An expert interviewer, Cheryl Chodun doesn't miss a beat! Click the picture to watch our impromptu interview and her skills at work.
Dr. Rob with Cheryl Chodun
"How to Interview"
This past week a special guest and my good friend (since 4th grade!), Cheryl Chodun, presented in my University of Michigan Business School class spoke to a group of students about interviewing. As a “hall of fame” Detroit TV news reporter, Cheryl’s advice and expertise can help not only students, but all community leaders to successfully conduct and receive interviews.
Read some of Cheryl's tips below.
DOING A GOOD INTERVIEW
- Do a little research on the person you plan to interview. Gather some background knowledge before you begin. Make sure you know their name, spelling, and pronounciation...if you don't know, you can always ask.
- Be conversational. Try not to read your questions directly. An answer to one question might lead you to another question that you might not have planned to ask.
- Ask questions that will get "good and complete answers." In other words, try not to ask questions that will only allow for one-word answers. For example, instead of asking, "Do you feel this position matches your career goals?" which might get you a "yes" or "no", you might say, "Tell me what about this position attracted you to apply and how it fits within your career goals."
- At the end of an interview ask if they would like to add anything. You may have missed something important about them, and that information could be a make or break for hiring or moving to the potential employee to the next round of interviews.
GIVING A GOOD INTERVIEW
- Research the company you are interviewing with. Gather some background knowledge about the company's mission and objective, their culture and work environment, and your potential manager.
- Come prepared for whatever you may be asked. Take time to think about your responses. Keep good eye contact.
- Be relaxed and conversational. Even if you are being interviewed, you can make a little conversation as well. It will help to relax everyone involved. For example, if someone asks if you like working mornings or nights, give your honest answer and then say, "How about you? Which do you prefer?"
- Don't Brag. If you talk about any awards you may have won, or great achievements you may have, phrase it so you don't sound like you are bragging. Humble boasting is modest.
- In all interviewing instances don't forget to BE YOURSELF AND HAVE FUN!
**Cheryl Chodun, in her second career is now teaching communications at Lawrence Tech University and Madonna College. If you'd like more expert tips about interviewing you can reach her at: cherylchodun@gmail.com.