Job Interviews

The Job Interview You did it! You've found the perfect job, you've sent in a great résumé and cover letter, and all your hard work has finally paid off. You have been called in for an interview. You know you are the best candidate for the position... Now you just have to convince the employer. It's a great opportunity and if you do well in the interview, the job could soon be yours.

Preparing for the Interview Going to a job interview can be a stressful situation. The best way to help relieve this stress is to be prepared. Do your research – find out about the company and the job position Go to their website, talk to someone who works there, or go to the business and check it out Be ready for the questions you will likely be asked. Think of the answers you want to give Consider practicing in front of a mirror, a family member, or a friend Get enough sleep. Be clean and neat. Prepare your clothes the night before Arrive 10 minutes early. Know where you are going and how long it will take you to get there

What to Bring? The best advice is to carry with you a small folder that contains: A copy of your resume (even if they already have one!) A typed reference sheet to be given to the interviewer Examples of previous work (if relevant) Pen and paper, so that you can note the name of the interviewer, times for future interviews and other important information A positive and friendly attitude! (But you don't want to take too much along either. The interviewer won't be impressed if you have to rummage through a backpack full of junk for ten minutes to find that pen and paper)

First Impressions The outcome of the interview will depend largely on the impression you make during the first few minutes Your clothing should be appropriate for the job you’re seeking. Dress well, but don’t overdo it (no tuxedos or ballroom gowns!) Wear deodorant, but avoid perfumes or colognes (some people are allergic) Have clean, neatly styled hair, and clean fingernails Keep make-up and jewellery to a minimum Have fresh breath and clean teeth (don’t chew gum or smell like smoke) Arrive to the interview alone and no texting, reading, or eating while you wait

During the Interview Don’t sweat it – just remain calm and remember the following: A firm handshake projects confidence. Make eye contact when you shake (and no sweaty palms!) Never use the first name of the interviewer, unless they ask you to Maintain good eye contact during the interview Be aware of your body language – avoid slouching, fidgeting, or crossing your arms Ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question (and don’t be afraid to take a moment to think about an answer) Be honest, polite and positive (don’t criticize a former employer) Keep your answers short and to the point

Ending the Interview Here are a few suggestions of things to do as you leave the interview: Ask when you can expect to hear back from the interviewer – and how you will be contacted If the interviewer is not sure how long it will take, ask when it would be appropriate for you to follow up Thank the person for his or her time Shake hands when you leave Leave promptly when the interview has ended

Typical Interview Questions Knowing what kind of questions you will be asked at your interview can be a real help. You won't be able to predict every question, but there are some common ones that most interviewers will ask. Some will be related to the job for which you are applying, while others will be more generic. Here are some types you can definitely expect: Questions about your qualifications – how do they match the requirements of the job? Tell me about yourself, your background. What are your strengths and/or weaknesses?

Typical Interview Questions Questions about your work experience – how have previous jobs prepared you for this position? What experience do you have in this area? Questions about your past behaviours – how does your past behaviour suggest you would act in a similar experience? Tell me about a time when you had to adapt to a new situation. Describe a situation where you made a bad decision. Questions about your career goals – how do your career goals fit with the job, or the company’s goals? Where do you see yourself in five years? Describe your ideal job.

Typical Interview Questions Unexpected questions – what do your answers say about your creativity and personality? If you were an animal, what kind would you be and why? What type of food best describes your personality? Questions about the company or organization – what do you know about the job and the company? Why do you want to work for us? Why should we hire you? How can you make a contribution to our company?

Mock Interview Assignment As part of the summative for Unit 2, you will conduct a brief mock interview based on the job you selected for your application package (the one identified in your cover letter). You will be asked five questions, from a possible list of ten. Interviews will take place during the work periods for the final culminating project. You will be given your five questions on the day of your interview. In addition to your answers, you will be evaluated on your behaviour and body language during the interview (welcome, handshake, sitting posture, eye contact, thank-you, and exit). Take some time now to start planning out your answers.