INTERVIEWING Before the Interview During the Interview After the Interview Modified by the Ag Ed Leadership Revision Committee May 2007

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

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

Research -- Be able to ask ??? Research -- Be able to ask intelligent ?? Library books Newspaper articles Talk to people who work for the company Visit their internet site Check Human Resource Department for press kit about company history The more information you know, the better you can showcase yourself!!!

Sources of Information About Company Newspaper or Magazines Brochures Chamber of Commerce Internet Website of Company Employees Customers Position Announcements

Rehearsal Time 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

Practice Interview Questions What is your experience? What activities did you participate in school, community, etc.? What are your career goals? Why do you want this job? What are your major strengths? What are your major weaknesses? How well do you get along with others? Are you willing to work overtime? When can you begin work? Tell me about yourself.

General tips on Interviewing Be neat and be well groomed Dress appropriate for type of job applied for Go to interview alone Be on time Use good manners and appropriate gestures Pay attention to interviewer Ask appropriate questions about the job Have necessary personal reference information with you Smile and Relax Ask some opening questions Have good posture Sound enthusiastic Make eye contact Avoid distracting habits (rocking, etc.) Videotape yourself for practice

Telephone Skills Speak clearly Say it with a SMILE Repeat time and location of the interview Remember -- You make your first impression on the telephone!!!!!

Dress For Success Be conservative in dress Dress one step above what employees are wearing Shower and shave Use cologne and perfume sparingly Avoid extra jewelry

Professional Dress for Women A business suit-blue, gray, black Keep skirt length appropriate: hemline no shorter than the bottom of the knee Wear quality fabrics Shoes that match Solid colors One ring per hand One set of earrings

Professional Dress for Men Conservative color for suit, ex. Blue, gray, black A white collared shirt with a conservative tie, no wild patterns (cartoon characters) Socks needed to match suit Dont wear athletic socks Shoes need to be shined Dont wear accessories (a watch is fine) Avoid wearing a suit that you can tell is from an expensive designer

Tips for Men and Women Hair should be trimmed, neatly arranged, and clean Fingernails should be neat, clean, and trimmed Avoid using colognes, scented powders, and perfumes Keep pockets empty of tinkling coins No gum, candy, or cigarettes Women: Dont wear too much makeup Keep hair pulled back and out of face Be conservative: earrings, piercing, etc

Dos 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 Interviewer

Donts Be Late Present an Extreme Appearance Come unprepared Oversell Yourself Become Impatient Try to be Funny Put Emphasis on Salary Criticize Yourself Talk Too Much and Control Interview

AT THE INTERVIEW Its Showtime

What makes a good first impression? Proper handshake Proper introduction Good posture Neat appearance: attire grooming personal hygiene

Body Language Good Posture Sit up straight, Sit on the edge of chair, 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

Typical Questions Tell me about yourself. What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? What are some of your goals? Do you like working with others or on your own? ???Honesty is the best policy???

Typical Tough Questions??? 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 cant meet, what will you do? Stay Calm, Dont be Defensive, Focus on your Skills

Employee Questions What services or products does the company provide? Who are the companys 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, etc?

Questions to Avoid Salary Research other companies, give a range Vacations Benefits Sick leave

Final Comments Thank the interviewer for the interview Decide a convenient time you can call on the hiring status

After an Interview Following Up

Evaluate the Interview Did you speak clearly? Did you forget important information? Will you accept or reject the job offer?

Thank You Letter Reinforce your skills and abilities Insert added information you may have forgotten Restate your continued interest in the company Remember to call back at appointed time!!!!!

Accepting the Job Offer Ask for a day to think about the job offer List pro and cons before you accept the job Ask for a formal offer letter for your files Send and keep a copy of your acceptance letter

Rejecting the Job Offer You are offered the job, but the salary is too low. Negotiate your salary. The job isnt what you expected: Be tactful in your response…

If you are not hired… Consider it a learning experience Ask why you were not hired Do you need more training? How can you improve in your interview? Feedback will help you in future interviews

HAPPY HUNTING