Created by Tricia Stouder Iowa 4-H/Youth Program Specialist

Name Grade If you could be anything, what career would you choose?

Prepare you for interviews Learn some tips and tricks Practice pieces of the process Have some fun

What NOT to Do: Limp Hand CRUSHING Hand Finger Tips Only What TO Do: Right Hand - Always Hold the entire hand Thumbs should meet and cross over each other Squeeze firmly Shake once or twice

Do your homework – look for: Company history, current events, mission, vision and values, company structure Know yourself – Strengths, opportunities for improvement, skills, what motivates you, work style Prepare answers to possible questions – we’ll do that later! Map out where you are going and do a trial run to see how long it will take you to get there

Women: Suit (dark, navy, grey) If wearing a skirt, should be no less than three inch above the knee Coordinated blouse, nothing low cut Conservative shoes – low heel, closed toe Limited jewelry – simple – no dangling earring or lots of bracelets Light make-up, easy on the perfume If not a suit – button up blouse

Men: Suit (dark, navy, grey) Long sleeve shirt – white or coordinated with suit Tie coordinating with the shirt Dark socks Dress shoes Little or now jewelry Limit the aftershave Combed hair If you have facial hair, it should be trimmed and neat

For everyone – more than just what you wear! Neatly trimmed and clean nails (no crazy polish) No gum Leave your cell phone in your car (at least on silent)

What five adjectives describe you best? Why are you interested in this position? What qualities do you have that qualify you to be successful in this role? What motivates you to do your best? Tell me about a time you disagreed with someone. What is your greatest strength? What is your greatest weakness? Under what conditions do you work best? Tell me about a work situation that required excellent communication skills. Define teamwork.

Be early – 15 minutes Be pleasant, and have a good, positive attitude! Smile!! Everyone is interviewing you, even if they aren’t interviewing you Have good eye contact and listen attentively Avoid slang and keep answers positive Have fun!

It shows you are engaged It makes you look like you did your homework! It gives you a chance to learn more about the company and the job you are asked to do It will help you stand out Makes you feel confident

Can you tell me about a typical day in this role? How long have you been with the company and what makes you stay? How will my performance be measured? What are some goals of the company? What types of additional opportunities are there down the road if a person performs well?

Ask what their timeline to notify applicants Shake their hand again Express your interest in the position Thank them for their time Write a thank you note the next day Don’t give up – no matter what! Every interview is great experience