Interviewing
Skills Guide
Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a financial services leader with approximately $641 billion assets under management as of September 30, 2009, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Leveraging its heritage of life insurance and asset management expertise, Prudential is focused on helping individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth. In the U.S., the company’s Rock symbol is an icon of strength, stability, expertise and innovation that has stood the test of time. Prudential’s businesses offer a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds, investment management, and real estate services.
We have a balanced, high-quality portfolio of businesses that are diversified geographically, by market, and by risk profile. Our wide range of insurance and investment-related products and services enables us to address the ever-increasing retirement needs of people and businesses in the U.S. and abroad. Our operating strength is underpinned and guided by our executive and board leaders, who set clear strategic priorities and uphold astute governance standards related to resource allocation, financial accounting and controls, capital and risk management, and internal controls.
Prudential has approximately 41,000 employees worldwide in 37 countries and territories. Our businesses include life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds, investment management, and real estate services.
Table of Contents
2
introduction to interviewing
Purpose of the Interview Interviewing Skills Quiz
Answers to Interviewing Skills Quiz Types of Interviews
Graduate and Professional School Interviews
9
Before the interview
Conducting Research
Assessing your Strengths and Skills Preparing your Answers
Behavioral-Based Interviewing Dealing with Nerves and Anxiety Tell Me About Yourself
Dressing for Success
Resume-Related Interview Questions Behavioral Based Questions
General Interviewing Questions Preparing Questions to Ask Mock Interviews
Sample Questions to Ask
22 during the interview
Verbal/Non-Verbal Communication Biggest Interviewing Mistakes
25 After the interview
Thank You Letter Tips Negotiating Salary 2 3 4 5 8 9 11 12 13 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 20 21 22 24 25 25
Purpose of the Interview
The interview is an opportunity for a recruiter to determinewhich candidate is the best fit for graduate or professional programs, jobs and internships.
The interviewer is looking to determine the following:
Can you demonstrate the skills they are seeking? •
Can you solve their problem(s)? •
Are you able to contribute to the graduate program? •
Are you the best fit for the organization or program? •
True or False?
You should schedule your first interviews with companies or 1.
organizations in which you are most interested.
You do not have to answer questions regarding age, sex, race, 2.
national origin, or marital status.
Conducting an informational interview can be an effective way to 3.
find a job.
At a medical school interview, it is not necessary to repeat 4.
information provided in the application process.
It is important to discuss salary requirements early in the 5.
interview.
When asked about your background, spend two minutes or so 6.
unless questioned further.
Avoid eye contact with the interviewer since it will make him or 7.
her uncomfortable.
If you are asked if you have any weaknesses, you should never 8.
give any.
The interviewer expects you to be well-informed about the 9.
company, organization, or graduate program.
The most productive method to obtain a job is through recruiters, 10.
personnel agencies, and online postings.
Questions
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Answers
INTERVIEWING SKILLS QUIZ
You should schedule some interviews to get experience prior to the ones in which you are most interested.
Employers should not ask these questions, but they can be discussed if you bring them up.
Yes, they can provide valuable networking contacts.
The content of your personal statement and secondary application is important information about why you want to go to medical school, and should be elaborated on in the interview.
Don’t discuss until the job offer has been extended.
Review the Tell Me About Yourself section on page 14.
Maintaining eye contact shows that you are interested and that you have good communication skills.
Give one weakness and then follow-up with a positive action plan for improvement.
Research is a critical component to the interview process and you must be prepared and knowledgeable.
Networking is the best way to make career contacts. 70-80% of your career success is a result of your ability to build and use your network of contacts.
FALSE TRUE TRUE FALSE FALSE TRUE FALSE FALSE TRUE FALSE
Screening interviews determine whether you measure up to the profile of the hypothetically ideal candidate. Your answers should be direct, concise, and positive.
