type of information an
employer is looking to receive with their
questions.
For example, if an employer asked if you have
children, you may deduce that they want to know
if you’d be missing work often to care for them.
You might simply answer that you have no
problems meeting the requirements of the
position’s attendance requirements.
How Should You React?

Answer Questions Appropriately:
• Each question asked by the interviewer is designed to tell
him/her something about you.
• Before you answer each question, think about the following:
1. What is the reason for this question?
2. What is the most appropriate answer?
3. How can I reply in a positive manner?
Interviewers easily remember negative responses, so
ALWAYS KEEP IT POSITIVE!
Keep It Positive!

• If you are unclear as to what the interviewer is asking ask
them to repeat the question.
• If you are drawing a blank, be honest. Tell the interviewer
you are having trouble coming up with an example and you
need a moment to think about it.
• If you are still stuck, ask to come back to that question
later.
• Do not resort to stumbling or rambling to come up with an
answer.
Unsure How To Answer??

INSIDE TIP!
Q: What if you do not know the answer to a
technical question???
A: Tell them everything you DO KNOW. Then
you can explain what you would do to find the
rest of the answer.
*Have 3 resources you can name that you use
to research unknown topics/questions.

1. Prepare answers for common and
tough questions ahead of time!
2. Review the questions and answers
until you are comfortable and
confident.
3. Have someone you know interview you.
See lists of questions in Canvas
General, Behavioral, and
Technical.
Common Interview Questions

Tricky questions…
Unstable job history or negative employment
situations.
Examples of what might be asked:
• Why is your job history choppy?
• Why did you leave your last job?
• Were you fired from any of your previous jobs?
Do not provide this information unless YOU
ABSOLUTELY CANNOT AVOID IT! Always think about
how the interviewer will view your answers.
Negative Employment Situations

DO NOT LIE!
Instead, focus on what you learned from the situation.
Example: “I lost interest in that line of work and it showed.
That situation allowed me to pursue my true interest, which is
technology.”
• DO NOT make excuses.
• DO NOT speak negatively about a past employer.
• DO NOT provide sob stories about what took you from one place
of employment to another.
Negative Employment Situations

$$Money Talk$$
Be prepared with a salary range prior to the
interview. Resouces: www.salary.com,
www.glassdoor.com, www.payscale.com,
Career Services. Do not wing it.
NEVER bring up money,
salary or benefits without the
employer opening up the
subject first.
Tricky Questions

If you are forced to provide numbers…
The employers asks, “What is your salary range?” Or
“What type of salary are you looking for?”
Give the employer a RANGE and not a solid number.
If the question is asked on an application, you may
also answer with “negotiable”.

SALARY
EXPECTATIONS
Help Desk = $12-15/hour
($25k – $31k /year)
Desktop Support = $15–18/hour
($31k – 38k/year)
Systems/Network Administrator = $18-24/hour
($37k – 50k/year)
Systems & Security Administrators
NOTE - Our grads avg. around $40k/year
for their first job. Once you start gaining
experience you can move up VERY
quickly so the most important thing is to
start getting experience ASAP!

SALARY EXPECTATIONS
Ask yourself these questions:
 Is this a good “foot-in-the-door” op?
 Are there ops for additional training?
 What’s your commute?
 Will you be exposed to various technologies?
 What about benefits? Medical, Dental, 401K employer match
bonuses, flexible hours, work from home ops…
Considering a job offer?
Money isn’t the ONLY thing to consider!

Develop 10 or more strong questions
before your interview.
Plan to ask a MINIMUM of four
questions at the end of the interview.
Have “Good” Questions to
Ask the Interviewer!

Can you describe what my
typical day would look like?
Examples of Questions

What types of projects will I be working
on, and with whom will I be working?

• What technologies does your company
use, and which would I be working with?
• What are the common attributes of your top
performers?
• What do you expect me to accomplish in the
first 60-90 days?
Examples of Questions

• What do you like most about working for
this company?
• How would you describe the company’s
culture?
• What distinguishes this company from its
competitors?
• What are the one or two things that really
drive results for the company?
• What is the next step in the interview
process?
Additional Examples

Never ask..
• About pay, time off or benefits.
• “What does your company do?”
• “Do you do background checks?”
• About their drug testing policy.
• “How long before I can have your job?”
Questions NOT to Ask

Finish on a High Note!
 When you have asked your questions, be sure the last question is:
“What will be the next step in the interview process?”
 Ask for a business card.
 Thank the interviewer(s) for their time.
“Thank you for your time today. I am excited about
this position and your company. I look forward
to hearing from you soon.”
• Offer a firm handshake, a smile and say another thank you!
Ending the Interview

Now What?
1. When you get to your car, write down
everything you want to recall from the
interview (answers to your questions, things
you noticed, names of the people you met).
2. When you get home, start writing your “Thank
You” note. This is a MUST!!!
After the Interview

• Hiring manager’s name.
• Position title.
• Something specific about the interview or
important items discussed.
• Reinforce your interest in the position, restate your
value to their organization, and emphasize why
YOU are the ideal candidate for this job!
Follow Up – Thank You
Things to include in
your thank you.

• Express your appreciation for the opportunity to
interview with them.
• Your recognition of the next steps in the hiring
process.
• Your contact information.
Send via email within 24 hours of the interview.
Follow Up – Thank You
Things to include in
your thank you.

Mind Your Moods
Work on Timing
Smell Good; Look Good
Accept Constructive Criticism
Non-Verbal Communication is Key
Social Awareness
&
Work Etiquette

When you grumble, stew, or frown, everyone around
you has to walk on eggshells for fear that you’re going
to blow. You would hate being around someone like
that, so manage your moodiness.
Everyone has bad moods; what differentiates
adults from children is our ability to exercise
impulse control and articulate how we feel.
Anger has no place at work,
so PUT on a happy face!
Mind Your Moods

An insensitive person is someone who’s clueless about
how his/her behavior affects others. Try to be aware of
what’s going on with the person you’re talking to. If she
seems busy, distracted, or upset, ask if this is a good
time to talk. Even if you think what you have to say is
important, forcing her to listen on your terms won’t get
your message across effectively.
Work on Timing

If coworkers avoid you, there may be a good reason. You may
have bad breath or (gasp!) body odor. Even if you showered
today, you may still have a noticeable odor if you’re wearing
unwashed clothes. Remember that we can’t smell ourselves very
well. Good grooming and good hygiene make a good impression.
Poor personal-care habits tend to alienate others.
Smell Good; Look Good

When a coworker or supervisor offers a
suggestion about how you might do
something differently, don’t snap at
him/her or get defensive. Keep quiet, take a
breath, and try to really listen to what she’s
saying. Use it as an opportunity to learn and
grow, and own up to your mistakes.
Accept Constructive Criticism

You send lots of messages to
others through your tone,
volume, expression, and body
language–not just your words. Do
you look interested when others
speak, or distracted and
impatient? When you speak, do
you give others their personal
space or lean into theirs and
speak too loud? Pay attention
when people make comments
such as, “You look angry,” or
“You seem stressed out.”
NonVerbal Communication is Key

Please Don’t forget to…Use Your Resources!
Remember, anything related to
helping you GET A JOB is located in
your Career Services Course…
• Resumes
• Cover Letters
• Interview Prep
• Networking (#1 way to get a job!!)
• Job Search Strategies, etc!

IT Pro Interview Tech 2017 Centriq

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