Interviewing 101

Vocabulary Interview – formal conversation controlled by one person asking the questions Interviewer – the person who asks the questions in the interview Interviewee – the person who answers the questions in the interview Resumé – formal, business version of your personal inventory on paper

Before you go... Research the company –Talk to people in the field Networking – developing a variety of personal contacts –Check the internet –Read articles –Check with Chamber of Commerce

MOST IMPORTANT THING TO DO BEFORE THE INTERVIEW Ask for a job description of the position for which you are interviewing before the interview.

Before You Go Cont. Anticipate questions Practice with a MOCK INTERVIEW

And the Question Is.... Types of Interview Questions General Educational Job-Related Personal Follow-up Open-ended

BRING THE FOLLOWING TO THE INTERVIEW Social Security Card Drivers License Birth Certificate RESUME! References

At the Interview Make positive points –Puff balls – easy questions “tell me about yourself” –Pauses –Bridges – transition from one answer to a positive point you WANT to discuss

Be Positive Use a SPARKLER – something that makes the point come alive KEEP IT SHORT Sound bite length – 30 sec –Short cuttings from interviews on TV

The Hard Ones Anticipate and practice answers to tough questions Take your time – say the interviewer’s name, repeat the question, ask for a minute to think

No No’s Questions that are Illegal Political affiliation Religion Marriage status Sexual Orientation IQ Ancestry or nationality

You’ve got Questions Ask about duties Ask about immediate supervisor Ask about opportunities for advancement NEVER ask about salary, days off, vacation, holidays, sick leave, personal days

At the Interview Arrive minutes early Employers are “sizing” you up Be alert and energetic Pay attention – use the interviewer’s name Shake hands – if they don’t extend a hand DO IT YOURSELF Carry a portfolio

Types of Interviews One on one Team or panel interview –MAKE SURE TO TREAT EVERYONE THERE RESPECTFULLY

Dress for Success Dress AT LEAST as well as the employees if not somewhat better Make sure everything fits, matches, is clean, polished

Parts of a Resume Identification Objective or goal Education Work History Personal Data References –Always include a cover letter

Tips on writing a resume Be positive Be brief Stick to the facts Keep language clear