Three common types of screening interviews:
Screening Interviews
TYPES OF INTERVIEWS On-Campus Interviews Determine who • will be invited for additional interviews Often arranged •through the Toppel Career Center and conducted by a college recruiter Typical on-campus • interview is 25 to 30 minutes long Preliminary Interviews Large • organizations use a personnel specialist to screen out candidates who are not appropriate Consists of • probing questions to determine technical competence and open-ended questions to assess personality Telephone Interviews A cost-effective • way to screen candidates
Treat the interview • as seriously as an in-person interview If an interviewer • calls without warning and wants to interview you on the spot, let him or her know that you have a conflict and suggest alternatives
Tips for Phone Interviews
Go to a quiet place •
Listen carefully to what the •
interviewer is saying Speak slowly and enunciate •
clearly
Dress professionally •
Make a list of important points to •
highlight
Have your resume in front of you •
Turn off your call waiting •
Stand up if that will give you more •
Interviews are usually conducted by the immediate supervisor or by a person with authority to hire. This is your opportunity to demonstrate good listening skills, ask intelligent questions, and illustrate through discussion of your accomplishments that you can address their needs.
Two common types of hiring interviews:
Hiring Interviews
TYPES OF INTERVIEWS
Panel or Board Interviews
Conducted by two or more •
people simultaneously
Each person usually takes turns •
asking questions and has his or her own separate agenda Expect to be interviewed •
by as many as five different people, including a human resources representative, that may represent various levels of management and functional areas within the organization
Series Interviews
Consist of individual interviews •
with three or more people in the organization
Participants are possibly the •
same people as the panel interview, but you will meet one at a time rather than as a group Organizations may utilize this •
method to test your consistency and stamina
An interviewing technique based on the idea that past behavior and •
performance predicts future behavior and performance
Focuses on experiences, behaviors, knowledge, skills, and abilities that are •
job related
More interviewers are turning to behavioral based interviews as the preferred •
method of screening and evaluating applicants
This method of interviewing provides a fair, equitable, and effective system to •
guard against costly and unproductive “mis-hires”
Informational Interviews
Behavioral-based Interviews
TYPES OF INTERVIEWS
Initiated by the student and can help to narrow career interests •
Meet with people working in their chosen careers to ask questions about •
particular occupations or companies
Be exposed to a variety of perspectives by meeting with professionals •
This is not the time to ask for a job •
Applicants move between interview stations and are observed by a •
single rater
Each station covers a different issue, including communication, collaboration, •
ethics, health policy, critical thinking, and awareness of health issues
The Multiple Mini-Interview
Graduate and Professional
School Preparation
Research the university and the specific program of interest •
Review your application materials, including the personal statement/ •
statement of purpose and secondary application
Be prepared to answer ethical questions and those about the balance •
between your personal background and professional life
Be able to articulate why you want to enter this profession and why you •
want to attend this program
Many graduate programs require assistantships for admission, and •
some do not
› Research through the Graduate School and specific program office
Some graduate programs require students to do research •
› Know the research interests of the faculty and active projects › Elaborate on which research projects you want to contribute to
as a research assistant
Research what makes this program different from the competition •
The more information you have about a prospective employer or
graduate or professional program, the better prepared you are during the interview. Knowing about the organization’s products or services, trends, and employment requirements are vital to your interview preparation and success.
