Job interview tips???

[Dan B.]

It's been nearly 12yrs since I was on a job interview......perfectly happy doing what I am now but an opening came up with IUP that is about the only job I'd take to leave PennDOT. Anyhooo...just got a lead that I am one of two people being called for an interview from the 32 candidates. It's a management position, 30% bump in pay, better bene's and the added bonus of reduced tuition for the kids when college time arrives.

Well......can anyone give me tips for a CFO/Director of HR type of interview. I'm googling around at various articles and reading, taking notes, etc. But something from this experienced in this type of scenario would be great.

Thanks.

[gpfarrell]

Well, this is an odd one... but beware of a trick question.

I had a friend interviewing for a supervisor role with PAT Transit, or the Port Authority, or whatever they're called. The lady interviewing set him up with talk about how important it is to get the job done and then asked him to describe a time in his experience when he knew it was okay to skip some safety policies because the job had to get done. He dutifully gave he a great example and later realized that's why he didn't get the job. I have no idea if that's a widespread strategy, but that trick question tripped him up. If you "be yourself", stay relaxed, and stick to your personal convictions you'll either get the job or be better off without it!

[scorpio333]

Tuxedo. It's a lock.

Step_Brothers_22503_Medium.jpg

[95V6]

Tuxedo. It's a lock.

Step_Brothers_22503_Medium.jpg

ROFL!! Pan/Pam delemia.

[PaxtonShelby]

Just be yourself...then again maybe not. Mods please delete.

LOL at the Step Brothers photo!

[Dan B.]

If you "be yourself", stay relaxed, and stick to your personal convictions you'll either get the job or be better off without it!

Making that a note for sure!!! Thanks.

[Dan B.]

Just be yourself...then again maybe not. Mods please delete.

LOL at the Step Brothers photo!

Just glad I'm not a flaming homo like Cam ora midget a-hole like Speedracer!!

[Flyin Monkey]

Express interest. Look them in the eye. Be honest. Dress to impress. SHAVE.
Don't use we, us or they. Your selling yourself not a group.
Ask them, "How is you safety record?"
"What did you see in my resume that grabed your attention?"
When closing as them if they have any other questions or concerns.

[Dan B.]

One more bit of info. I have a pretty good internal working knowledge of this organization at IUP that I'm interviewing with. During my time at school I worked for this particular entity for two years as the assisant to the CFO/Dir of HR. They actually called to inform me of the opening before it was posted.....three times....to make sure I would have an application package submitted. This is a definate plus but I'm still boning up on my interiview skills to land this perfect.

[Dan B.]

Just got the phone call....interview is Monday at 10AM. Only two people are being interviewed.

[Flyin Monkey]

Good Luck!

[John4cam]

Go in there and lean on your favorite shovel while you interview....haha, good luck.

[95V6]

Tell them you have a rapist wit.

[PaxtonShelby]

Good luck buddy!

[THE BIG KOALA]

Good luck I hope you get it. Sounds like you have a real good shot at it.

[gpfarrell]

Express interest. Look them in the eye. Be honest. Dress to impress. SHAVE.
Don't use we, us or they. Your selling yourself not a group.
Ask them, "How is you safety record?"
"What did you see in my resume that grabed your attention?"
When closing as them if they have any other questions or concerns.

Awesome tips!

[Dan B.]

Go in there and lean on your favorite shovel while you interview....haha, good luck.

I DO NOT LEAN ON A SHOVEL..............I make sure they lean on a state approved shovel!! ;)

[juice_man_86]

How does one go about obtaining the "shovel leaner" position? I have extensive experience leaning on shovels. I would definitely rather lean on them than use them lol

Sent from my Moto G

[Dan B.]

PennDOT preaches "three points of contact" when entering and exiting a vehicle to minimize accidents due to slip and falls. This fella is exercising the proper three points of contact while leaning on his shovel.....left hand and right elbow engaging the handle, and right hand supporting the cranium.

funny-lazy-worker-shovel-leaner-job-10719832.jpg

[travj31]

As stated by someone else... be sure to take notes, especially names of those interviewing you. It's always nice to be able to address someone directly and after the interview you will want to know who exactly you spoke with and then you will also be able to send a thank you note/email.

Have questions prepared for all the different people/groups that might be interviewing you. I can tell you from my past experiences and current employment at another state institution (Cal U), that you will be meeting with multiple groups of people. I actually interviewed for a higher level management position last winter at IUP and met with four different groups/individuals - What would of been my direct supervisor, area VP, hiring committee, and about 20 of the people I would of been supervising. Have different questions ready for a variety of audiences.

Be sure you research IUP and the specific department you are looking at. Always nice to have a base knowledge of the people you will be working for and what their structure is like... Also, if you can find a specific mission statement for the department or at least IUP, try to use this when answering a question or two.

Also, just do the common sense things... be prompt, clean cut, well dressed, cell phone off, etc.

Good luck... If you have any questions on how the state schools typically run an interview for a management level position, PM me as I have served and led multiple committees as well as been the interviewee a couple of times.