Workplace Skills Interviewing

Bellwork A common question in a job interview is: Tell me about your weaknesses. Now tell me about your strengths Write down how you would answer this question.

Objectives Describe details for a successful interview Prepare answers to common interview questions Demonstrate interviewing skills in a mock interview

Purpose Interviews are for Employers to make hiring decisions Potential employees to learn about a job and company The interview is your chance to “sell” yourself

Cornell Notes Use a notes sheet to take notes Fill in the tips for interviewing

Before: Getting There Know where you are going Drive by the site a day or two ahead of time, find parking, locate the office Arrive 5-15 minutes early

Before: Research Company Learn about the company What kind of business is it, do they have a good reputation Why is this important?

Before: Copies and Questions Bring extra copies of your resume and portfolio Bring a pen and notebook with questions that you have about the job and company

Before: Dress Grooming Women Men Be conservative! Hair and nails should be clean without bright colors Keep perfume and cologne to a minimum Women Dress, skirt (length), or dress pants with nice blouse or blazer No excessive jewelry, make up, or big hair Men Pants (no jeans), collared shirt, tie, sport coat Be conservative!

Beginning: Arriving Tell receptionist Be polite who you are and that you are there for an interview whom the interview is with and what time Be polite

Beginning: Meeting the Interviewer Introductions: Look him/her in the eyes Shake hands firmly Smile Introduce yourself Wait to be seated Be confident

Beginning: Starting the Interview Sit up straight Try not to be too bold or too shy Express that you are happy to have the interview Smile Don’t chew gum, fidget, curse or use slang

Middle: Answering Questions Be positive Answer questions honestly and completely (give explanations not just yes or no) It’s ok not to know everything – express a willingness to learn Pay close attention to the interviewer If you don’t understand something ask

Middle: Answering Questions Organize your thoughts before you answer, it is ok to be silent and think You cannot be asked about: Age, race, religion, ethnicity, marital status Avoid criticizing former employers or coworkers

End: Finishing the Interview Ask your questions If offered the job ask about salary, benefits, hours – you can ask for a day to think it over If they say you will be contacted, ask when they expect to make a decision – offer to call in a few days Make sure they have your contact information Thank the interview and shake hands firmly

After: Follow Up Send a thank you letter to the interviewer Call about a week after the interview if they haven’t contacted you to find out if they made a decision

Interview Questions Look over the list of questions asked by employers and applicants Be prepared to answer all of the employer questions

Mock Interviews Groups of three Roles: Evaluator – use rubric to evaluate person being interviewed Interviewer – asks the questions Interviewee – person being interviewed Switch roles so that everyone does each job once

Mock Interviews Pick a company for your group Use the Internet to look up information about this company Choose questions to ask as an interviewer and interviewee You may choose from the list or write your own

Interviews Rate the following areas in order of importance in an interview Job qualifications Attitude Communication skills Appearance

How are you rated?