1. Job Interview Skills and Resources: Interview

2. “Never wear a backward baseball cap to an interview unless applying for the job of umpire” 
- Dan Zevin quotes

3. What do you think?
When you first meet someone, what helps form your opinion of that person?
What does it mean to be professional?
What are some things an employer might use to determine if job applicants are professional?
What can you do to give a positive first impression to a new person?
How can a potential employee give a negative first impression?
How can you oversell yourself or seem overqualified for a job?

4. What is the Purpose of an Interview?
It provides an opportunity for you to sell yourself verbally to the employer on why you are the best applicant for the job.

5. What to do Before an Interview?
Call to make an interview appointment
Research the company
Practice, practice, practice!
Know your do’s and don’ts
Plan your outfit ahead of time

6. Research the Company Research — Be able to ask intelligent questions
Newspaper and magazine articles, brochures
Talk to employees and customers
Visit the company Web site
The more information you know, the better you can showcase yourself

7. Practice, Practice, Practice!!
Interview with a friend
Practice typical questions using a mirror and tape recorder
Create a 30-second “commercial” that highlights your unique talents and skills

8. Questions You Might be Asked
What is your experience?
What activities did you participate in school or in your community?
What are your career goals?
Why do you want this job?
What are your major strengths and weaknesses?
How well do you work in teams?
Are you willing to work overtime?
When can you begin to work?
Tell me about yourself.

9. What to do at an Interview:
Act natural
Be prompt
Carry out promises
Ask questions
Allow employer to express ideas
Read company literature
Follow procedures
Be clear and precise
Listen effectively to the interviewer

10. What Not to do at an Interview:
Be late
Come in extreme dress
Come unprepared
Oversell yourself or criticize yourself
Become impatient
Try to be funny
Put an emphasis on salary
Control the interview

11. How Women Should Dress for Success
Professional Dress for Women
Wear a business suit in solid colors, such as blue, gray or black, or a nice dress and blazer or cardigan
Skirt and dress hemlines should be no shorter than the bottom of the knee
Wear quality fabrics and shoes that match
Avoid extra jewelry
Wear one to two rings per hand
Only wear one set of earrings
Wear perfume and makeup sparingly
Keep hair pulled back from your face
No gum, hair, cigarettes, or pockets full of coins

12. How Men Should Dress for Success
Professional Dress for Men
Wear a business suit in a solid, conservative color, such as blue, gray or black
Avoid wearing a suit that you can tell is from an expensive designer
White, collared shirt
Choose a conservative tie — no cartoon characters!
Your socks should be dress socks that
match your suit
Shine your shoes
Keep hair and fingernails neatly trimmed
Don’t wear accessories except for a watch

13. What to do at the Interview
Know how to make a good first impression
Remember the questions in your practice interviews
Be prepared to answer tough questions
Come with questions to ask
Know there are some questions the employer should not be asking you
Don’t forget to thank the interviewer for his time!

14. Interview Tips Dress appropriately for the job Smile and relax
Ask some opening questions
Be neat and well-groomed
Have good posture
Go to the interview alone
Sound enthusiastic
Be on time
Make eye contact
Use good manners and appropriate gestures
Avoid distracting habits (rocking, etc.)
Pay attention to the interviewer
Ask appropriate questions about the job
Have necessary personal reference information with you

15. First Impressions: What Matters
Proper handshake
Proper introduction
Good posture
Neat appearance:
Proper attire for your job market
Be groomed
Personal hygiene

16. Body Language Good Posture
Sit up straight on the edge of the chair and avoid crossing legs and arms
Inviting Gestures
Firm handshake
Nod your head — indicates you are listening
Eye Contact
Indicates confidence
Speak Clearly
Standard English, not slang
Not only what you say, but how you say it

17. Tough Questions You May Get Asked
When you’re faced with tough questions, remember to not be defensive, stay calm, and focus on your skills.
What qualities do you have that offset your lack of experience?
Are you going to move to a better job as soon as you gain experience here?
If you are faced with a deadline you can’t meet, what will you do?

18. Situation Questions You May Get Asked
Lately many employers ask interviewees situation-based questions to determine their decision-making skills and processes, as well as to see how they react under pressure.
Examples:
If someone (describe a typical conflict situation in the department), what would you do?
As we still have some time left, can you tell me a story?
Outline in very broad terms how you would create a strategy for a public interest campaign.
“Genius is attention to detail.” Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

19. Questions You Should Ask
What services or products does the company provide?
Who are the company’s customers?
Who are the key personnel?
Where are company headquarters, plants, etc?
What are the specific duties of the job applied for?
What is the name of the interviewer?
How profitable is the company?
Annual revenue?
Number of employees?

20. At the End of an Interview
Watch for cues the interview is about to be over, such as the employer standing up or saying who will be in contact with you.
Thank the interviewer for the interview
Decide a convenient time you can call on the hiring status

21. After the Interview Evaluate the interview
Write a thank-you letter or
Accept the job…or deal appropriately with rejection

22. Writing a Thank-You Note
Things to include
Thank the interviewer for his time and effort
Reinforce your skills and abilities
Insert added information you may have forgotten
Restate your interest in the company
Make sure you’re spelling the interviewer’s name and address ( or street) correctly
Proof-read the letter for spelling and grammar
Remember to call back at the appointed time

23. If You Get the Job And you want to take it:
Ask for a day to think about the job offer
Review the pros and cons list you created before you accept the job
Ask for a formal offer letter for your files
Send and keep a copy of your acceptance letter
And don’t want to take it:
If you don’t want to take it because the salary is too low, try negotiating.
If you don’t want to take it because the job isn’t what you expected, be tactful in your response.

24. If You Don’t Get the Job Consider it a learning experience
Be respectful and tactful when speaking with the employer.
Ask why you were not hired. Feedback will help you in future interviews.
Do I need more training?
How can I improve in my interview?

25. Resources