The Interview http://www.videodetective.com/movies/you-me-and-dupree-scene-dupree-has-a-job-interview/954865

Personality tests? When applicants apply for a job online these days, they are increasingly being asked to take personality tests even before they exchange an e-mail or have a phone interview with a hiring manager. http://www.nbcnews.com/id/44120975/ns/business-careers/t/employers-turn-tests-weed-out-job-seekers/#.Uiek10rLBfA

CVS Here’s a sampling of questions from an online personality test that CVS Caremark, the pharmacy chain, was giving to potential candidates. The applicants had to answer whether they agreed or disagreed with the statements: People do a lot of things that make you angry. There’s no use having close friends; they always let you down. Many people cannot be trusted. You are unsure of what to say when you meet someone.

Online assessments For example, the online application for McDonald’s includes 35 questions for job seekers, and they range from the very job-specific to more general questions. Here’s a sampling: While you are on break, a customer spills a large drink in a busy area of the restaurant. Cleaning the floors is the job of another team member, but he is taking a customer's order. What would you do? I am sometimes unkind to others. I often lose my patience with others. I dislike having several things to do on the same day.

About one-third of employers use testing for hiring and promotions Personality tests are “growing like wildfire,” The employment assessment market overall is worth about $2 billion, up 15 percent from last year.

Talent or Pre-employment tests Many large companies use these. Applicants either take the test when they apply online or are directed, via email or the company web site, on how to take the test. Tests may be hosted on a third party web site. If they are you'll be given instructions on how to access and take the test.

Preparing for the Interview

Do your homework! Research the company. Use your networking abilities to find out about the job. INTERNET…Use it.

Best time to interview???

Best time to interview??? According to Glassdoor, the best time to interview is 10:30 AM on Tuesday. 10:30 AM Tuesday is the sweet spot because : *On Mondays and Fridays, employees gear up for the week or wind down. By the same token, avoid the first or last slots of any workday. *Avoid lunchtime. Immediately before noon, your interviewer may be too hungry to concentrate; immediately after, they may be in a food coma. http://www.forbes.com/sites/jonyoushaei/2014/10/20/12-surprising-job-interview-tips/

What’s wrong with this outfit?

Shoes must match belt

Use Social Sweepster To Clean Your Facebook & Twitter Nowadays, 91% of employers search your social media for any red flags. Use Social Sweepster, an app that detects pictures of red solo cups, beer bottles, and other “suspicious” objects. It even detects profanity from your past posts! “Too many recruiters reject candidate because of something they found on their social platforms” Social Sweepster CEO Tom McGrath says. “We help you create the first impression on your own terms.”

First impressions?

Appropriate for what positions Appropriate for what positions? “Wear something that represents your culture or background,”

Details matter

What about that ink??? http://money.usnews.com/money/careers/articles/2015/05/18/do-you-still-need-to-hide-your-tattoos-and-piercings-for-interviews

Be Prepared Have questions written down.

Arrive early. At least 10 min. What should you do to ensure you will get there before the interview? Why do you want extra time before appt.? What if you are late? Traffic jam??

Subjects to avoid during interview: Financial problems Issues with previous bosses. HR will most likely only confirm you worked at previous position. MONEY is NOT talked about at first interview. Employer brings it up first. ALWAYS!!! Anything else??

What to ask at the end… What is the next step in the hiring process? When will you be making a decision?

Remember… The interview is a 2 way interaction. You want to find out if it will be a good fit for both you and the employer. Manners matter…with everyone at the company.

Other hurdles to expect: Driving record, DMV Background check Ex: Finger printing Credit record Drug screening: Be prompt for appt. No excuses for being late. Physical exam

Top 5 interview questions homework: Identify a position you would like to interview for_____________ Answer the questions listed in top box of handout. *Responses will be collected on google form.