INTERVIEW SKILLS Macquarie Fields Library Macquarie Fields Library

OUTLINE Before the Interview Before the Interview Prepare, Research, Dress Code Prepare, Research, Dress Code During the Interview During the Interview Body Language, Q & A, Do’s & Don’ts Body Language, Q & A, Do’s & Don’ts After the Interview After the Interview Thank you and follow up Thank you and follow up Review Review

Before the Interview INTERVIEW PREP Create a portfolio with a cover letter, resume references & a writing pad Create a portfolio with a cover letter, resume references & a writing pad Get directions, know where you are going Get directions, know where you are going Conduct a mock interview Conduct a mock interview Know yourself; skills, strengths Know yourself; skills, strengths

DRESS CODE What should you wear to a job interview? What should you wear to a job interview? What about grooming? What about grooming?

For Men Dress shirt w/out advertisements or logos Dress shirt w/out advertisements or logos Dark pants Dark pants Add a tie Add a tie Or you can opt for a dark two piece suit Or you can opt for a dark two piece suit Polished dress shoes Polished dress shoes Clean trimmed fingernails Clean trimmed fingernails

For Women Dark pants Dark pants Skirt and dress lengths should be a little below the knee Skirt and dress lengths should be a little below the knee Blouses without advertisements/logos Blouses without advertisements/logos Polished dress shoes Polished dress shoes Simple accessories Simple accessories Make-up should be minimal & conservative Make-up should be minimal & conservative

Types of Interviews YOU Telephone Interview exclusively by one person Interview by a Group panel Or Interview with a group of other applicants

During the Interview Non-Verbal Language What non-verbal cues do you give? Do you play with your hair? Do you play with your hair? Do you tap your feet/hands? Do you tap your feet/hands? Do you fail to make eye contact? Do you fail to make eye contact? Do you use hand gestures? Do you use hand gestures? Do you slouch in your chair? Do you slouch in your chair?

Q & A KNOW YOURSELF KNOW YOURSELF Practice Q & A Practice Q & A Work Experience Education & Career Goals Personal qualities & Problem solving Use STAR technique to describe your resolution of conflicts and problems Use STAR technique to describe your resolution of conflicts and problems Situation, Task, Action, Result Situation, Task, Action, Result

Common Questions Tell me about yourself… Tell me about yourself… What do you know about our company? What do you know about our company? Why do you want to work here? Why do you want to work here? Tell me about your Strengths and weaknesses? Tell me about your Strengths and weaknesses? Why should I hire you? Why should I hire you? Where do you see yourself 5 years from now? Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

Do’s & Don’ts Do’s Present a confident self image and be positive Present a confident self image and be positive Bring extra copies of your resume Bring extra copies of your resume Show genuine interest and enthusiasm Show genuine interest and enthusiasm Listen, answer questions fully Listen, answer questions fullyDon’ts DO NOT BE LATE DO NOT BE LATE (arrive minimum 15 min. early) Don’t dominate the conversation Don’t dominate the conversation Don’t lie or get defensive Don’t lie or get defensive Don’t speak poorly of former boss Don’t speak poorly of former boss Don’t talk about salary before mentioned Don’t talk about salary before mentioned

Selling Points Your academic achievements and involvement in school, organizations, sports, clubs, volunteer work are all excellent examples of highlighting your abilities and talents Education Education Experience Experience Personality and attitude Personality and attitude Leadership and team player Leadership and team player Achievements Achievements

Wrapping it up Ask the interviewer when he/she will be making a hiring decision Ask the interviewer when he/she will be making a hiring decision Don’t forget to Shake hands & thank the Interviewer for their time Don’t forget to Shake hands & thank the Interviewer for their time

After the Interview Thank you & follow up Thank you & follow up Send a thank you letter, card or within 24 hours Send a thank you letter, card or within 24 hours Taking the initiative to follow up will give you an opportunity to stand out from the other candidates Taking the initiative to follow up will give you an opportunity to stand out from the other candidates

Review Evaluate yourself on how you did, and what you can improve Evaluate yourself on how you did, and what you can improve Regardless of the outcome, the experience of the interview process will help you with future opportunities. Regardless of the outcome, the experience of the interview process will help you with future opportunities.

CONGRATULATIONS! (You did it!) Balance Balance Remember to maintain a balance between school, home, friends & work Remember to maintain a balance between school, home, friends & work Permit Permit Minors under the age of 17 must have a work permit Minors under the age of 17 must have a work permit Rights Rights Know your rights, minimum wage is $8.00 Know your rights, minimum wage is $8.00