Research the Company
Primary mission or purpose of the company or organization •
Principal services or products •
Latest annual sales or revenue information •
Major competitors •
Organizational culture (management style, work environment, •
structure)
Trends in the industry or field and the ‘hot’ issues •
Research the Graduate Program
Demographics of the institution•
Research opportunities •
Curriculum and program requirements •
Assistantship or internship opportunities •
Clinical rotations and opportunities •
Funding opportunities •
Conducting Research
Research the Position
Major responsibilities of the position •
Qualifications and skills required •
Training and education required •
Typical earnings, advancement, career path, and employment outlook •
Opportunities for continuing education and training •
How to Look for Information
Obtain a job description from the company •Attend the company information session (if one is being offered at the •
Toppel Career Center)
Schedule an informational interview •
Access company profile on their website •
Find company information on the Career Insider—Powered by Vault •
(access through CaneZone)
Look up competitive salary ranges in NACE Salary Surveys •
Speak and network with people that work, hire, or teach in the career •
field in which you are interested
Research graduate or professional schools online by using: •
› Peterson’s (www.petersons.com)
› Student Doctor Network (www.studentdoctor.net)
Conducting Research
Once you have relevant information, you will need to prepare to demonstrate that you will be a valuable addition to the organization or graduate program. It is important to differentiate between the strengths and skills you possess. Also, select the accomplishments you want to emphasize based on your research of the organization.
Strengths are personal traits and can be described as your •
unique qualities
› Examples include: diligent, dependable, flexible and punctual
Skills are knowledge-based and are typically acquired from education •
and experience
› Examples include analytical skills, language skills, and interpersonal skills
When elaborating on these, always provide examples of how you •
demonstrate them
Assessing Your
Strengths and Skills
Once you have determined the skills you possess that best match the company profile and position description, you need to organize your thoughts so that your answers flow naturally. Experienced interviewers ask penetrating and often difficult questions. They have limited time and are skilled at getting to the point. Preparing in advance allows you to illustrate good communication skills and express yourself in a well-organized, professional manner.
Although you cannot anticipate every question, you can prepare your •
responses and practice answering difficult questions
Recall and write your accomplishments ahead of time •
Follow each skill or accomplishment with a specific example •
Describe your skills and accomplishments by using behavioral-based •
interviewing techniques
Describe relevant experience •
Review relevant course work that relates to the position described •
Answer potentially negative questions by demonstrating how you •
learned from the experience and that you took responsibility for any mistakes
Prepare for brainteasers during technical interviews •
› Demonstrate to the interviewer that you think in a logical manner
› Explain your thinking as opposed to offering a guess
Preparing Your Answers
Many interviewers utilize behavioral-based interviewing techniques. The STAR method can help you provide specific and detailed answers.
S
ituation or
T
ask
Provide an example that resulted in a positive outcome
A
ction Taken (or Behavior)
Talk about the action you took or behavior you exhibited
R
esults
Discuss the results that followed based on your actions
Remember a few things before starting the interview:
The interviewer has been in your situation before •
Someone thinks you are qualified, or you wouldn’t be there •
Try to connect with the interviewer on an individual level •
Breathing exercises may help you relax •
Try to use humor (when appropriate) •
The STAR Method
BEHAVIORAL-BASED INTERVIEWS
Dealing with Nerves & Anxiety
An interviewer will often begin by asking you this question. Here are questions to consider:
What is your educational background? 1.
Describe your work experience, campus involvement, and/or 2.
community involvement.
What are your strengths and abilities? 3.
What are your career objectives? 4.
First impressions occur within the first 30 seconds!
Dress for Success
BEFORE THE INTERVIEW
Women
Suit (pant or skirt) or tailored •
dress in solid or subtle color, no extreme slits, necklines or hemlines
Polished, closed-toe shoes, •
basic dark pumps with medium or low heels (no open-toed or backless shoes) Clean nails and no chips if •
polished
Light make-up and jewelry •
Match stockings •
appropriately (no bare legs)
Men
Dark, solid or pin-striped suit •
Shined, dark shoes •
Clean, well-groomed nails •
Conservative tie •
Solid shirt, clean and pressed •
Avoid flashy cuff links, rings, •
necklace or earrings Over-the-calf socks that •
match appropriately One ring per hand, if any •
Both
Conservative colors (navy, black, gray) •
Light fragrance, if any (we recommend none) •
Breath mints •
Briefcase or portfolio, with room for resume and personal belongings •
Make sure that clothing and accessories do not distract the interviewer •
from the process
Standards of dress are industry specific. The above are general recommended guidelines.
