Impressing a Potential Employer Interview Protocol Impressing a Potential Employer

Before the Interview – Tips & Tricks Studies have shown, the overall impression that people make in the first few minutes when meeting is based 7% on what the other person says, 38% on how he or she says it, and 55% on what the other person SEES! Groom yourself well, and dress appropriately (see next slide). “Research” the company and/or the person who will be interviewing you. Practice answers to common interview questions.

Dressing Appropriately Match your dress to employees in the workplace in which you are interviewing and probably take it up a notch. For example, employees wearing suits means prospective employees in suits; employees in dress pants and dress shirts or skirts and blouses means prospective employees should still wear suits. If dress is very casual, those being interviewed should wear dress pants and dress shirts or skirts and blouses.

Before the Interview – Tips & Tricks Cont. Arrive in the area in plenty of time but not to the lobby/office until five minutes before the interview. Remember to be pleasant in your interactions with everyone you encounter because you never know who has influence, who may overhear what (out of context), and what impressions you may be making without knowing it! Bring a nice portfolio or binder and a pen (no advertising logos or chewed up caps). DO NOT BRING A BOOK BAG. Ladies should not bring both a portfolio and a purse.   Do not bring your cell phone to the interview. Do not chew gum.

Approaching/Greeting an Employer Smile, greet the employer with a firm handshake and good posture, and make eye contact. Greet the employer by name (Mr., Ms.) if you can pronounce it. If you cannot, politely ask (and remember it for next time)! You may say something like “Hello, I'm Jane Doe. It's nice to meet you Mr. Smith.” Or the interviewer may say “Hello, I'm John Doe” and you answer, “Jane Doe, it's nice to meet you.” Don’t sit until employer invites you to sit. Once seated, find a middle ground between rigidity and relaxation. Sit slightly forward in your chair with good posture.

Announcing the Purpose of the Visit Since you made an appointment to talk with the employer, the employer knows why you are there, but you should still be prepared to state your purpose. Start by saying something like, “Thank you for taking time to talk with me today about the possibility of working with your company in a Work-Based Learning placement. This opportunity would allow me to explore my career interests and develop necessary work skills, while providing you with an energetic, enthusiastic worker.”

Carrying Out a Successful Interview Make eye contact with the interviewer for a few seconds at a time. Smile and nod (at appropriate times) when the interviewer is talking, but, don't overdo it. Don't laugh unless the interviewer does first. Be polite and keep an even tone to your speech. Don't be too loud or too quiet. Don't slouch. Relax and lean forward a little towards the interviewer so you appear interested and engaged. Don't lean back. You will look too casual and relaxed. Keep your feet on the floor. Pay attention, be attentive and interested. Listen, and don't interrupt. Stay calm, and don’t fidget. Not sure what to do with your hands? Hold a pen and your notepad or rest an arm on the chair or on your lap, so you look comfortable. Don't let your arms fly around the room when you're making a point.

Carrying Out a Successful Interview Be yourself; the employer wants to see the real you. Take time to think through and organize your response. Do pause and mentally regroup as needed. Be specific and honest in your answers. Select relevant information that will demonstrate your strengths for the job for which you are applying. Use examples to support your statements. Turn negatives into positives. Show tact, maturity, and courtesy. Be professional and use professional language. A sense of humor is a plus, used appropriately.  Sell your knowledge, skills and experience. Be prepared to ask the employer questions.

Following the Interview "Thou Shalt Always Follow Up" should be the number one commandment for anyone serious about getting a job offer. There are two simple steps you can take to make a lasting impression after your interview and greatly increase your odds of success. The first is to call the interviewer to thank them for their time. If possible, you may want to add additional information which was not discussed in the interview. An example would be: "I understand from speaking with the receptionist that your company uses Microsoft Office. I just wanted to mention that I'm also fully proficient in each of the tools in the Office suite." This phone call should ideally take place the same day. If you are unable to reach the interviewer directly, leave a voicemail message. The second activity is to immediately write the interviewer a short note, thanking them for their time and reemphasizing your interest in the position. Do your best to get it to the interviewer as quickly as possible. Hand deliver it if necessary. The quicker your letter arrives, the greater the likelihood of having a positive impact.

Helpful Websites: http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewsnetworking/a/interviewguide.htm http://interviewingbasics.org/# http://www.quintcareers.com/interview_follow-up-dos-donts.html http://www.solveyourproblem.com/job-interviews/job_interview_follow_up.shtml