| S.T.A.R. Interviewing Method | https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/Lists/AddOnContent/DispForm.aspx?ID=250 | S.T.A.R. Interviewing Method | 250 | <div class="ExternalClassBEC13EFB4151420AA20C4AD92507BC54"><div>One method we highly suggest to be preared for an interview is: <br></div><div><strong>The S.T.A.R. Interviewing Method</strong>:<br></div>This is a simple, effective way to share your experiences during an interview. It helps y<span id="ms-rterangecursor-start"></span><span id="ms-rterangecursor-end"></span>ou tell clear, focused stories that highlight your skills. <br><div><ul><li>Situation: Description of the setting or challenge you faced.<br></li><li>Task: Explain your responsibility or the goal you needed to achieve.<br></li><li>Action: Share the specific steps you took to address the situation.<br></li><li>Result: Highlight the outcome and what you accomplished or learned.<br></li></ul><div>Using the S.T.A.R. method can make your answers more organized, memorable, and impactful.<br></div></div><div>See the <a href="https://www.phoenix.gov/administration/departments/hr/careers/how-to-apply-for-a-city-job.html" style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong style="">City of Phoenix - How to Apply Page</strong></a><span style="text-decoration:underline;color:rgb(33, 37, 41);"></span><span style="color:rgb(33, 37, 41);"> </span>for the more detailed information about the S.T.A.R. method.<br></div></div> |
| Crafting Your Elevator Pitch | https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/Lists/AddOnContent/DispForm.aspx?ID=249 | Crafting Your Elevator Pitch | 249 | <div class="ExternalClassE933343EF8774FB9B8D19EE3E79F7B6D"><div><strong>What is an elevator pitch and why do you need one?</strong></div><div class="ExternalClassD4CBEE53A0ED4C16B28E7F025328F4C1"><p>An elevator pitch is a short, 30‑second introduction that highlights who you are, what you do, and the key point you want someone to remember. The idea comes from the amount of time you'd have to make an impression if you met someone in an elevator—just a brief moment to introduce yourself, share your main message, and make a connection before the doors open.<br></p><p>Having an elevator pitch ready is helpful anytime you’re in situations where you might meet a potential employer or networking contacts. When preparing for an interview, it can also serve as a quick, confident way to stay focused and emphasize why you’re a great fit for the role.<br></p><p><strong>Parts of the Pitch: What do you do?</strong></p><p><strong></strong>Focus on one or two key points you want someone to remember about you. Think about the skills or experiences that shape your career goals, and how you can make a personal connection that helps the other person understand what matters to you. </p><div>You might highlight things like:<br></div><div><ul><li><strong>Skills</strong>: What strenghts do you bring to a job or internship? How did you develop them?<br></li><li><strong>Values or Passions</strong>: What motivates you? What do you genuinely care about when it comes to your career and future goals?<br></li></ul><strong>Parts of the Pitch: What's your ask?</strong><br><br></div><div>It's important to end by asking a question. The question might be as simple as a request for advice or sharing information. It might be also include a request to keep connected. Sometimes it's helpful to include context on why you attended this event.<br></div><div><br></div><div>E.g. "I'm at the career fair because I'm hoping to find a summer internship in data science. Can you tell me whether your organization has any internships like this, and how I might go about applying?'<br><br></div><div><strong>Tips</strong></div><div><ul><li><strong>Target your pitch to the event you're attending</strong>: If you're attending an event where a specific type of job is hiring (office work, physical labor, etc.), emphasize whatever skillset you have which aligns closest to said types of job will<span id="ms-rterangecursor-start"></span><span id="ms-rterangecursor-end"></span> help to get your foot in the door.<br></li><li><strong>Practice</strong>: It may feel awkward the first few times you introduce yourself this way. The way to get better and to feel more comforable is to practice!<br></li><li><strong>Have an ask</strong>: Always give the person you're talking with a way to be helpful. Whether it's through sharing information or making a professional contact, let them know how they can help you. <br></li><li><strong>Follow up</strong>: Use email or linkedIn to follow up. Remind the person of the context in which you met, thank them for speaking with you, and find a way to continue the conversation.<br></li></ul></div></div></div> |
