Interviewing for a Job and Résumé Writing “You never get a second chance to make a good first impression.” – American Proverb

Preparing for an interview Know yourself - Build a dossier or personal inventory Personal Work History Education Self-Assessment

What is a dossier and what is contained in it? Background on your previous employment Where you have gone to school and what skills you have acquired Your strengths and weaknesses - and how they relate to the job you are seeking

Personal work history Every employer Name Address Telephone number Dates of employment Each job Specific Duties Specific Skills Promotions, awards, or recognition you received

Writing a Résumé This is a formal version of your personal inventory Contains Identification Your objective or job goal Education and training Work history Personal data Reference statement

Job Objective Identification Education Personal Data - Clubs, Activities and Honors Work History Training Personal Data - Recreational Reference Note

Identification on Résumé Name Address Phone number At top List name as you want to be called at work

Objective Focus of Résumé Part time work? Unpaid volunteer? Scholarship? College acceptance? How might you write your objective?

Education and training While in high school, it goes at the top Later on at the bottom Usually when you will graduate GPA - if for acceptance or impressive Training - what might relate to the job or be impressive What might you list?

Work history Information on each job Name, location of business, and dates of employment Responsibilities on job If you have never had a paid position, what could you include?

Personal data Activities Honors Outside interests Volunteer work

References Available upon request Have information with you Names of employers Check with them in advance to use Phone numbers

Tips Be positive Be brief Stick to facts Keep your language clear Keep your eye on goal

Before Interview Research employer Practice, practice, practice

Work on Résumé Create dossier Work with partner reviewing information Put in form to type Finish Résumé (typed) Write a cover letter

Cover Letter Catch attention Provide the context Describe accomplishments Request an interview Use proper business letter format, punctuation, spelling, and make it look professional.

Answering Interview Questions Anticipate questions. What might they ask?

Typical Questions Why do you want to work for us? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What would you like to be doing in five years (or upon graduation?) What is your grade point average? What have been your favorite and least favorite courses? Were your extracurricular activities worth your time? Why should I hire you? What’s your proudest accomplishment?

Make Positive Points Puff balls–easy questions that give opening to talk like, “Tell me about yourself.” Pauses–Another chance to show initiative Bridges–transition from one answer to another or a chance to make a point Add “sparklers” –illustrates your point

Rehearse Tough Questions Why should I hire you? Where do you see yourself in five years? Why do you want to work here?

Take Your Time Think before you answer. Be sure to address the issue. You can ask for time to think if needed. You can ask for clarification–paraphrase question.

Inappropriate Questions Ask yourself, “Does it have something to do with the job or position for which I am interviewing?” Examples of inappropriate questions: What is your political party? Do you go to church regularly? Do you drink? What is your sexual orientation? What is your IQ? Do you have a girlfriend/boyfriend? How much do you weigh?

How to handle inappropriate questions How to handle inappropriate questions Try to tackle the real concern Answer briefly and move on How would you handle, “Do you have a boyfriend or girlfriend?” What other questions could be difficult for you?

Questions to Ask the Interviewer  Clarify responsibilities.  Who would be my supervisor?  How many nights would I close? (Don’t imply that you don’t want to work too hard.)  How soon will you make a decision?

Interview Check List Be alert, energetic, and aware of body language. Pay attention to names, specific information. Begin and end with shaking the interviewer’s hand. Dress appropriately. What do you think are common mistakes in dress?

Interview Check List Get there on time! A day or two ahead, confirm time and check for how long to plan on the interview. Ask if you should bring anything like a portfolio. Arrive at least 15 minutes early. Go by yourself. Any waiting time you can use to check appearance and read company literature.

Interview Check List Do I have résumé? Three references? Know how long to get there? Interviewer’s name? Turned off electronic devices? Thanked interviewer?

Recalling the Facts – answer in notebook In addition to jobs, where might you experience an interview? What is most important consideration in organizing your résumé? What is included in special skills? How do you determine what to wear to the interview? When should you arrive for the interview? What is the strongest nonverbal communication? What should you do before the interview? What are sparklers and why do you use them? Do you have to answer all questions? How important is it to speed through answers?

Vocabulary – define in your notebook networking interview résumé mock interview pull ball pause bridge sound bite portfolio