Preparing for the Interview

Tip # 1: Learn All You Can About the Company Go online Visit the company

Tip # 2: Gather Important Documents Multiple copies of your resumé Copies of diplomas, Awards, certificates, Transcripts Driver’s license Social Security Card Letters of Reference

Tip # 3: Know Where to Go Drive to the interview site ahead of time Allow an extra ten minutes on the day of the interview If someone drives you, have them stay in the car

Tip # 4: Dress for Success

Tip # 4: Dress for Success

Percent of Employers Negatively Influenced by: Clothing Handshake Unusual Hair Color Obvious Tattoos Body Piercing Unusual Hair Style

Tattoos The top five reasons both men and women gave for tattoo removal: 58% just decided to remove it. 57% suffered embarrassment. 38% new job/career. 37% problem with clothes. 25% experienced stigma.

Body Piercing

Tattoos The reasons people get tattoos: 44% wanted to feel unique. 33% wanted to feel independent. 28% wanted to bring attention to a particular life experience. The researchers write that one out of four American adults aged 18 to 30 has a tattoo. In both studies, the main reason for wanting to get rid of a tattoo was that people had a "shift in their identities," and wanted to do away with the past.

Tattoo: Good Idea or Not?

Tip # 5: Edit Social Networking Sites & Blogs Do not post anything that would make a pastor, priest, or parent blush If you have inappropriate content, remove it before a job interview 77% of employers check-out applicants online.

Tip # 5: Edit Social Networking Sites & Blogs Source: Cooper Anderson Talk Show airing March 6, 2012.

Tip # 6: Practice Common Interview Questions Tell me about yourself Why do you want to work for this company? What did you dislike about your previous job? What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? What are your future plans? Describe a challenging situation and how you overcame it. What are you passionate about? How do you handle stress? Do you have any questions for me?

Tip # 7: Practice Your Introduction & Handshake Pleased to meet you, Mr. Smith. I am John Q. Student.

Top 12 Characteristics Wanted in Workers Report to work every time scheduled, on time, and ready to work. Show initiative – do what needs to be done without being asked Be well groomed and keep work station clean and neat Treat customers politely and keep them happy Concentrate on what you are doing Be honest

Top 12 Characteristics Wanted in Workers Develop good communication skills – ask questions; have an outgoing, friendly personality Be eager to learn new things about the job Have a great attitude towards others and work Get along with others Do quality work Follow the rules

Interview Practice Questions