1. Resume Writing and Interviewing
May, 2011
Comm/App

2. Getting started
Networking – developing a variety of personal contacts that can help with job hunting
Teachers
Counselors
Family and friends
Conduct a job search
Local want ads
Bulletin boards
Online resources

3. Getting ready Research the employer and the job Practice!
Learn as much as you can about the company you are interviewing with and the job you are interviewing for.
Practice!
Mock interview
Dress appropriately
Look as professional as possible

4. Preparing for an interview
Anticipate the questions
Make positive points
Rehearse tough questions
Take your time

5. The Questions General Educational Job related Personal
Why do you want to work for us?
What would you like to be doing five years from now?
Educational
What is your GPA?
Favorite courses?
Job related
Why should I hire you?
How long a commitment do you plan to give me?
Personal
Tell me about yourself.
What accomplishment are you the most proud of?

6. Getting positive points across
Puff balls
Easy questions like, "Tell me about yourself.” Have a prepared answer and use it here.
Pauses
A lull in the conversation. Offer to talk about some positive experience that displays your skill or knowledge.
Bridges
A transition that leads from one question to another. Use it to lead from potential negative to positive response.
Sparkler
Get a positive point across about yourself by telling a story or using a quote
Sound Bite
Give most responses in 30 second sound bites.

7. Take your time When faced with a tough question, slow down!
Say interviewer’s name once slowly while you think
Repeat or paraphrase the question
Make general comments while you ponder the specifics
Say, “ I need to think about that one for a moment”. Then answer when you have had a moment to think it through.
If there is no hope, answer that you honestly don’t know.

8. Inappropriate questions
What political party are you affiliated with?
Do you go to church regularly?
Do you have a girlfriend/boyfriend?
Do you drink?
Do you have a disability?
How much do you weigh?

9. What to ask the interviewer
Ask about specific duties and responsibilities
Who will your immediate supervisor be
What hours you will be expected to work
DON”T ask about days off, vacation time and sick leave!

10. ACTIVITY…ACTIVITY…ACTIVITY!
Sit in groups of three.
One person is to be the facilitator, one an interviewer and the remaining person the potential employee.
The facilitator has cards that say, “puff ball”, “pause”, “bridge” and “sparkler”.
The interviewer should begin by asking general interview questions. The potential employee is to respond. The facilitator will then pass a card to either player at will. The recipient of the card is to immediately respond with an example of what is on the card. If one receives “pause” they are to stop talking. After performing the direction, the player is to return the card to the facilitator.
Can you survive this interview? MUWAH HA HA HA HA!!!!

11. Preparing a resume Start with your educational accomplishments
Schools attended and how many years completed
GPA
Academic honors and awards
Activities, clubs or groups you belong to
Offices you’ve held or committees served on
Sports, band, drill team, etc.

12. Work History Make a list of every job you’ve ever held
For each employer list:
Name, address and telephone number
Names of all supervisors
Exact dates, (month and year), you were employed
Your specific duties and responsibilities
Any promotions, awards or recognition you received
Don’t forget your volunteer experience!

13. Putting it all on paper Identification Objective
Name address, phone,
Objective
goal
Education and training
Work history
In reverse order
Personal data
Interests, hobbies
References
Upon request

14. Tips Be positive Be brief Be transparent
When requested provide references
Former employers
Teachers
Counselors
Clergy

15. Making the most of the process
Be on time!!!!
Be energetic
Pay attention
Use interviewer’s name occasionally during the interview
Dress for success Shirt, tie, slacks, blouse, etc.
After the interview send a thank you note!

16. Checklist Do I have copies of my resume?
Do I have a list of three references with addresses and phone numbers?
Did I make sure I will be on time?
Am I dressed appropriately?
Even if I’m tired I’ll sit up and look alert.
Can I remember not to criticize others, especially past employers?
Can I remember to make good eye contact with the interviewer?

17. Checklist continued…
Can I remember the interviewer’s name and use it during the interview?
Can I remember to thank the interviewer at the close of the interview?
Have I turned off any electronic devices? (Cell phone!!!)

18. Get ready to go to the job fair!
Next…
Get ready to go to the job fair!