JOB SEARCH SUCCESS: STEPS TO GET THE JOB YOU WANT SkillsUSA University Kansas City, Missouri June 2011

DEBBIE PEABODY Union Grove High School, McDonough Architectural and Engineering Drawing and Design Instructor UGHS Job Interview Fair Helped an average of 1300 students per year for ten years Business and industry representatives Professional recruiters Dress for success

STEPS TO SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING Preparation THE INTERVIEW The day of….. What to wear Questions from the interviewer Questions to ask the interviewer Follow up tips

BEGINNING YOUR SEARCH Research the company and the job Literature from the company’s public relations department Annual reports Current and former employees Rehearse your presentation Know what you have to offer Answer potential interview questions Practice with family or friends Relax Who knows you better than yourself?

THE POWER OF NETWORKING 75 to 80% of all job seekers find a job through people they know. “You can get anything you want in life, if you help enough other people get what they want.” Zig Ziglar

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW Visit the office Decide what to wear Practice the drive Look at employees’ dress Talk to receptionist Decide what to wear Make copies of resume and references on conservative stationary Gather all items to take to the interview Review interview questions and your presentation

DRESS FOR SUCCESS Wear your best Dress one step above the position Be conservative Dark colors are best Clean clothes Shower Perfume or cologne should be a surprise, not a warning.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS - FEMALES Suits are best If you don’t have a suit: Conservative long sleeve blouse Conservative skirt or pants Be modest Jewelry kept to a minimum Only one pair of EARRINGS Closed toe shoes Conservative hair styles Long hair should be worn up No bare legs or feet

DRESS FOR SUCCESS - MALES Suits with shirt and tie are best If you don’t have a suit: Long sleeve shirt and tie Clean and neat pants with a belt No jewelry - except Class ring or wedding ring Watch No earrings or any other type Conservative hair cut No bare feet or sandals Wear socks Dress shoes

INTERVIEW DAY Eat a good breakfast Wear your best Get there early Use the restroom before arriving First impressions are most important Complete the application in detail Have a positive attitude Review your resume

THINGS TO TAKE TO THE INTERVIEW Portfolio Three copies of your resume Three copies of your references Small purse or wallet Social security number Thin notebook Black or blue ball point pen Money for parking Name of the interviewer Directions to the office Address and telephone number of office

THINGS NOT TO TAKE Cell phone Sunglasses Hat Gum Tobacco products

INTERVIEW TIPS Presence Pay attention Shake hands Don’t appear rushed/frustrated Remain confident Be aware of your nonverbal clues Use people’s names Use Ma’am and Sir Pay attention Listen carefully Think: a short pause is alright Respond clearly Know your answers to typical questions Have a salary in mind Know your goals Be able to talk about yourself Realize the difference between skills and attributes Watch out for tricky questions

TYPICAL QUESTIONS “Why should we hire you?” Tell me about yourself. Why do you want to work for our company? What are your short and long term goals? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What type of position are you most interested? Why do you think we should hire you for this job? What pay do you expect? Confidence is when you are sure of yourself. Conceit is when you assure everyone else of yourself.

TRICKY QUESTIONS Would you rather be a big fish in a small pond, or a small fish in a big pond? Give me an example in a previous job where you have shown initiative. How long do you expect to work for this company? Do you prefer working with others or alone? How would you handle a rude customer? What do you do when you have trouble solving a problem? Why should I hire you rather than another applicant?

QUESTIONS YOU CAN ASK What would my duties and responsibilities be? What would I do during a typical workday? For whom will I be working? What are my opportunities for advancement? To what positions? What kind of additional training and/or education are available in this job? How is performance evaluated? How often? What are typical office or shift hours? If hired, would I be filling a newly created position, or replacing someone?

AT THE CLOSE OF THE INTERVIEW If you want the job, ask for it. Ask when a decision will be made about the position? Thank the interviewer (by name) for taking the time to interview you Compliment the office/facility if applicable Shake hands and leave

HOW TO ENSURE YOU DON’T GET THE JOB Spam your resume Ask, “What does your company do?” Bring the family Use your cell phone Smile or laugh too much (or cry) Come with your own beverages Send a follow-up “thx 4 mtg” text

FOLLOW UP Thank you letter Follow up phone call Send promptly Keep it short and to the point State why you would be an asset to the company Express your interest in the position Use the same stationary as your resume and references Follow up phone call

REMEMBER… Stay calm Be honest Stay positive mentally and physically Good luck “Life will judge you according to how well you handle failures…..you will need to learn how to bounce back. Never, ever, ever give up.” Dr. Suttles