Interview Techniques Career & Advising Services Lewis-Clark State College

Overview of This Session Pre-Interview Preparation: Know yourself and your resume Know the Employer Practice techniques Participation in the Interview: What to take Clothing, make-up, and accessory choices Do’s and Don’ts Post-Interview Follow-Up: How to thank the employer

Practical Points in the Job Search Process The Seven P’s: 1 - Prioritize Your Goals and Values 2 - Prepare to Promote Yourself 3 - Package Your Professional Appearance 4 - Practice, Practice, Practice 5 - Profile The Employer 6 - Present Yourself at the Interview 7 - Perform Proper Post-Interview Follow-Up

P #1: Prioritize Your Goals and Values 1) Self-assessment 2) Application of Results

P#2: Prepare to Promote Yourself Know Your Resume Work Accomplishments Private Life Accomplishments Extracurricular/Volunteer Experiences Anecdotes Your Career Goals Strengths/Weaknesses Qualifying Details

P#3: Package Your Professional Appearance The Three Goals:  Looking appropriate and “fitting in” with the setting  Demonstrating confidence  Feeling comfortable with yourself

Package Your Professional Appearance… Let’s start from the beginning: Shower. Shave. Brush. You’ll feel better and you’ll look fresh. Do not wear cologne or perfume. You never know who will be allergic to, sensitive to or reminded of someone by what you are wearing. Do wear antiperspirant! The best scent is fresh (a high quality bath soap should do the trick).

Make-Up Choices: Cheery Cherry Smoky Serious Pretty Peach – Best for the interview! According to a survey done in fall 2004 of human resources professionals, by a communications consulting firm, Employers admit they are more likely to employ a woman who wears make-up than one who doesn’t.

Jewelry Less is more. Wear nothing that makes noise or dangles. Men should avoid wearing any jewelry unless it is a wedding ring, class ring or metal watch. Women: No more than one earring in each ear, one necklace, one ring on each finger, and one item on each wrist. Then…remove at least one item. Generally unacceptable: facial piercings, tongue jewelry or visible tattoos.

Which one would you pick…

How About These?

Suiting Examples for Women ■ Be sure waist isn’t too low…bend over and look behind you in the mirror to check! ■ Full shoes (not sandals) with hosiery are recommended for the interview. ■ Skirts should be no more than 2” above and 2” below the knee.

Men’s Suiting

Inappropriate Interview Shoes

Women’s & Men’s Dress Shoes

P#4: Practice, Practice, Practice Interviewing is a learned skill: The PIE Concept:  P ractice to prepare  I nformation Interview  E mployment Interview

P#5: Profile the Employer  How should you conduct the necessary research?  What should you know about the employer?

P#6: Present Yourself at the Interview  When you are invited to the interview, ask some questions...

Types of Interviews: Long Short Telephone Formal Informal Panel Test Individual Group Presentation

What should you take with you to the Interview  Extra copies of your resume  Reference list  Transcripts  Writing utensil/paper  Social Security Number (Card)  List of questions to ask  Other supporting materials  Spending money

The most Important Way to Begin (and end) the Interview  Four Point First Impression  Four Point Final Impression

Do’s in The Interview… Points to remember Get a good night's sleep before the interview. Use the restroom before the interview begins. Arrive Early - 10 minutes is appropriate. Maintain good eye-contact with each individual that you meet. Use each person's name that you meet, to help you remember. Let the interviewer direct the conversation. Listen to each question carefully, without interrupting. Take time to think through your answers - pauses are OK. Keep your answers between 20 seconds and 2 minutes, which is statistically the optimum time period for answering a question. Speak positively about previous employers and co-workers. Be constantly aware of your body language and that of the interviewer. Let the employer lead into discussion about salary & benefits. Ask at the end of the interview when you will hear from the interviewer again, If the information is not offered. Be sure that everything you say in the interview is verifiable.

Don’ts in the Interview Points to remember… DON’T chew gum, tobacco, or candy during the interview. DON'T touch, lean on, or pick up anything on the interviewers desk. DON'T address the interviewer by first name,unless first invited to do so. DON'T touch your hair, adjust your clothing, bite your fingernails or anything else that may be distracting to the interviewer. DON'T use slang or profanity, even if the employer does. DON'T be a comedian. Be pleasant, but remember that the interview is serious. DON'T answer questions with just one word. DON'T be overly negative about anything or anyone.

P#7 – Perform Post Interview Follow-Up Five Reasons why you should send thank-you notes after an interview: 1 - They prove you are courteous and good with people 2 - They help the employer remember you. 3 - They can be used to reiterate your interest in the job. 4 - They can provide you with opportunities to reinforce certain points made in the interview 5 - A thank you note may be the one factor that positively sets you apart from others interviewed! (The 10 Minute Rule)

Interview Techniques Your chance to let your personality shine…Make it count ! Career & Advising Services has additional interview, job search, and career resources in the office at Reid Centennial Hall, 110 Trained staff can assist you with your interview questions CAS has three computers available for your job search needs Visit LCSC Career & Advising Services ~ Reid Hall 110 Debra Lybyer, Director Debi Mundell, Associate Director Susan Lawson, Career Counselor Andrea Masom, Career Advisor Green Baggett, Staff Volunteer Denise Harris, Administrative Assistant Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. summer hours