| The Importance of Mock Interviews | https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/Lists/AddOnContent/DispForm.aspx?ID=256 | The Importance of Mock Interviews | 256 | <div class="ExternalClass4259D92A68DB4837AA81EC995B227A4D">A mock interview is a practice interview that helps you get comfortable with the types of questions and situations you'll face in a real interview. It gives you a safe space to build confidence, improve your communication, and understand what employers may be looking for. Mock interviews also highlight areas where you might need improvement - whether that's your answers, your timing, or how you describe your experience.<br><div><br></div><div><strong>Why Mock Interviews Matter:</strong><br></div><div><ul><li>It helps reduce stress by letting you rehearse in a low-pressure setting.<br></li><li>It improves the way you explain your experience, strengths, and skills.<br></li><li>It helps you recognize habits you may want to adjust, like talking too fast or rambling.<br></li><li>It provides you feedback so you can walk into a real interview feeling prepared and confident.<br></li></ul><strong>How to Create a Mock Interview:</strong><br><ul><li><strong>Find a practice partner:</strong> Ask a coworker, mentor, friend, or career coach to act as the interviewer. We have <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong><a href="https://calendar.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/calendar/acacia?cid=-1&t=g&d=0000-00-00&cal=-1&ct=55201&inc=0">drop-in and interview workshops</a></strong></span> at our branches, check them out.</li><li><strong>Use common interview questions:</strong> Pick questions about your strengths, challenges, past experience, and problem-solving. Base them on the job you're applying for.<br></li><li><strong>Set up the environme<span id="ms-rterangecursor-start"></span><span id="ms-rterangecursor-end"></span>nt:</strong> Sit down in a quiet space, treat it like a real interview, and dress the way you would for an actual meeting.<br></li><li><strong>Record or take notes:</strong> A recording or feedback afterward will help you see what went well and what you can improve.<br></li><li><strong>Repeat the process:</strong> The more you practice, the more natural your responses will feel.<br></li></ul><br></div></div> |
| 10 Commonly Asked Interview Questions | https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/Lists/AddOnContent/DispForm.aspx?ID=252 | 10 Commonly Asked Interview Questions | 252 | <div class="ExternalClassCA08F0A2DE824BD491E463BB0F4DE5D0"><p>1. <strong>"Tell me a little about yourself."</strong></p></div><blockquote style="margin:0 0 0 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><div class="ExternalClassCA08F0A2DE824BD491E463BB0F4DE5D0"><p>-Share the story behind your career choices - Why you took a certain jobs, why you moved on, and why you chose your school. Help the interviewer see the bigger picture behind your resume, not just the job titles.</p></div></blockquote><div class="ExternalClassCA08F0A2DE824BD491E463BB0F4DE5D0"><p><strong></strong></p></div><div class="ExternalClassCA08F0A2DE824BD491E463BB0F4DE5D0"><p><strong></strong></p><p>2. <strong></strong><strong>"What are your biggest weaknesses?"</strong></p></div><blockquote style="margin:0 0 0 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><div class="ExternalClassCA08F0A2DE824BD491E463BB0F4DE5D0"><p>-Pick a real area you're working to improve and explain what you're doing to get better. This shows self-awareness and a willingness to grow.</p></div></blockquote><div class="ExternalClassCA08F0A2DE824BD491E463BB0F4DE5D0"><p><strong></strong></p><div>3. <strong>"What are your greatest strengths?"</strong><br></div></div><blockquote style="margin:0 0 0 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><div class="ExternalClassCA08F0A2DE824BD491E463BB0F4DE5D0"><div><br></div><div>-Be specific. Choose one or two strenghts and back them up with brief, clear examples.<br></div><div><br></div></div></blockquote><div>4. <strong>"Where do you see yourself in five years?"</strong><br></div><div><br></div><blockquote style="margin:0 0 0 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><div>-Focus on growth - skills you want to build, responsibilities you'd like to take on, and how the role you're applying for fits into that path.<br></div><div><br></div></blockquote><div>5. <strong>"Out of all the candidates, why should we hire you?"</strong><br></div><div><strong><br></strong></div><div class="ExternalClassCA08F0A2DE824BD491E463BB0F4DE5D0"><blockquote style="margin:0 0 0 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align:left;">-Highlight unique qualities or experiences you haven't mentioned yet. Show what sets you apart.<br></p></blockquote><div>6. <strong>"Why do you want this job?"</strong><br></div></div><blockquote style="margin:0 0 0 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><div class="ExternalClassCA08F0A2DE824BD491E463BB0F4DE5D0"><div><br></div><div>-Demonstrate that you've done your homework. Share what excites you about the company and why you feel a genuine connection to the role.<br></div><div><br></div></div></blockquote><div>7. <strong>"What do you consider to be your biggest professional achievement?"</strong><br></div><div><br></div><blockquote style="margin:0 0 0 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><div>-Choose an accomplishment that relates to the position. Help the interviewer picture you succeeding in their role.<br></div><div><br></div></blockquote><div>8. <strong>"Tell me about the last time a coworker or customer got angry with you."</strong><br></div><div><br></div><blockquote style="margin:0 0 0 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><div>-Explain the situation, take responsibility where appropriate, describe how you resolved it, and highlight what you learned.<br></div><div><br></div></blockquote><div>9. <strong>"Tell me about the toughest decision you had to make in your last position."