1 Interviews Do’s and Dont‘s How to Play the Game!

2 Who Does the Hiring? Is it some cool dude about your age that likes listening to your style of music? If not, who? How do you perceive them to be? What do you think they look for in an employee? An interview is almost like trying out for a school play, everyone says pretty much the same thing, but the person who gets the play part or job (interview) is the person who says their lines correctly and convincingly.

3 Know the Rules so you can be successful at playing the game! Guys- no saggy pants, no earrings. Wear clothing to cover up tattoos. Girls- Actually I should say young ladies, dress appropriately.

4 Know the Rules so you can be successful at playing the game! Be minutes early for your interview. On time is late! (Toyota Plant Story). Go alone, don’t take friends/family. You are being interviewed and the focus should be on you, not others. Be neat in appearance: hair, clothes, shirt tucked in, etc. Get rid of your gum, food, drink, etc. No one wants to interview a cow chewing its cud, or crumbs of something you ate on your shirt.

5 Speak with confidence and with volume! Eye Contact! No one likes to talk to you if you aren’t looking at them, interview or not. Posture- sit up straight, hands in your lap, don’t jiggle your legs due to nervousness, just like you were taught in grade school. Avoid “uhhhhh” and “ummmmm.” Sounds like your just making up things. Speak ENGLISH! Not “dude” “yo dog” “man” “stuff” “homey.” Sir and Maam will work just fine.

6 I know what you asked, but what do you REALLY mean? Tell me about yourself? If I am interviewing you, nothing personal, I could care less how many puppy dogs you have. What I am looking for is for you to tell me about your: education, any special skills (typing, computer), abilities, or previous work experience that would apply to this job opening. The less time I have to spend training you, the better.

7 Why do you want to work here? It’s not a secret that you need the money, but if you needed the money “because you want to help your parents by assisting with paying the bills, show responsibility by earning money to buy a car, start saving money for college,” or possibly you just want job experience to add to your resume’. These things show that you are RESPONSIBLE and MATURE which usually equals DEPENDABLE!

8 I know what you asked, but what do you REALLY mean? What do you think makes a good employee? On time, courteous, hard working, dependable, shows “initiative,” willing to work on scheduled days off, willing to work weekends. Don’t just say you will (work weekends/days off), you must be willing to do it! Initiative- doing things on your own without having to be told.

9 I know what you asked, but what do you REALLY mean? What is your greatest strength? Don’t just say it, back it up with examples! I could say that I am the Queen of France, but I’m not. I am a hard worker! Or……… I am a hard worker. I have baby sat my neighbors children for the past 3 years and have helped my dad on the farm cutting and stripping tobacco.

10 I know what you asked, but what do you REALLY mean? What is your biggest weakness? If you say you don’t have one, you are a liar and conceited. If you say you have problems dealing with authority figures, kiss the job good-bye. However, if you could take a weakness (lemon), and turn it into a positive (lemonade), you will be most impressive. “My biggest weakness is lack of work experience, but I am willing to learn.” “Although my grades aren’t straight A’s, I work very hard for the grades I do receive.” “I am a perfectionist. I don’t mind working on a job until it is done just right.”

I know what you asked, but what do you REALLY mean? If you were to catch a fellow employee stealing from the company (money, merchandise) or believe an employee has come to work intoxicated or high, what would you do? 11

I know what you asked, but what do you REALLY mean? An upset customer begins to raise their voice and begin to shout obscenities at you. How would you handle this situation? 12

13 I know what you asked, but what do you REALLY mean? Of all the other applicants who have applied, why should I hire you over them? This question is usually the last or one of the last asked by the interviewer. This is the time to sell all of the positive qualities you have ALREADY mentioned. Remember, in most instances, people remember the first and last things you say. Repeat your positives again so you can help the interviewer to remember your name and qualities.