INTERVIEW SKILLS This workforce solution was funded by a grant awarded under the President’s Community-Based Job Training Grants as implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This solution is copyrighted by the institution that created it. Internal use by an organization and/or personal use by an individual for non-commercial purposes is permissible. All other uses require the prior authorization of the copyright owner.

The interview process is a means of: The interview process is a means of: The company getting to know you The company getting to know you Are you right for the position? Are you right for the position? You get to know the company and learn more details about the position You get to know the company and learn more details about the position Is this a position that is right for you? Is this a position that is right for you?

Do’s and Dont’s Do’s and Dont’s Arrive on time – Do not be late for the interview. Arrive on time – Do not be late for the interview. Drive to the company the day before you so you know exactly how to get there and how long it will take you. Drive to the company the day before you so you know exactly how to get there and how long it will take you. Plan on arriving a few minutes early Plan on arriving a few minutes early

Dress Appropriately Dress Appropriately Wear business casual Wear business casual Avoid T-shirts and jeans Avoid T-shirts and jeans Avoid dressing up too much Avoid dressing up too much Do not wear a lot of jewerly Do not wear a lot of jewerly

Questions Questions It is appropriate for you to ask questions regarding the position you are applying for. It is appropriate for you to ask questions regarding the position you are applying for. Make a list of questions before the interview. Make a list of questions before the interview. Do not ask about the interviewer’s kids or personal life. Do not ask about the interviewer’s kids or personal life.

Be Prepared!! Be Prepared!! Bring necessary documentation Bring necessary documentation Resume and references Resume and references Be sure you include professional and personal references. Be sure you include professional and personal references.

Be honest yet tactful! Be honest yet tactful! Turn a negative into a positive. Remember this is your time to sell yourself! You need to persuade them that you would be the best fit for the company. Turn a negative into a positive. Remember this is your time to sell yourself! You need to persuade them that you would be the best fit for the company. Don’t lie! Don’t answer questions with what you feel the interviewer wants to hear, especially if it’s not true! Don’t lie! Don’t answer questions with what you feel the interviewer wants to hear, especially if it’s not true!

Non-verbal communication Non-verbal communication Make eye contact Make eye contact Don’t sit with your arms folded Don’t sit with your arms folded Smile Smile Acknowledge that you received the message the sender was sending you. Acknowledge that you received the message the sender was sending you.

After the Interview Shake hands and thank them for their time. Shake hands and thank them for their time. Send a thank you card. Send a thank you card. Wait a few days before calling. Do not call before the day the interviewer told you they would contact you. Wait a few days before calling. Do not call before the day the interviewer told you they would contact you.