</strong><br></div><div><br></div><blockquote style="margin:0 0 0 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><div>-Walk through your reasoning process. This helps the interviewer understand your judgment, problem-solving, and risk-taking approach.<br></div><div><br></div></blockquote><div>10. <strong>"Tell me about a time you disagreed with a decision. What did you do?"</strong><br></div><div><br></div><blockquote style="margin:0 0 0 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><div>-Show that you addressed the issue professionally, voiced concerns constructively, and supported the final decision as long as it was ethical.<br></div><div><br></div></blockquote><div><strong>Questions to ask</strong>:<br></div><div>When they ask, <strong>"What questions do you have for me?'</strong> DO NOT waste this opportunity. Ask smart questions, not just as a way to show you're a great candidate by also to see if the company is a good fit for you - after all, you're being interviewed, but you're also interview the company. Your questions should demonstrate that you're interested in hearing about the organization and culture, as well as the job expectations and meeting them.<br></div><div><br></div><div><strong>"What do you expect me to accomplish in the first 90 days?"</strong><br></div><div><strong>"What are the three traits your top performers have in common?"</strong></div><div><strong>"What are the company's highest-Priority goals this goal, and how would my role contribute?"</strong></div><div><strong>"What percentage of employees were brought in by current employees?"</strong></div><div><strong>"What do you plan to do if ...?"</strong></div><div><strong>"Can you explain some of the day-to-day responsibilities this job entails?"</strong></div><div><b>"How would you discribe the characteristics of someone who would succeed in this role?"</b></div><div><b>"If I were in this position, how would my performance be measured? How often?"</b></div><div><b>"What departments does this teamwork with regularly?"</b></div><div><b>"How do these departments typically collaborate?"</b></div><div><strong>"What does that process look like?"</strong><br></div><div><strong>"What are the challenges you're currently facing in your role?"<span id="ms-rterangecursor-start"></span><span id="ms-rterangecursor-end"></span></strong></div> |
| Interviewing Resources | https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/Lists/AddOnContent/DispForm.aspx?ID=176 | Interviewing Resources | 176 | <div class="ExternalClass050688CFCE614CBE8562229A6C794F60"><p><a href="https://www.phoenix.gov/administration/departments/hr/careers/how-to-apply-for-a-city-job.html" style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>City of Phoenix - How to Apply Page</strong></a> – Provides a variety of helpful resources for job seekers, including tips for completing applications, preparing for interviews, and understanding the hiring process. The page offers guidance on effective interview methods, sample questions, and strategies to help applicants feel confident and prepared.<br></p><p><a href="https://des.az.gov/services/employment" style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Arizona Department of Economic Security</strong></a> – Has articles walking you through tips and tricks for resume and <span style="text-decoration:underline;"></span><a href="https://des.az.gov/featured-story/ders-career-series-soft-skills-approach-successful-job-interview" style="text-decoration:underline;">interviewing skills</a>.<br></p><p><a href="https://www.paradisevalley.edu/puma-empowerment-center" style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Puma Empowerment Center</strong></a> – Is a center that assists with resume, cover letter and interview skills. They are able to assist men and women with styling for upcoming interviews with work-appreoprate outfits for free. To schedule an appointment please call 602-787-6846 and check out their website.<br></p><p><strong style="color:#006984;text-decoration:underline;"><a href="https://dfsphoenix.org/">Dress for Success</a></strong> – Dress for Success in Phoenix, is part of a worldwide initiative to empower women to achieve economic independence. Part of the way they do this is through offering professional attire for female job seekers preparing for their interview. Check out their site and click on ‘Contact’ then call to make an appointment for a suiting, to ask questions, or to gain access to their many other resources.<br></p><p><strong style="color:#006984;text-decoration:underline;"><a href="https://phoenix.universalclass.com/register.htm">Universal Class</a></strong> – This online "<strong>Interview Skills 101</strong>" class (offered for free through Phoenix Public Library’s Universal Class) will walk you through the basics of interviewing and offers insights into what to say, what to avoid, and how to wow your interviewers.<br></p><p><a href="https://link.gale.com/apps/udemy/auth?p=UDEMY&u=phoenixpl&targetPath=" style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Udemy</strong></a> – This program is available for free through your Phoenix Public Library card. It offers thousands of on-demand video courses at your fingertips. It has courses for you to learn how increase your skills to be prepared for interviews. <br><br></p></div> |
