Interviews EFE Manual pg 46-55

Interview! Your cover letter and resume were good Your job application gave a positive image

A Personal Interview Do a good job, you may get hired If you blow it: Think about what went wrong Try again

First Impressions Formed within three to eleven seconds Things to remember Timing Appearance Handshake Body language TIMING: No earlier than 15 minutes (looks desperate). If you get there earlier wait until 5-10 minutes before to check in. Be aware of how you act (you never know who has an influence) Appearance- people make judgments (whether you like it or not) Look professional. Not too-sloppy, revealing, tight! Shoes are clean. Have hair neat and done. Avoid perfume/cologne. (or too much) . Cover tattoos. 1 earring in each ear. Handshake- grip speaks volumes! Weak=hesitant/meek Too Much=Domineering Body Language- sit up straight (shoulders back) Maintain Eye contact (but do not stare) Even if nervous—do not fidget or mess with hair!

Take it Seriously! Do research on the company Come up with answers to possible questions

What to Bring to an Interview Organize ahead of time Essentials needed: Extra copies of your resume Extra copies of your reference page Notepad and pen/pencil

Professional Dress Your clothes give silent messages Dress professionally!

Tips to Remember Always have a clean, neat appearance Good hygiene is very important Avoid heavy makeup or excess jewelry Business professional attire Men: collared shirt, dress slacks, polished shoes, tie? Females: pressed top, skirt or slacks, polished shoes.

Do’s of Interviewing Arrive 10-15 minutes early Get a good night’s sleep Express enthusiasm Know and correctly pronounce names Use “please” and “thank you” Answer questions completely Sit up straight & maintain eye contact

Do’s of Interviewing Get company info ahead of time Come alone Sell your qualifications rather than your need for the job Treat receptionists politely Listen carefully Wait until you are asked to be seated Avoid poor language

Don’ts of Interviewing Ask about pay or benefits Act as if you have the job no matter what Interrupt Bring up personal matters Criticize former employers or co-workers Give petty excuses Chew gum, smoke, play with your hair Be shy or exaggerate

Interview Video Interview Tips http://youtu.be/epcc9X1aS7o Dress for Success http://youtu.be/n0DFwGy8wUg

Illegal Questions How old? Are you married? Relationship status. Do you have children or plan to? Do you drink or smoke? Do you attend church? Ever been arrested?

Questions you should ask Would you please tell me some of the things I would be doing? What kind of training would I receive? What do you like best about working here? What criteria do you use to evaluate if a person in this position is doing a good job?

Questions You Should Not Ask When do I get my first raise? When are your holidays and vacations? Who is your boss? Do you mind if I smoke?

Follow Up Thank You Letter Every interview should be followed by a thank you letter Sent one to two days after your interview Show appreciation for the employer’s time spent with you Shows you want to work for that company Gets your name in front of employer Include some reference so employer will remember you

Behavioral Interviews Some employers are moving to this More accurate predictor of future performance 55% predictive of future on-the-job behavior

Behavioral Questions-S.T.A.R. Situation/Task-describe situation/task Action-what steps did you take Result-how did it turn out?

Behavioral Questions Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully convince some to see things your way. Tell me about a time when you had too many things to do and you had to prioritize your tasks. Give me an example of a time when you motivated others.