Preparing for The Interview es/you-me-and-dupree-scene- dupree-has-a-job-interview/954865

Personality tests?  “When applicants apply for a job online these days, they are increasingly being asked to take personality tests even before they exchange an or have a phone interview with a hiring manager.”  seekers/#.Uiek10rLBfA seekers/#.Uiek10rLBfA

CVS Here’s a sampling of questions from an online personality test that CVS Caremark, the pharmacy chain, was giving to potential candidates. The applicants had to answer whether they agreed or disagreed with the statements:  People do a lot of things that make you angry.  There’s no use having close friends; they always let you down.  Many people cannot be trusted.  You are unsure of what to say when you meet someone.

Online assessments- Did anyone have to complete one??  For example, the online application for McDonald’s includes 35 questions for job seekers, and they range from the very job-specific to more general questions. Here’s a sampling:  While you are on break, a customer spills a large drink in a busy area of the restaurant. Cleaning the floors is the job of another team member, but he is taking a customer's order. What would you do?  I am sometimes unkind to others.  I often lose my patience with others.  I dislike having several things to do on the same day.

Online Testing  About one-third of employers use testing for hiring and promotions  Personality tests are “growing like wildfire,”  The employment assessment market overall is worth about $2 billion, up 15 percent from last year.

Talent or Pre-employment tests  Many large companies use these.  Applicants either take the test when they apply online or are directed, via or the company web site, on how to take the test. Tests may be hosted on a third party web site. If they are you'll be given instructions on how to access and take the test.

Preparing for the Interview

Do your homework!  Research the company.  Use your networking abilities to find out about the job.  What should you wear?? INTERNET…Use it.

What positions are they interviewing for??

First impressions?

Appropriate for what positions?

Details matter…

Be Prepared  Have written questions ready!  Take copy of your resume

Arrive early.  At least 10 min.  What should you do to ensure you will get there before the interview?  Why do you want extra time before appt.?  What if you are late? Traffic jam??

Subjects to avoid during interview:  Financial or relationship problems. Kids…  Issues with previous bosses. HR will most likely only confirm you worked at previous position. MONEY is NOT talked about at first interview. Employer brings it up first. ALWAYS!!!

What to ask at the end…  “What is the next step in the hiring process?”  “When will you be making a decision?”

Remember…  The interview is a 2 way interaction.  You want to find out if it will be a good fit for both you and the employer.  Manners matter…with everyone at the company.

Other hurdles to expect: Employers (especially large companies) may have you complete a background check-- Driving record, DMV  Background check Ex: Finger printing (required for teachers)  Credit record…. why?  Drug screening- do not show up late for your appt! Won’t accept you.  Physical exam

Illegal Job interview questions you don’t have to answer.  -illegal-interview-questions-you- dont-have-answer -illegal-interview-questions-you- dont-have-answer

Your Homework— Commonly asked interview questions: Identify a position you would like to interview for_____________ Answer the 5 top interview questions- responses will be submitted through link on blogsite. *Due Tuesday by midnight for credit.

Volunteers for mock interview??  3 candidates for position  1 interviewer  1 receptionist  Extra credit opportunity- more if you dress for the part!