1. 10 Interview Tips for the First Job Interview
Sharon Page, Recruiter
Human Resources Dept.

2. 1. Make a Positive First Impression
Arrive 15 minutes early
Have at least one extra copy of your resume
Company saying - "15 min early is on time, On time is late, Late is unacceptable" this is true in Healthcare more than most professions.
Transition to tight schedules from biz, schools, etc.
Resumes - several copies for interviewer, other interviewers, etc. One int can turn into 3 or 4.
Firm handshake, eye contact shows interest, alertness. Get enough sleep!
Everyone U meet can be potential co-worker, supervisor, etc. Story - person in parking lot who was cut off was interviewer

3. 1. Make a Positive First Impression
Know the NAMES of people you meet!!
Take a notebook and make notes

4. 1. Make a Positive First Impression
Handshakes, eye contact
SMILE!!
Be kind to everyone you meet

5. 2. Dress Appropriately Professional Attire:
Men: Suit in dark color, light shirt and tie
Women: Conservative Business suit, mid heels
Details – hems, cuffs, shoes shined, buttons, no wrinkles
Low-key jewelry, if any at all

6. 2. Dress Appropriately
Please…
Easy
on the perfume!!

7. 3. Research the Employer Company history CEO, Directors, Board Members
Current events
Location, directions
Organizational Culture
Mission, Vision, Values
Where to find?
Internet
Newspapers
Professional Journals
Networking Organizations
Professional Groups
Word of Mouth
Current/Past employees
You need to know about the employer, just like they will know about you! Helps to form questions later…another step.
Information needed to make a decision on accepting position, what to expect with employer, questions not asked in interview
Where to find:
Newspapers – news articles, business section, stock quotes if publicly traded.

8. 4. Know Yourself Strengths “Areas for Development” Skills Energy Level
Motivations
“Pet Peeves”

9. 5. C.A.R. Stories
CAR Stories - probably the most valuabel tip you'll hear here today
We all have these...it's a cute little way to remember the content of the stories...

10. Challenge Action Result 5. C.A.R. Stories
First of all...What IS a CAR story?
It has a distinctive format...it follows the pattern of:
Challenge
Action
Result
But more on that later.

11. 5. CAR Stories Tell a story Answer a question Define a skill
Point out a strength
Give a chance to brag about yourself!
What is the purpose of a CAR story? Why do we need them?

12. 5. C.A.R. Stories How to write your own “CAR” Stories:
STEP 1: Ask yourself…
What skills are required for this job?
What strengths do I want to showcase?
Which accomplishments do NOT show on my resume or application?
How can I prove that I deserve the pay/position?
How did I earn any promotions/accolades?

13. 5. C.A.R. Stories STEP 2: Determine…
Specific instance for each of the questions
Use the format:
Challenge presented/Problem to be solved
Action/steps taken to reach goal
Result of that action/Outcome of effort

14. 5. C.A.R. Stories STEP 3: Write out… Your Personal Story!! What? Who?
When?
How Much?
How Many?

15. 5. C.A.R. Stories Step 4: Polish what you have written
Say it, rewrite it, ask for opinions
Step 5: Prepare for the interview!!
Practice until it’s almost memorized
Rule of Thumb is to take 5 skills and have at least 2 CAR stories for each one

16. Best Candidate for the Job!
5. C.A.R. Stories
Let your CAR Stories
“SELL” you as the
Best Candidate for the Job!

17. How to “Interview” the Employer!!
Last 5 tips…
How to “Interview” the Employer!!

18. 6. Have Questions Prepared
Demonstrates interest
Shows you did your “homework”
Creates an “exchange”
Gives you important information
Makes you feel confident

19. 7. Determine “Fit” Get information on the employer’s: Hours Size
Supervision style
Lunch/Break policy
“Quality of Life”
Goals for employees

20. 8. Evaluate your Feelings
Is this a place where you want to spend the rest of your career?
Is this only a “temporary” stop?

21. 9. Map out your future Why is this position open?
How are employees promoted?
What is the career path?
What is the policy on training?

22. 10. Follow up X 3!! Summarize your impression
Send Thank You note within 48 hours
Call back within 7 days

23. 10 Interview Tips for the First Job Interview
Make a Positive First Impression
Dress Appropriately
Research the Employer
Know Yourself
CAR Stories
6. Have Questions Prepared
Determine “Fit”
Evaluate Feelings
9. Map out your Future
10. Follow up “X 3”