Resume-based Questions
Resume Related Questions: Before the interview, make sure you review your resume and are able to answer specific questions about the material presented in your resume.Tell me more about your 1.
internship at XYZ company. What were your most important accomplishments? Be specific in describing your responsibilities and give an example of your most important accomplishment. Why was it important? What impact did it have?
Who was your supervisor at 2.
XYZ company? Remember, it is a small world. You never know who knows one another. If asked, you should have the name of your previous supervisors on the tip of your tongue.
Tell me more about your 3.
involvement in the ABC club. What motivated you to join the organization? Are you a passive member of the organization or have you taken a leadership role in some aspect of the group?
What was the...
Can you describe...
How many...
Who
was...
Behavioral-based Questions
Behavioral Questions: For the following questions, draw specific examples from your academic or professional life. Avoid your personal life as a basis for example. The interviewer expects you to describe in detail the specific example you have chosen.Tell me about a time when you worked on a team. How did the team go 1.
about achieving its goal? Discuss the benefits of working on a team. Stay positive in your answer, but make sure you address the challenges of working on a team and how you overcame the challenges.
Tell me about a situation where you abruptly had to change what you were 2.
doing. This pertains to juggling many responsibilities at once.
Describe situations in which you have worked under pressure or 3.
deadlines. This could include back-to-back papers or tests, work deadlines, or balancing academics with community/campus involvement.
Describe a leadership role you have assumed.
4. Possible answers include elected/appointed positions held, the role you took in a group project, volunteer event, etc.
Tell me about a time where you failed at a project or task. What did you 5.
learn from the experience? The most important point to get across is how you turned a negative situation into a positive one. The interviewer is most interested in how you answer the question.
Tell me about the best supervisor you ever worked for and why you 6.
liked working for that person so much. Recall a positive experience with a former/current boss.
Name a recent situation when you had to motivate others.
7. Remember,
every person has a different motivational style. This is another opportunity to showcase your leadership skills.
How do you organize and plan for major projects?
8. Give an example.
Companies/organizations/graduate programs want candidates who have strong organizational skills. Elaborate.
Tell me about the most recent presentation you gave. How did you 9.
General Interview Questions
What is your definition of success?
1. Be prepared with your own idea
of success. Sometimes it is helpful to mention a person who represents your vision of success.
Why are you interested in our company/program?
2. Talk about
information that you found through research. Maybe the innovative approach to business is what attracted you. Perhaps the research at the institution or a referral from a professor piqued your interest in the graduate school.
What skills do you possess that would allow you to succeed 3.
in a graduate program? Refer to specific skills and provide concrete examples.
What are your strengths?
4. Provide three adjectives or examples of
your strengths. Present them as they relate to the particular position and organization.
What are your weak points or weaknesses?
5. Do not say “None.” Give
only one. Discuss your efforts to improve or manage your weakness. “My computer skills are not as strong as I would like them to be, so I have taken a Microsoft Office course which has been helpful.” What is important to you in a job? What motivates you?
6. Talk about
results and intrinsic returns in a position.
In what kind of environment would you like to work?
7. Open
environment vs. closed; innovative vs. minimal change; good communication level throughout office.
What do you know about our organization/program?
8. Demonstrate
that you have done your research! Highlight the organization’s history, mission, products, services, and revenues. For graduate schools, make sure you are familiar with pertinent demographics, curriculum, research opportunities, and faculty members.
General Interview Questions
What is your management style?
9. Address issues such as delegation
of tasks vs. micromanagement style, encouragement of ideas, and promotion of team spirit vs. independent environment.
What are your career goals and objectives?
10. Talk first about the position
for which you are applying. Be more specific with short term objectives and fairly general with long range plans (consider a 5 year plan). Why should we hire you/accept you into our program?
11. Discuss
things that you bring that other candidates might lack (e.g. work experience, international travel, specialized skills, multiple language skills, volunteer experience).
