Interview Like a Pro

Successful Interviewing ImportancePreparation Presenting Yourself The Interview Mock Interviews Conclusion

Successful Interviewing ImportancePreparation Presenting Yourself The Interview

Importance of the Interview Your resume and/or application will get you in the door But it’s your interview that will get you the job! Purpose is to determine whether the job seeker will fit the job and the company “Before everything else, getting ready is the secret to success.” -Henry Ford

Successful Interviewing ImportancePreparation Presenting Yourself The Interview

Preparation Do your homework –Learn about the company –Learn about the position –Learn more about the field if it is new to you The interviewers will recognize your preparedness –Desirable quality “Before everything else, getting ready is the secret to success.” -Henry Ford

Preparation Write out likely interview questions More importantly: Write your answers to those questions Write any questions that you may have for them “To be prepared is half the victory.” -Miguel De Cervantes

Preparation Practice, practice, practice! Practice speaking out loud Yeah, it may be awkward but some of the best public speakers do it. It will also help you feel more comfortable talking about yourself “Before everything else, getting ready is the secret to success.” -Henry Ford

Time Out! Inupiaq Value: Humility It’s okay to talk about your strengths! Don’t feel bad about “Selling Yourself” –It may just get you that job –It shows that you have confidence in your abilities “Your success depends mainly upon what you think of yourself and whether you believe in yourself.” -William J.H. Boetcker For a Cultural Reflection Moment…

Time Out! Make Eye Contact Avoid non-verbal communication –Raising Eye Brows –Crinkling Nose –Shrugging Shoulders “Your success depends mainly upon what you think of yourself and whether you believe in yourself.” -William J.H. Boetcker For a Cultural Reflection Moment…

Successful Interviewing ImportancePreparation Presenting Yourself The Interview “Before everything else, getting ready is the secret to success.” -Henry Ford

Presenting Yourself Wear Clothes that are… –Neat –Clean –Conservative –Suit/dress –Slacks/dress pants –Dress shoes Don’t Wear… –T-Shirts –Dirty jeans –Sneakers –Sandals –Tight clothing –“Hole-y wear” –Excess Piercing Dress Professionally “Before everything else, getting ready is the secret to success.” -Henry Ford

Presenting Yourself – Don’t be Smelly! Do not wear perfume/cologne or use excessive lotions, body sprays, etc. Refrain from smoking, chewing and excessive coffee drinking “Before everything else, getting ready is the secret to success.” -Henry Ford

Presenting Yourself What to Bring –Resume –Letters of recommendation –Reference sheet: names, contact info –Notepad and pen (for your own notes) –Your list of questions for the interviewer(s) Good show of interest in company! –A confident and calm YOU!! “Before everything else, getting ready is the secret to success.” -Henry Ford

Successful Interviewing ImportancePreparation Presenting Yourself The Interview “Before everything else, getting ready is the secret to success.” -Henry Ford

The Interview Think positive! Show up early Ask for your interviewer by name Be professional –No gum chewing –Set cell phone off/silent Recall (mentally) your practice questions and answers “Before everything else, getting ready is the secret to success.” -Henry Ford

The Interview – First Impression First impressions are important! “Before everything else, getting ready is the secret to success.” -Henry Ford Practice a firm, confident hand shake –No sweaty, wet noodle shakes! (use antiperspirant) Give good eye contact Introduce yourself with a clear voice

The Interview Thank them for their time and consideration Speak clearly –Don’t: mumble, use slang, swear –Limit humor, you may offend someone Limit your use of “Um’s” “Uh’s” Use eye contact “Before everything else, getting ready is the secret to success.” -Henry Ford

The Interview During… –Showcase your talents –Give a clear picture of your skills, knowledge and strengths –Give examples of how you can benefit the company “Before everything else, getting ready is the secret to success.” -Henry Ford

The Interview Questions to ask –Advancement opportunities –Benefit package –Work hours –Company culture –Chain of command “Before everything else, getting ready is the secret to success.” -Henry Ford

The Interview Questions NOT to ask –How much will you pay me? –What is your sick leave policy? –What is your drug testing policy? –When will I get my first raise? “Before everything else, getting ready is the secret to success.” -Henry Ford

The Interview After the interviewer is done –Ask them your questions –Ask when you can expect to hear back from them –Thank them again and shake their hand “Before everything else, getting ready is the secret to success.” -Henry Ford

The Interview Afterwards… –Pat yourself on the back, you did it! –Send a thank you note to the interviewer –Be patient –Call the interviewer according to the time frame they gave you at your interview –Keep a positive attitude if you are not selected “Before everything else, getting ready is the secret to success.” -Henry Ford

Questions?