Penne Ciaraldi, CCV- Veteran Services Elizabeth King, CCV Student Advisor

Learning Objectives for this Workshop:  How to Prepare for an Interview  Identify your Work Skills  Tips for Doing Well in the Interview

Show You Care About Getting the Job  What do I know about the company/business?  How do I find out more about the company?  What do I know about the specific job I applied for ?

4 “What skills are missing in your employment candidates or current employees”  Communications Skills  Teamwork  Business Professionalism  Basic Computer Skills  Change Management Skills  Customer Service Skills  Critical Thinking / Multitasking / Problem Solving  Work Ethic  Math for Business  Life Management Skills

 Honesty  Adaptability/Flexibility  Dedication/Hard-Working  Dependability/Reliability  Loyalty  Positive Attitude/Motivation  Professionalism  Self-Confidence  Self-Motivated  Willing to Learn

How would you describe yourself to a potential employer? ?

 What are the skills and strengths I bring to the job?  Know your resume  Practice interviewing

 Keep info about the job(s) close at hand  Be prepared to give a quick summary of your work experience and why you are interested in this job  Listen to questions  Speak clearly  Be prepared to ask a couple of questions  Thank the interviewer for taking the time to call you   Jot down notes about what you talked about  Send a thank you note

 Practice answering questions  Have a good “pitch” – why should you get the job  Why do you want this job?  How do your skills match this job?  Know your strengths and weaknesses*

 Dress Appropriately - “one up” from the position  Bring: Paper, pen, questions, references, copy of resume  Leave plenty of time to get there (but not too early)  First impressions begin as soon as you enter the building

 Smile  Handshake  Wait to be told where to sit  Maintain appropriate eye contact (with everyone)  Be enthusiastic

Questions about you (your personality) Questions about the job (your skills) Questions about your behavior in previous jobs or situations (behavioral Interviewing)

 Situations you have encountered at work  How you responded  What you learned Tell me about a time when you had too many things to do and you were required to prioritize your tasks. Tell me about a recent situation in which you had to deal with a very upset customer or co-worker. Give me an example of a time when something you tried to accomplish and failed.

 Listen to the question  Take time to think about the question  Be aware of how the interviewer(s) are responding to your answers

Be prepared with 5 to 7questions  What qualities are you looking for in the person you hire?  What challenges does your business face in the next few years?  What are the interviewer’s next steps?

 How much leave time will I get?  How much overtime would I have to work?  Would I really have to work weekends?  Never ask about the pay  Never say something negative about a past employer or co-worker

 Provide 3 – 5 professional references  Contact references before listing them  Contact references when you apply for a job Reference information should include: ◦ Name, business name and address, relationship to reference (supervisor, manager, co-worker), phone and contact information

 Shake hands and address each person by name  Acknowledge anyone you see as you are leaving the building  Send within two days of the interview

Good Luck with your job search! Thank You!