1. Interviewing Overview
Mrs. Sitzmann
21st Century Skills, Jr Day 6

2. Before, During, & After
Why & How should you prepare for an interview?
What should you do and what should you avoid doing in an interview?
How do you follow up after an interview?

3. Mock Interviews – May 5th
An interview with a professional, recommended by your instructor, working in the same area you are currently studying.
May lead to future opportunities, and create connections in your career field
Great practice for future interviews
Significant portion of employability grade for the quarter

4. What Do Seniors Say Was Difficult?
Forgot to introduce self
Dressed inappropriately
Provided information that was too personal or irrelevant
Didn’t come across as positive or interested
Forgot to make eye contact
Became too nervous after making a mistake

5. What Advice Do Seniors Have For You?
Make eye contact, but be natural
Be on time, know when and where you’re going
Relax and view it as a practice session
Introduce yourself and shake the interviewer’s hand
RESEARCH the company!
Dress as well as possible, being underdressed is embarrassing
Don’t forget hygiene – teeth, hair , aroma
Know your skills & strengths
It’s normal to be nervous; if you make a mistake, keep going

6. Sample Questions from Seniors:
What do you here, in your lab?
What makes you qualified for this job?
Are you planning to attend college?
What sets you apart from other students?
What do you want to do in the future?
What would you do if faced with a conflict?
What are your strengths/weakness?
Do you like your academic classes?
Why are you interested in this company?

7. Mrs. Sitzmann’s Three Keys to Success
Focus on what you can offer the employer, not what the employer can give you
Know your skills and strengths – have 3 words in mind that describe you as a student/employee, and think back to them if you get stuck on a question. Have some examples of times you have excelled.
Keep it positive!!! ‘No experience’ is no problem if you have the right attitude. Even negative questions (weaknesses/dislikes) can have positive answers!

8. Wrap Up - Keep the Purpose in Mind
You want to show the employer you have skills they need
You want to highlight what makes you different from other candidates
The employer wants to hear what you have to say, but needs you to stay focused on the key points.
Employers understand you might be nervous, and will focus more on your overall impression, rather than any small mistake you might make.

9. Before the Interview…
Research the company – know what they do, and what type of skills they might require
Prepare questions to ask the interviewer – don’t ask about money/benefits; instead focus on duties, skills, what they value in employees, hiring timeline
Practice common questions
What type of experience do you have?
What are you strengths/weakness
Describe yourself using only 3 words
Why do you want this job?

10. During the Interview – Introduction
Introduce yourself while shaking the interviewer’s hand
“Hello, I’m Jill. It’s nice to meet you.”
Medium strength handshake – not to tough, not too gentle, into the web of the hand.
Employer will most likely tell you to have a seat
Bring a copy of your résumé. Offer it to the employer if you don’t see one in front of them.
Ensure your phone is completely silent – not on vibrate mode!

11. During the Interview – Body Language
You will likely be nervous, but still need to:
Maintain natural eye contact
Avoid fidgeting
Sit up with good posture, and head up
Limit gestures that could be distracting (talking too much with your hands)

12. During the Interview - Speaking
Don’t use words you don’t normally use (‘big’ words), as it is easy to make mistakes
Don’t use slang or foul language
Speak slowly and clearly, facing your interviewer
Try to avoid “uh” and “um,” as these can be distracting
Practice leaving a brief moment of silence instead, while you gather your thoughts

13. During the Interview – Hygiene/Grooming
Remember the basics – shower, deodorant, brushed teeth, limited cologne/perfume
Wear a conservative hairstyle, appropriate to your career field
Basic make up, if you wear make-up
May want to bring (but leave in the car!):
Breath mints
Floss
Deodorant
Touch-up make-up

14. During the Interview - Dress
Accessories
Only item with you should be a portfolio, that includes extra copies of résumé, certificates, paper for notes
If you must bring a bag, it should be small and basic
Leave phone in car, if possible
May need to have ID with you if job offer is possible (Driver’s License, Social Security Card)

15. During the Interview - Dress
In General….
Clothing shouldn’t distract from what you have to say and offer
Clothing and accessories should be subtle colors and in excellent condition
It’s safer to slightly overdress, rather than underdress
You should always dress at least a step above how you would dress for a day on the job
For mock interviews, all students have a business-attire dress code

16. During the Interview - Dress
Male Dress
Female Dress
Dress pants
Button-up dress shirt (not polo)
Matching Tie (conservative)
Dress shoes
Matching dress socks
Suit jacket for more formal jobs
Pant/skirt suit or dress-blouse with slacks
No “t-shirt” material
Dresses/skirts should be knee- length
No distracting jewelry or accessories
No low/high cut items, no ‘cling’
Minimal heel
No daily-wear ‘fashion’ boots
All clothing should be ironed and in excellent condition!

17. After the Interview
A Thank-You Note is your chance to make a “last impression,” to boost your first impression (interview)
Using the interviewer’s business card, write a personal thank-you note
Keep it short, but include something you like about the company, a brief reminder of the skills you can offer, and close by expressing your enthusiasm for the position.
If the decision may be made quickly, is best
If there is time to mail a handwritten note, it will be more memorable