1. DCT Principles Preparing for an interview

2. Before the interview Job Interview-Face to Face meeting ▫Entry level 15-30 minutes. ▫Professional level 1hour-multiple days.

3. Before the interview continued Be able to answer generic questions without long pauses and deep thought: ▫Why did you apply for this job? ▫When will you be available to start work? ▫Why do you think you would like this kind of work? ▫How much do you know about the type of work we do here? ▫What do you want to be doing in five years? ▫Why should I hire you?

4. Learning about the company Look through the company website (if they have one). Ask other employees (if you know them) about the company; what the environment is like, how do they treat workers? Check out helpful websites: www.glassdoor.comwww.glassdoor.com ▫Can provide some information about work environments, salary, promotion potential.

5. Getting ready before interview Check your appearance, dress for the job you want, not the job you have (try and find out what employees wear in the same business, industry) Call to confirm the interview time/date/location. Have copies of resume, cover letter, reference sheets available (3 copies are usually good) ▫Keep them in a folder

6. During the interview Allow the interviewer set the tone. ▫Say hello and greet them, but allow them to begin asking questions. ▫Listening is just as important as speaking, make sure they are done asking a question, or describing something before you speak. ▫Ask for clarity to a question or phrase if needed, if something is industry specific you might not have done enough research.

7. During the interview Body Language- Your non-verbal reactions during the interview, remember it’s not always what you say, but how you say it. ▫Don’t slouch ▫Sit in the middle of the chair when able (see example) ▫Keep eye contact when speaking/listening to the interviewer.

8. Asking questions Have 1-2 questions to ask the interviewer at the end: The more specific to the job the better ▫What kind of training do you provide? How often?

9. Illegal Questions Employers cannot ask questions that relate to the following areas: ▫Race ▫Religion ▫Gender ▫National Origin ▫Age ▫Marital Status ▫Sexual Orientation ▫Financial Status

10. How employers get around these questions… They may craft alternative questions to gain insight; ▫How old are you? ▫Are you 18 or older? ▫Have you ever been arrested? ▫Have you ever been convicted of a crime?

11. Alternative questions ▫Are you Married? ▫What religious holidays do you practice? ▫Do you have children? ▫Do you have other responsibilities other than work that will interfere with specific job requirements, such as traveling, or staying late?

12. Illegal Questions ▫What country are you from? ▫Are you legally authorized to work in the United States? ▫Is English your first language? ▫What other languages do you read, speak, or write fluently?

13. What do you say? You can answer the questions honestly, however you are not obligated to do so. Best response “I would rather not respond to that question.”

14. Who can ask illegal questions, legally? Jobs or industries that CAN ask (some of the questions): ▫Government Jobs ▫A job where national security is a key component of employment ▫Law Enforcement ▫Military

15. Other Illegal Questions? On your own sheet of paper. ▫3 questions that are potentially illegal.

16. Concluding the interview Should I ask for the job? ▫If you felt like the interview went well, and the position you are seeking would be a good fit, it is okay to ask for the position, or at least convey that you are interested.  “I am very interested in, I am looking forward to working at. Please let me know if you need anything else from me.”

17. Post Interview Follow-Up Letter: ▫Aka-Thank you letter to interviewer  Keeps your name in front of interviewer  Reinforces key points about yourself and from the interview.  Can provide information you feel is key, that might have been missed during the interview.

18. Follow-Up Letter Your contact information ▫Street Address ▫City, State Zip Code ▫Date Interviewer’s Business Contact Info ▫Name (First and Last) ▫Business Name ▫Street Address ▫City, State Zip Code

19. What do you say? Thank you ▫What position did you apply for? ▫What did you do during the interview? (Tour the facility, met face-to-face?) ▫Let them know that you are the right candidate for the job, and you are interested in starting. ▫Offer to provide additional information, such as references or a copy of your portfolio. ▫Include a contact number to reach you if you can provide further information.

20. Closing Use Sincerely, Thank you, Kindest Regards ▫Skip 4 lines between closing and your name, to leave space for a signature.

21. Job Offer In Person/Via Telephone: ▫Conditions of Employment- What are you going to do? How will you be compensated for it?  Hours to work  Pay  Dress Code  1 st day information  If you need to bring anything with you (documents, tools, etc)