1. Guidelines for Job Interviews
PET 489 Student Teaching Seminar
College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences
Fall Semester 2011

3. Lesson Purpose To introduce you to the job interview context
To provide you with practical tips for performing effectively in a job interview
To get you started on your mock job interview assignment

4. Lesson Introduction Purpose of cover letter and resume
Get an interview!
Purpose of job interview
Get a job!
Key points regarding interview process
You have reason to be confident
Job interview process is a two-way street
Need to set yourself apart from the competition

6. Before the Interview Research employer Know the position
Self-reflection
Update your resume
Prepare portfolio
Practice, practice
Your questions?
Getting there on time
Dress for success
Preparation helps you make an informed decision about whether an employer is a good fit, identify employer needs, and demonstrate high level of personal initiative.

8. Dress for Success Tips Business suits Dress shirts Ties Shoes
Socks & hosiery
Personal hygiene
Accessories

9. Always Dress Conservatively!!!
Schools are by nature very conservative places
If you have to ask whether or not it is appropriate to wear a particular outfit…
DON’T WEAR IT!!!

12. Interview – “On Stage” Greeting Introduction Employer questions
Closed-ended questions
Open-ended questions
Behavioral based questions
Your questions
Closing
Follow-up? Timeline for decision?
Interview starts when you walk on the job site:
Interaction with administrative support personnel
Non-verbal communication
Personal space
General demeanor
Sample open-ended questions:
Tell me about yourself?
What are your strengths? Weaknesses?
Sample behavioral-based questions:
Adaptability: Tell of some situation in which you had to adjust quickly to change over which you had no control. What was the impact of the change on you?
Teamwork: Describe a situation where others you were working with on a project disagreed with your ideas. What did you do?

14. Handling Illegal Questions
What is an illegal question?
Race
Religion
Gender
Sexual preference
Height/weight
Age
Arrest/conviction records
National origin/citizenship
Military record
Disability
Financial status
Pregnancy/childbirth
How should I respond if asked an illegal question?
You can answer the question
You can refuse to answer the question
You can respond based on the intent behind the question

15. After the Interview Exit completely
Write a thank you note – What made you feel good about the interview?
What questions do you still have?
Critique your own performance
Follow-up as needed

16. Mock Job Interview Evaluation criteria
Unsatisfactory
Needs improvement
Satisfactory
Very good
Excellent
Your mock job interviews will be schedule by individual appointment
Mock job interview is worth 25 points
Application materials
Professional appearance
Interest and enthusiasm
Relaxed and confident
Eye contact
Complete answers
Quality of speaking
Skills, abilities, and experience
Ask appropriate questions
Overall assessment

17. Take Home Messages Research the employer
Prepare responses and questions based on that research
Prepare updated resume and portfolio
Know your strengths and limitations
Prepare for all possible contingencies
Dress for success