Job Interview Skills and Resources: Interview

“Never wear a backward baseball cap to an interview unless applying for the job of umpire”  - Dan Zevin quotes

What do you think? When you first meet someone, what helps form your opinion of that person? What does it mean to be professional? What are some things an employer might use to determine if job applicants are professional? What can you do to give a positive first impression to a new person? How can a potential employee give a negative first impression? How can you oversell yourself or seem overqualified for a job?

What is the Purpose of an Interview? It provides an opportunity for you to sell yourself verbally to the employer on why you are the best applicant for the job.

What to do Before an Interview? Call to make an interview appointment Research the company Practice, practice, practice! Know your do’s and don’ts Plan your outfit ahead of time

Research the Company Research — Be able to ask intelligent questions Newspaper and magazine articles, brochures Talk to employees and customers Visit the company Web site The more information you know, the better you can showcase yourself

Practice, Practice, Practice!! Interview with a friend Practice typical questions using a mirror and tape recorder Create a 30-second “commercial” that highlights your unique talents and skills

Questions You Might be Asked What is your experience? What activities did you participate in school or in your community? What are your career goals? Why do you want this job? What are your major strengths and weaknesses? How well do you work in teams? Are you willing to work overtime? When can you begin to work? Tell me about yourself.

What to do at an Interview: Act natural Be prompt Carry out promises Ask questions Allow employer to express ideas Read company literature Follow procedures Be clear and precise Listen effectively to the interviewer

What Not to do at an Interview: Be late Come in extreme dress Come unprepared Oversell yourself or criticize yourself Become impatient Try to be funny Put an emphasis on salary Control the interview

How Women Should Dress for Success Professional Dress for Women Wear a business suit in solid colors, such as blue, gray or black, or a nice dress and blazer or cardigan Skirt and dress hemlines should be no shorter than the bottom of the knee Wear quality fabrics and shoes that match Avoid extra jewelry Wear one to two rings per hand Only wear one set of earrings Wear perfume and makeup sparingly Keep hair pulled back from your face No gum, hair, cigarettes, or pockets full of coins

How Men Should Dress for Success Professional Dress for Men Wear a business suit in a solid, conservative color, such as blue, gray or black Avoid wearing a suit that you can tell is from an expensive designer White, collared shirt Choose a conservative tie — no cartoon characters! Your socks should be dress socks that match your suit Shine your shoes Keep hair and fingernails neatly trimmed Don’t wear accessories except for a watch

What to do at the Interview Know how to make a good first impression Remember the questions in your practice interviews Be prepared to answer tough questions Come with questions to ask Know there are some questions the employer should not be asking you Don’t forget to thank the interviewer for his time!

Interview Tips Dress appropriately for the job Smile and relax Ask some opening questions Be neat and well-groomed Have good posture Go to the interview alone Sound enthusiastic Be on time Make eye contact Use good manners and appropriate gestures Avoid distracting habits (rocking, etc.) Pay attention to the interviewer Ask appropriate questions about the job Have necessary personal reference information with you

First Impressions: What Matters Proper handshake Proper introduction Good posture Neat appearance: Proper attire for your job market Be groomed Personal hygiene

Body Language Good Posture Sit up straight on the edge of the chair and avoid crossing legs and arms Inviting Gestures Firm handshake Nod your head — indicates you are listening Eye Contact Indicates confidence Speak Clearly Standard English, not slang Not only what you say, but how you say it

Tough Questions You May Get Asked When you’re faced with tough questions, remember to not be defensive, stay calm, and focus on your skills. What qualities do you have that offset your lack of experience? Are you going to move to a better job as soon as you gain experience here? If you are faced with a deadline you can’t meet, what will you do?

Situation Questions You May Get Asked Lately many employers ask interviewees situation-based questions to determine their decision-making skills and processes, as well as to see how they react under pressure. Examples: If someone (describe a typical conflict situation in the department), what would you do? As we still have some time left, can you tell me a story? Outline in very broad terms how you would create a strategy for a public interest campaign. “Genius is attention to detail.” Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Questions You Should Ask What services or products does the company provide? Who are the company’s customers? Who are the key personnel? Where are company headquarters, plants, etc? What are the specific duties of the job applied for? What is the name of the interviewer? How profitable is the company? Annual revenue? Number of employees?

At the End of an Interview Watch for cues the interview is about to be over, such as the employer standing up or saying who will be in contact with you. Thank the interviewer for the interview Decide a convenient time you can call on the hiring status

After the Interview Evaluate the interview Write a thank-you letter or e-mail Accept the job…or deal appropriately with rejection

Writing a Thank-You Note Things to include Thank the interviewer for his time and effort Reinforce your skills and abilities Insert added information you may have forgotten Restate your interest in the company Make sure you’re spelling the interviewer’s name and address (e-mail or street) correctly Proof-read the letter for spelling and grammar Remember to call back at the appointed time

If You Get the Job And you want to take it: Ask for a day to think about the job offer Review the pros and cons list you created before you accept the job Ask for a formal offer letter for your files Send and keep a copy of your acceptance letter And don’t want to take it: If you don’t want to take it because the salary is too low, try negotiating. If you don’t want to take it because the job isn’t what you expected, be tactful in your response.

If You Don’t Get the Job Consider it a learning experience Be respectful and tactful when speaking with the employer. Ask why you were not hired. Feedback will help you in future interviews. Do I need more training? How can I improve in my interview?

Resources http://www.gactaern.org/