1. JOB SEARCH SUCCESS: STEPS TO GET THE JOB YOU WANT
SkillsUSA University
Kansas City, Missouri
June 2011

2. DEBBIE PEABODY Union Grove High School, McDonough
Architectural and Engineering Drawing and Design Instructor
UGHS Job Interview Fair
Helped an average of 1300 students per year for ten years
Business and industry representatives
Professional recruiters
Dress for success

3. STEPS TO SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING
Preparation
THE INTERVIEW
The day of…..
What to wear
Questions from the interviewer
Questions to ask the interviewer
Follow up tips

4. BEGINNING YOUR SEARCH Research the company and the job
Literature from the company’s public relations department
Annual reports
Current and former employees
Rehearse your presentation
Know what you have to offer
Answer potential interview questions
Practice with family or friends
Relax
Who knows you better than yourself?

5. THE POWER OF NETWORKING
75 to 80% of all job seekers find a job through people they know.
“You can get anything you want in life, if you help enough other people get what they want.”
Zig Ziglar

6. BEFORE THE INTERVIEW Visit the office Decide what to wear
Practice the drive
Look at employees’ dress
Talk to receptionist
Decide what to wear
Make copies of resume and
references on conservative stationary
Gather all items to take to the interview
Review interview questions and your presentation

7. DRESS FOR SUCCESS Wear your best Dress one step above the position
Be conservative
Dark colors are best
Clean clothes
Shower
Perfume or cologne should be a surprise, not a warning.

8. DRESS FOR SUCCESS - FEMALES
Suits are best
If you don’t have a suit:
Conservative long sleeve blouse
Conservative skirt or pants
Be modest
Jewelry kept to a minimum
Only one pair of EARRINGS
Closed toe shoes
Conservative hair styles
Long hair should be worn up
No bare legs or feet

9. DRESS FOR SUCCESS - MALES
Suits with shirt and tie are best
If you don’t have a suit:
Long sleeve shirt and tie
Clean and neat pants with a belt
No jewelry - except
Class ring or wedding ring
Watch
No earrings or any other type
Conservative hair cut
No bare feet or sandals
Wear socks
Dress shoes

10. INTERVIEW DAY Eat a good breakfast Wear your best Get there early
Use the restroom before arriving
First impressions are most
important
Complete the application in detail
Have a positive attitude
Review your resume

11. THINGS TO TAKE TO THE INTERVIEW
Portfolio
Three copies of your resume
Three copies of your references
Small purse or wallet
Social security number
Thin notebook
Black or blue ball point pen
Money for parking
Name of the interviewer
Directions to the office
Address and telephone number of office

12. THINGS NOT TO TAKE
Cell phone
Sunglasses
Hat
Gum
Tobacco products

13. INTERVIEW TIPS Presence Pay attention
Shake hands
Don’t appear rushed/frustrated
Remain confident
Be aware of your nonverbal clues
Use people’s names
Use Ma’am and Sir
Pay attention
Listen carefully
Think: a short pause is alright
Respond clearly
Know your answers to typical questions
Have a salary in mind
Know your goals
Be able to talk about yourself
Realize the difference between skills and attributes
Watch out for tricky questions

14. TYPICAL QUESTIONS “Why should we hire you?”
Tell me about yourself.
Why do you want to work for our company?
What are your short and long term goals?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
What type of position are you most interested?
Why do you think we should hire you for this job?
What pay do you expect?
Confidence is when you are sure of
yourself. Conceit is when you assure
everyone else of yourself.

15. TRICKY QUESTIONS
Would you rather be a big fish in a small pond, or a small fish in a big pond?
Give me an example in a previous job where you have shown initiative.
How long do you expect to work for this company?
Do you prefer working with others or alone?
How would you handle a rude customer?
What do you do when you have trouble solving a problem?
Why should I hire you rather than another applicant?

16. QUESTIONS YOU CAN ASK What would my duties and responsibilities be?
What would I do during a typical workday?
For whom will I be working?
What are my opportunities for advancement? To what positions?
What kind of additional training and/or education are available in this job?
How is performance evaluated? How often?
What are typical office or shift hours?
If hired, would I be filling a newly created position, or replacing someone?

17. AT THE CLOSE OF THE INTERVIEW
If you want the job, ask for it.
Ask when a decision will be made about the position?
Thank the interviewer (by name) for taking the time to interview you
Compliment the office/facility if applicable
Shake hands and leave

18. HOW TO ENSURE YOU DON’T GET THE JOB
Spam your resume
Ask, “What does your company do?”
Bring the family
Use your cell phone
Smile or laugh too much (or cry)
Come with your own beverages
Send a follow-up “thx 4 mtg” text

19. FOLLOW UP Thank you letter Follow up phone call Send promptly
Keep it short and to the point
State why you would be an asset to the company
Express your interest in the position
Use the same stationary as your resume and references
Follow up phone call

20. REMEMBER… Stay calm Be honest Stay positive mentally and physically
Good luck
“Life will judge you according to how well you handle failures…..you will need to learn how to bounce back.
Never, ever, ever give up.”
Dr. Suttles