Interview Skills Building Keely Johnston Central Alberta Career Prep

What is the purpose of an interview? Allows candidates and employers to meet each other Creates a place for asking questions Determines if an appropriate working match is made Serves to determine if a job applicant meets the job requirements

What type of interviews are out there?  Phone Interviews Could be used to initiate contact Could be used if there is a large distance between you and the employer  In-person One-on-one panel

When the employer calls to arrange an interview…  Date/time/place  Who is doing the interview (get their names)- is it a panel or one-on- one?  Confirm that you have a portfolio and would like to bring it  Confirm that the interview is for the job you applied for  Ask for a job description

Must do your research before the interview! By researching you are demonstrating organization and preparation skills. It will build your confidence! You will want to know about: The work you will be doing The company The expectations of the job

What questions may you be asked? Employers will ask questions about your PAST, PRESENT, & the FUTURE. PAST Performance, experiences and education PRESENT Current availability, abilities, certifications and skills FUTURE How will you handle the responsibilities of the position? Future performance

What questions may you be asked? Tell me about yourself. Describe your last job. Why did you leave your last job? What is your favorite school subject? What is your least favorite? What are your 3 greatest strengths? What do you consider to be an area for development? Where have you demonstrated responsibility in your past? What are your interests outside of school? Why are you interested in this position? What 3 words best describe you? What kind of work environment would you like to work in? How can you ensure your workplace is this way? Describe a time when you demonstrated initiative. Describe a time when you handled a situation poorly; what did you learn? How could you act differently next time? Why should I hire you?

What questions CANNOT be asked? Anything relating to religion, marital status, sexual preference, ethnic origin, age, gender, weight, criminal record, disability, and other health issues are OFF LIMITS!

What questions could you ask in your interview? What are some of the responsibilities of this position? Why are you hiring? What are the busiest times of business? How can I make a difference to this business? What are the hours of work? How is technology changing this occupation? What training do you offer your employees? What are the advancement opportunities within the organization? Where does this company expect to be in 5 years? What is the expected dress code?

Should you ask about money?! It is important to ask the question in a way that shows the employer that wages are not your greatest interest! What is the entry-level pay for a job like this? What is the pay range for this position?

Why is it important for us to know our skills and abilities? When we know our skills and abilities we are able to speak confidently and in detail so the employer knows what we have to offer The best way to demonstrate your skills is to tell a brief story about your skill and the way you have used it in the past, then relate the skill to the potential job

During football practice, I have to keep daily attendance and prepare equipment prior to practice. My coaches have described me as reliable, independent, and as a person who takes initiative. I am responsible for the daily feeding and care of four horses. This requires that I be outside working in all weather without being asked. This demonstrates my ability to be motivated, punctual, and responsible which you have indicated are all important to this work. I was a babysitter for a family with 3 children. I prepared meals and did general house clean up. I babysat for this family for 2 yrs; the family has given me a reference letter that describes me as responsible, caring, and tidy. This letter is in my portfolio if you would like to read it. Examples:

Out of the hat practice questions… Think of one challenging question you may be asked at an interview; write it on a small piece of paper. Choose a piece of paper; read the question to your classmates and then answer it to the best of your ability. The class will have the opportunity to add to other ways the question could be answered.

Game Show 3 groups of students, 3 individual judges 3 groups of students, 3 individual judges Each group will have a position they are applying for Each group will have a position they are applying for Playground supervisor Playground supervisor Fast food restaurant worker Fast food restaurant worker Golf course maintenance worker Golf course maintenance worker Farm hand Farm hand Hair salon assistant Hair salon assistant Grocery carry-out person Grocery carry-out person Choose the best answer to the 3 questions based on the position you are applying for Choose the best answer to the 3 questions based on the position you are applying for

Interview Day What are the “red flags” that employers watch for?! What are the “red flags” that employers watch for?!

What do these “red flags” say to an employer? Late Late Forgot your resume/ portfolio Forgot your resume/ portfolio Untidy hair Untidy hair Overload of jewelry, piercings/tattoos Overload of jewelry, piercings/tattoos Smell of cigarette smoke Smell of cigarette smoke Poor posture Poor posture Poor speaking skills, slander, profanity Poor speaking skills, slander, profanity Responding with only yes and no answers Responding with only yes and no answers Speaking poorly of previous employer Speaking poorly of previous employer Talking too much about topics not relevant to the question Talking too much about topics not relevant to the question Wearing a ball cap or sunglasses in the interview Wearing a ball cap or sunglasses in the interview Lack of enthusiasm or confidence Lack of enthusiasm or confidence Not demonstrating where you can add value Not demonstrating where you can add value Not prepared for basic interview questions Not prepared for basic interview questions Does not listen well, cuts interviewer off Does not listen well, cuts interviewer off Leaves without asking any questions Leaves without asking any questions Does not follow up with a thank you card Does not follow up with a thank you card No firm handshake No firm handshake No eye contact No eye contact Dressed in street clothes- crumpled, dirty, shoes untied or dirty Dressed in street clothes- crumpled, dirty, shoes untied or dirty Forgetting to bring 3 references Forgetting to bring 3 references

Follow Up Send a thank you note or , thanking them for their time and consideration. Send a thank you note or , thanking them for their time and consideration. Provide any information you may have forgotten or clarify a specific interview question. Provide any information you may have forgotten or clarify a specific interview question. If you do not get the position, call and ask for constructive feedback. If you do not get the position, call and ask for constructive feedback. Remember that each interview is a valuable experience! Remember that each interview is a valuable experience!

Things to remember: An interview is a TWO-WAY process An interview is a TWO-WAY process The only way to get the best match is for each party to interview each other The only way to get the best match is for each party to interview each other Interviews require you to plan and practice selling your skills and abilities Interviews require you to plan and practice selling your skills and abilities