Ms. Karabelas- Language Arts Specialist

How do you present yourself overall? 55% - How you look? 38% How you sound? 7%- Is actually remembered of what you said… Ms. Karabelas - Language Arts Specialist

MEN’S ATTIRE * Solid color/conservative suit * White long sleeved shirt * Conservative tie * Dry cleaned and pressed * Dark socks * Polished dress shoes * Limited jewelry (no earrings) * Aftershave (don’t overdo it) * Minimal cologne * Shave/Trim facial hair * Neatly trimmed fingernails * Neatly combed hair * Tattoos & Piercings * Portfolio/Briefcase Ms. Karabelas - Language Arts Specialist

WOMEN’S ATTIRE * Neutral colored suit (skirt preferred) * Skirt length little below knee * Cotton/silk blouse (white/neutral color) * Flawless pantyhose (basic color) * Basic pumps (1”-2” heels) * Simple accessories (no visible body piercings) * Minimal makeup in conservative tones * Minimal perfume * Light briefcase/portfolio case * Neat professional hairstyle * Manicured nails * Appropriately “covered” Ms. Karabelas - Language Arts Specialist

Do your research on the company & job position Prepare answers to common interview questions Know the location and directions for interview Update your resume & portfolio Practice interviewing with a friend or family member Prepare a typed list of questions to ask the interviewer Prepare mini portfolio sample for interviewer (optional) Be there at least minutes earlier than the appointment time! Greet Receptionist/Smile/Introduce Yourself/State Reason/ Posture Ms. Karabelas - Language Arts Specialist

A briefcase A portfolio Copies of Resume & References Typed questions you have for the interviewer A sample mini portfolio (at least 7 copies) Pen & notepad for notes DO NOT BRING FRIENDS OR RELATIVES WITH YOU!! Ms. Karabelas - Language Arts Specialist

1) Handshake (firm/not bone crushing/or limp) 2) Smile & sit when asked to take a seat 3) Listen attentively 4) Maintain eye contact (but don’t stare) 5) Watch your verbal and nonverbal communication 6) Sit on front half of chair slightly leaning forward/posture 7) Use interviewer’s name during conversation (pronounce it correctly) 8) Speak clearly and loud enough to be heard 9) Use good grammar 10) Emphasize your strengths/accomplishments 11) No gum, candy, snacks, and /or smoking 12) Don’t criticize past employers 13) Don’t complain 14) Try not to display signs of nervousness or engage in negative mannerisms 15) Be honest 16) No phone calls/RINGERS OFF! 17) Do NOT look at your cell or watch Ms. Karabelas - Language Arts Specialist

1) Why are you interested in this position? 2) What are your short term and long term goals? 3) What are your strengths and weaknesses? 4) What makes you the best candidate for this job? 5) Tell us about yourself. 6) Why did you leave your previous job? 7) Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 8) What motivates you? 9) What do you know about this company? 10) Do you have any questions for me? Ms. Karabelas - Language Arts Specialist

Various federal, state, and local laws regulate the questions a prospective employer can ask you. An employer's questions — on the job application, in the interview, or during the testing process — must be related to the job for which you are applying. For the employer, the focus must be: "What do I need to know to decide whether or not this person can perform the functions of this job?" Ms. Karabelas - Language Arts Specialist

INAPPROPRIATE QUESTION Are you a U.S. citizen?; Where were you/your parents born?; What is your "native tongue? How old are you?; When did you graduate from college?; What is your birthday? What's your marital status?; Who do you live with?; Do you plan to have a family?; When?; How many kids do you have?; What are your child care arrangements? To what clubs or social organizations do you belong? How tall are you?; How much do you weigh? Do you have any disabilities?; Please complete the following medical history.; Have you had any recent or past illnesses or operations.; What was the date of your last physical exam?; How's your family's health?; When did you lose your eyesight? Have you ever been arrested? APPROPRIATE QUESTION Are you authorized to work in the United States?; What languages do you read, speak or write fluently? (This question is okay, as long as this ability is relevant to the performance of the job.) Are you over the age of 18? Would you be willing to relocate if necessary?; Would you be willing to travel as needed by the job? Would you be able and willing to work overtime as necessary? Do you belong to any professional or trade groups or other organizations that you consider relevant to your ability to perform this job? Are you able to lift a 50-pound weight and carry it 100 yards, as that is part of the job? (Questions about height and weight are not acceptable unless minimum standards are essential to the safe performance of the job.) Are you able to perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodations? Have you ever been convicted of _____? (The crime should be reasonably related to the performance of the job in question. Ms. Karabelas - Language Arts Specialist

DRESS ACCORDING TO YOUR INDUSTRY EXPECTATIONS If unsure….classic professional attire is always your best bet!

NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION Posture Hands (pockets/fists/crossed) Handshake Eye Contact Playing with nails/cuticles Touching face Tapping foot Twirling hair Facial expressions Touch in general Personal Space Voice tone, pitch, volume, rhythm, and rate VERBAL COMMUNICATION Slow comfortable pace Clear Too loud? Too soft? Trail off at end of sentences? Confident language (“sort of”) Make every word count (“um..”) Don’t be a speech slob (grammar “yeah” /slang) Ms. Karabelas - Language Arts Specialist

Smile End on a positive note Firm handshake Thank the interviewer by their name Do NOT stand by door and continue to talk It is okay to ask when a decision is expected to be made Send a thank you letter within 48 hours!!!

A know-it- all attitude Criticizing past employer Talking with your hands Only 1 interview? Be careful and presentable when in interviewer’s office only Interviews may include auditions Confidence Rapport/Getting comfortable with interviewer Salary & Benefits Ms. Karabelas - Language Arts Specialist