Describe what you find stressful in a job. How do you handle 12.
the stress? Provide examples of when you have been in stressful situations. Your response should include a positive result. The interviewer wants to understand how you achieve personal and professional balance.
What other companies are you interviewing with and for what 13.
positions? Answer this question at your discretion. The interviewer knows you are conducting a job search and expects that you may have other offers.
How creative are you? Why?
14. Describe a time when you had to be
creative, and try to be creative in your answer! Why did you select your college or graduate school
15. ? Avoid
answering this question “because of the school’s geographical location.” Think about academic programs, campus climate, and research opportunities.
What are your feelings concerning working long hours, evenings, 16.
and weekends? Travel? Think about this question before you answer it. Your values regarding work are important to the potential employer.
Take the time to develop relevant and insightful questions for each interview.
Review the list of Sample Questions to Ask (this list includes 1.
questions for a job or graduate school interview).
Make a list of your own questions. Do not rely on generic questions. 2.
You should always ask questions because the employer will know that you are interested in the organization/program.
Keep questions focused on the position and company. Save salary and 3.
employee benefits questions for after the offer has been extended.
Preparing Questions to Ask
BEFORE THE INTERVIEW
Schedule a Mock Interview
Career Advisors at Toppel provide direct feedback on your skills during a mock interview. The appointment will take about 45 minutes. The advisor will evaluate your strengths and areas of improvement and provide you with additional techniques for a successful interview.Attend an Interviewing Skills program first (mandatory) •
Call 305-284-5451 to schedule a mock interview •
Bring a CD to your session (it is beneficial to record the interview) •
Sample Questions to Ask
Take the time to develop relevant and insightful questions for each interview.Who is the direct supervisor for this position and what is that person’s 1.
style of management?
How are employees evaluated and how is success measured? 2.
What would you like done differently by the next person who fills 3.
the position?
What type of people seem to do well in this company? 4.
What type of training is provided? 5.
What are some of the objectives that you would like accomplished in 6.
this job?
What are some of the most difficult problems facing someone in this 7.
position? How do you think these could best be handled?
What kind of support does this person receive in terms of people, 8.
finances, etc.?
How would you describe the corporate/organizational culture? 9.
Where is the organization strong and where does it need to be 10.
strengthened?
What are the opportunities you see for the department/company/ 11.
organization in the next year?
How is the organization primed to deal with technological changes 12.
over the next few years?
What would you change about this organization? 13.
How well do the departments interact with each other? 14.
How well do students succeed in this graduate program? 15.
How do students get paired for research opportunities in this graduate 16.
Hand Shake
The hand shake is your first interaction with an interviewer. It is as important as being dressed appropriately for an interview. No knuckle crushers and no wimpy handshakes!
Active Listening
Body language can show that you are interested and truly listening.
Posture
Sit up straight during your interview.
Be Relaxed
Do not slouch or sit too stiffly.
Eye Contact
Maintain friendly and attentive eye contact without a glassy stare. Do not let your eyes wander. When there is more than one interviewer, establish eye contact with everyone.
Facial Expression
Make sure your facial expressions match what you are saying. Relax and smile often.
Gestures
Be careful not to tap nervously or jiggle.
The 3 “C”s
Appear calm, cool, and confident! Don’t act or appear desperate.
Verbal & Non-verbal
Communication
Negative Talk
Never talk negatively about your past employers, professors, classmates, or yourself. Stay positive even when describing your shortcomings.
Talking too Much
Don’t ramble, or you may talk yourself out of the position. You are there to get information as much as you are to give it.
Tone of Voice
Inflection and volume are important. Speak in a clear, well-modulated, audible voice. Rapid speech and loud volume show your nervousness.
Non-words
Eliminate non-words such as “you know,” “um,” “like,” and “OK.” Good grammar and well-articulated speech are crucial!
