Guidelines for Job Interviews PET 489 Student Teaching Seminar College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Fall Semester 2011

Lesson Purpose To introduce you to the job interview context To provide you with practical tips for performing effectively in a job interview To get you started on your mock job interview assignment

Lesson Introduction Purpose of cover letter and resume Get an interview! Purpose of job interview Get a job! Key points regarding interview process You have reason to be confident Job interview process is a two-way street Need to set yourself apart from the competition

Before the Interview Research employer Know the position Self-reflection Update your resume Prepare portfolio Practice, practice Your questions? Getting there on time Dress for success Preparation helps you make an informed decision about whether an employer is a good fit, identify employer needs, and demonstrate high level of personal initiative.

Dress for Success Tips Business suits Dress shirts Ties Shoes Socks & hosiery Personal hygiene Accessories

Always Dress Conservatively!!! Schools are by nature very conservative places If you have to ask whether or not it is appropriate to wear a particular outfit… DON’T WEAR IT!!!

Interview – “On Stage” Greeting Introduction Employer questions Closed-ended questions Open-ended questions Behavioral based questions Your questions Closing Follow-up? Timeline for decision? Interview starts when you walk on the job site: Interaction with administrative support personnel Non-verbal communication Personal space General demeanor Sample open-ended questions: Tell me about yourself? What are your strengths? Weaknesses? Sample behavioral-based questions: Adaptability: Tell of some situation in which you had to adjust quickly to change over which you had no control. What was the impact of the change on you? Teamwork: Describe a situation where others you were working with on a project disagreed with your ideas. What did you do?

Handling Illegal Questions What is an illegal question? Race Religion Gender Sexual preference Height/weight Age Arrest/conviction records National origin/citizenship Military record Disability Financial status Pregnancy/childbirth How should I respond if asked an illegal question? You can answer the question You can refuse to answer the question You can respond based on the intent behind the question

After the Interview Exit completely Write a thank you note – What made you feel good about the interview? What questions do you still have? Critique your own performance Follow-up as needed

Mock Job Interview Evaluation criteria Unsatisfactory Needs improvement Satisfactory Very good Excellent Your mock job interviews will be schedule by individual appointment Mock job interview is worth 25 points Application materials Professional appearance Interest and enthusiasm Relaxed and confident Eye contact Complete answers Quality of speaking Skills, abilities, and experience Ask appropriate questions Overall assessment

Take Home Messages Research the employer Prepare responses and questions based on that research Prepare updated resume and portfolio Know your strengths and limitations Prepare for all possible contingencies Dress for success