Interviews 5.1 Before, During & After

Prior to the Interview Important Items For Interview The Waiting Process Dress Code Preparing for the Interview Employer Background/Vision The Interview

Important Items For Interview Extra copies of resume or C.V Job description/advertisement Company website material Note Pad Portfolio of your work Important references Other important documents Interviewer contact number/add Breath Mints Most importantly a positive attitude

Preparing for an Interview http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1cRwe6M8x0&feature=related

Reminders!!! Off hand phone as it could be distracting to both interviewer and yourself Chewing gum off limits during interview Cigarettes off limits as you don’t want to smell like a chimney Guys; No earrings http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IP1m0vWURxo&eurl=http://www.collegegrad.com/job-search-videos/what-to-bring-with-you-to-the-interview.shtml

Process of waiting Be friendly and pleasant, but, not overbearing. If you need to wait, sit quietly (no phone calls) and patiently. To avoid sweaty palms, visit the rest room, wash your hands, then run them under cool water prior to the interview. Keep your palms open rather than clenched in a fist and keep a tissue you in your pocket to (surreptitiously) wipe them.

Types of Interviewers Face to face Panel/Committee Behavioral Telephone Group Lunch/Dinner Stress Interview http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zIQruPEDmg&feature=related

Traditional Interview: f2f Traditional, one to one Focus on those asking questions Create rapport with interview Show why you matter, how your skills and qualifications suit the company

Committee/ Panel Interview More than 1 interviewer usually between 3-10 Allows for group management and presentation skills to be displayed Connect with interview and observe each personality Take time to respond to questions and maintain eye contact You might be asked to show analytical and problem solving skills to scenario based questions

Behavioral Interview Behavioral orientated questions Interviewers are looking for facts in terms of names, dates etc Explain to me a time you had to handle a disgruntled customer, how did you handle it?

Telephone Interview Done to narrow down potential candidates Preliminary interview for candidates from out of town/overseas Clear work surface and find quiet time, avoid all distractions for this type of interview Focus on questions, answer carefully Have copy of resume nearby as reference Make sure there is no interruptions

Group Interview Done to undercover leadership potential of potential managers, leadership positions Informal, discussion type of interview Goal of interview is to see how you interact with others, reasoning and influence over other members of the group

Lunch/Dinner Despite the casual setting, same rules apply Nevertheless it is a business meal and you are being watched carefully Use interview to develop common ground with interviewer

Stress Interview Common in sales positions and rarely used Deliberate attempt to see how you fare at interviews under pressure Interviewer maybe sarcastic, argumentative, make you wait so don’t take it personally and answer calmly Also lapse into silence in attempt to unnerve you so beware and don’t lose your cool

Dress Code: What to Wear to an Interview? Women's Interview Attire Suit (navy, black or dark grey) The suit skirt should be long enough so you can sit down comfortably Coordinated blouse Court shoes Limited jewelry (no dangling earrings or arms full of bracelets) Professional hairstyle Neutral pantyhose Light make-up and perfume Neatly manicured clean nails Portfolio or briefcase 55% on another person’s perception is based on how you look

Men's Interview Attire Long sleeve shirt (white or coordinated with the suit) Belt Tie Dark socks, conservative leather shoes Little or no jewelry Suit (solid color - navy or dark grey) Neat, professional hairstyle Limit the aftershave Neatly trimmed nails Portfolio or briefcase

Women: Dress Code

Men: Dress Code <<<<<<<Least Recommended .............................. Most Recommended>>>>>>>

Interview Tips http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eR6qrTyqLNk&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPXE4RqdqqM&feature=related

Practise Practise answering typical interview questions so you'll be prepared and comfortable during the actual interview. Use a mirror to practice possible question that will be asked Plan your attire and travel journey to the interview to avoid being late

Employer Background Gathering background information on employers is crucial element for successful interview preparation Find out about company’s vision or mission Review prospective employers’ web sites, especially the About This Company section Don't be afraid to request details on the position you are interviewing

First Impressions Are Important During the Interview First Impressions Are Important Realize that you're being judged as soon as you arrive at the company from the moment you arrive at the company, walking to the door till the end of the interview Set the right tone by being early and watch your movements be it verbal or non-verbal as the interviewer will be observing you from the moment you arrive from a far

How Do You Speak? You should speak clearly and not too fast a pace Ensure your verbal and body language is consistent

Gestures and Space Gestures Should be limited Don’t be theatrical Make sure gestures are natural and meaningful. Space — Recognize the boundaries of your personal space and that of others. For most of us, merely the awareness of our personal space is enough to consciously prompt us to stand firm when speaking with someone. If you have a smaller-than-average personal space, make sure you keep your distance so that you do not intimidate someone who possesses a larger personal space.

Maintain Eye Contact Maintaining good eye contact is essential to show Interest Attention span Confidence Use a mirror to practice and observe if you have good eye contact then practice, practice

Posture and Gestures Posture=Shows Confidence Stand talk, walk tall and sit tall Stand straight, sit up

What You Shouldn’t Say or Do! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waxI5gCtzCs&feature=related