1. MASTERING THE Interview Workshop

2. How To Prepare for an Interview
Research the company/organization and position
Think about your skills and qualifications that are relevant
Prepare your responses & stories/examples
Practice interviewing/conducting a mock interview
Plan what to wear, what to bring, & your driving route

3. Preparation- Knowing the Employer & Job
Conduct research about the position you are interviewing for
Review the employer’s website, mission statement, values, philosophy
Use key words during the interview
Research the technology, programs, strategies the employer uses
What are the minimum and desired qualifications?
Why are you a competitive applicant if you meet the minimum qualifications?
Understand the line of communication for the position

4. Come to our Dress for Success event!
Women
Men
Knee length or longer skirts/Pant suits
No low-cut shirts
No mid-drift showing
Light/natural makeup
Minimal jewelry
No short sleeved shirts or tanks
No shorts
Shaved or groomed facial hair
Limited jewelry
Dress professionally for the interview - Know what type of dress is expected
Groomed finger nails
Conservative shoes
Neatly groomed hair
Light cologne/perfume or none
Come to our Dress for Success event!

5. Preparation - The Night Before
Layout your clothes the night before
Have directions to where the interview will take place
Plan to arrive 10 minutes before the interview begins
Prepare copies of your resume and other materials the employer is asking for
Bring a blue or black pen
Get a good night’s sleep and eat before the interview
Preparation

6. https://youtu.be/sPGccyJg1dI
The Interview
Your interview starts with the first contact you make with the employer
Smile and be courteous to everyone
When meeting the interviewer(s):
Shake hands
Be sure to listen carefully to names and titles
Remember - it is okay to ask questions if you are unclear about something
Make eye contact
The Handshake:

7. The Interview - Your Nerves
The more you prepare, the less nervous you will be
Be enthusiastic, smile and look happy
Talk at a normal pace
Think about your answers
Be sure to keep track of time and how long you are spending on each question
Do not drum, tap fingers, fidget, spin in chair
Minimal hand gestures
Watch your posture, helps portray confidence and help you focus

8. The Top 7 Things Employers Need to Know to Hire You
Do you have the skills, including soft skills, to do the job?
Do you fit the company/department personally and professionally?
Do you understand the company and its purpose?
How do you stack up against the competition?
Do you have the right mind set for the job and company?
Do you want the job?
Are you going to produce results/make them money?

9. Mock Interview Time!

10. Don’t: Tell Me About Yourself
Focus on education and past work experiences
Relate it to the position
Highlight 3-5 relevant skills and abilities that have prepared you for the position
Employers are looking for confidence, enthusiasm, & passion!
This will set the tone of the interview
“I am a sophomore at Chaffey College who has spent over 2 years gaining experience and improving my skills in customer service. “This past year I have participated in [an internship, volunteer or work experience], and it taught me [skills that are useful for this particular work experience]. This [name of experience] fits well with [the job your interviewing for] because [tell them why].” I’m interested in [the company’s name] because I can demonstrate my skills in [___] and I can contribute [what your background has to offer that is unique and makes you a strong candidate.].”
Don’t:

11. Soft Skills: How do you talk about them?
Practice talking about your top soft skills.

12. Job and Company Fit Questions
Why are you the best candidate for this position?
What do you know about this company?
How has your education prepared you for your career?
Why do you want to work here?
Show the employer you have completed research about the company and position
Talk about your skills that directly relate to the required abilities and knowledge

13. What Are Your Strengths?
Focus on required/desired skill or ability
Knowledge-based skills: computer skills, languages, degrees, training and technical ability
Transferable skills: communication and people skills, analytical problem solving and planning skills
Personal traits: dependable, flexible, friendly, hard working, expressive, formal, punctual and being a team player
Prepare 3 strengths & provide an example of how you have produced results

14. What Are Your Weaknesses? (Areas of Improvement)
Make sure it is relevant to the position
Talk about how you are improving
What steps you are taking to grow and conquer the weakness?
Prepare 2 weaknesses
Skills lacking in a certain area
Don’t highlight negative characteristics
Don’t be too critical about yourself & don’t be cliché

15. Getting to Know You Questions
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Think about development within the company or how you can grow in the position
What would your current or last boss say about you?
Focus on something that is a required/desired skill or ability
Provide a positive example of how you have produced results
Have 3 examples prepared for the day of the interview
What has been your most significant achievement?
Make sure it is relevant to the position
Talk about how you produced results and can do the same thing in the new position
What skills did you use to accomplish the goal

16. Skills Questions Describe effective communication.
How do you stay organized?
What is your leadership style?
How do you motivate yourself and your co-workers?
How do you remain flexible and open to change?
Provide specific examples of how you have used these skills
Provide specific experiences that are related to the position

17. Behavioral Questions How would you handle a difficult customer?
How do you deal with high stress situations?
Demonstrated your prioritization skills
Provide an example of when you had conflict with a co-worker and how you resolved the issue.
Why did you leave your last position?
Stay positive & don’t speak poorly of your previous company/supervisor
Have you ever had a conflict with a boss? How was it resolved?
“Yes, I have had conflicts in the past. Never major ones, but there have been disagreements that needed to be resolved. I've found that when conflict occurs, it helps to fully understand the other person’s perspective, so I take time to listen to their point of view, and then I seek to work out a collaborative solution. For example . . .”

18. Teamwork Questions Are you a team player?
Tell me about a time when you were in charge of a team and how you delegated work?
What does it mean to be part of a team?

19. Why Are You the Best Candidate for this Position?
Why do you want to work here?
Why do you want this position?
Highlight your best skills that relate to the position you are applying for.
I believe that I am the best candidate for this position because of my extensive customer service and management experience and my ability to adapt to any situation. With my personable character I can work well and communicate with others to contribute to team efforts. In all that I do I would strive to advance the company, and I feel that my previous work experience proves that.

20. Interview Do’s Listen to the questions Be concise
Use appropriate language
Stay humble and honest
Provide examples and answer questions using STAR
Ask good questions at the end of the interview
Get business cards from your interviewers
Write a thank you note

21. Interview Don’ts Be vague with your responses Sound too rehearsed
Be too casual, overly confident
or friendly. Forget about your body language
Arrive late
Use your cell phone
Chew gum
Do not bring a beverage with you,
a water bottle is fine
Badmouth
Ask about pay/salary

22. Questions to Ask the Interviewer
What is the training process for this position?
What would a typical day on the job look like?
What are some challenges I might face in the position?
What do you like best about your job?
Is there any further information you need from me to help you make a decision?
Never ask anything you can research online like:
What does your company do?
Who is your president?

23. After the Interview Write a thank you letter to the employer
Handwritten card or within 24 hours
Remain professional and keep all lines of communication open for networking regardless of outcome
You can follow-up and see if there is anything else you can provide to help them make a decision
Do not call the employer before the stated time and date