Pace Yourself
Take your time when answering questions.
Be Proactive
Don’t hesitate to ask the interviewer when the organization will make a hiring decision.
Follow Up
Ask for a business card from all interviewers so you have their contact information for thank you notes.
Verbal & Non-verbal
Communication
5 Biggest
Interviewing Mistakes
Most candidates expect to be interrogated. Come prepared to have an exchange of ideas with the interviewer. You need to ask questions throughout the interview in order to show initiative.
Turning your weakness into a failure. When asked what your weakness is, avoid cliché phrases including, “I am a perfectionist.” Highlight a skill that you want to improve and state what action you are taking to correct it. Most often, employers don’t focus on the weakness, but how you handle the question.
Not preparing for the interview. It is imperative that you attend the interview having done your research. This includes researching the organization or program and being prepared to match your skills and strengths to the position. Highlight the attributes that make you a good fit for the job.
Leaving your cell phone on. Turn your cell phone off during the interview and do not keep it in plain sight.
Arriving late to the interview. An obvious faux pas. Arrive 15 minutes early to make a good impression. Remember to consider traffic jams and bad weather!
1
2
3
4
5
Proofread all letters for spelling, grammar, and clarity •
Use proper business-letter format and high quality paper •
Send thank you letters within 24 hours of an interview •
If you have interviewed with more than one person, each one should •
receive a thank you note
If you have corresponded with the interviewer via email all along, it is •
appropriate to send a thank you via email
If the organization is formal and traditional, use U.S. mail to send the •
thank you note (a typed letter is standard)
Handwritten notes are most appropriate for a more casual office setting •
or as thanks to additional staff members in the office who were helpful
Thank You Letter Tips
AFTER THE INTERVIEW
Negotiating Salary
Do not discuss the issue of salary until the employer does •
When the employer asks what salary you are looking for, reply with a •
question such as: “What is the typical salary for this position?” If pressed, name a pay range (for example $25,000–$35,000) •
Have average salaries prepared based on your internet research, •
www.salary.com, and NACE Salary Surveys in the Toppel Library Don’t take an offer on the spot
•
Before accepting or declining an offer, look at the entire compensation •
package, including health insurance, sick/vacation/holiday leave, 401K benefits, etc.
Interviewing Dos & Don’ts
Do
Arrive 15 minutes early •
Dress appropriately •
Demonstrate knowledge and proficiency •
Be prompt, neat, and courteous •
Research the graduate or professional program •
Ask relevant questions •
Allow the interviewer to express him or herself •
Research company information •
Evaluate the opportunity objectively •
Follow company online application processes •
Be honest about your background and experiences •
Promote yourself in the best possible light •
Express your interest in the position or graduate program •
Send a thank you letter after the interview •
Reiterate your interest in the position or graduate program •
Don’t
Freeze or become tense •
Be late for the interview •
Make elaborate promises •
Criticize yourself, anyone, or anything •
Present an extreme appearance (with jewelry, hair, or clothing) •
Interrupt the interviewer •
Run on too long when answering questions •
Ask about pay, vacation time, or benefits •
Interviewers seek enthusiastic people. Show enthusiasm by speaking positively about previous experiences, internships, or supervisors. Smile often and express your desire to be a part of the organization or graduate program.
How to Tie a Tie
1
2
4
5
7
3
6
the windsor
A wide knot suitable for all business settings. Best worn with a cut-away shirt collar.
tightening
Grasp bottom of knot on both sides and gently lift while pulling downward on thin end.
Prudential has three offices in the South Florida area: corAl gABles 2 Alhambra Plaza Suite 1050 Coral Gables, FL 33124 305–442–1022 BocA rAton
5355 Town Center Road Suite 704
Boca Raton, FL 33486 561–955–8627
west PAlm BeAch
560 Village Blvd Suite 100
West Palm Beach, FL 33049 561–686-6900
For more information about careers with Prudential,
