1. Before, During, & After The Job Interview
Interview Guidelines
Before, During, & After
The Job Interview
(Much of this information is taken from Sherry Maysonave, President of Empowerment Enterprises and from

2. Before the Interview
Learn all you can about the company or organization
Prepare sophisticated and knowledgeable questions
Know why you would like to work for that employer
Be prepared to answer and ask questions

3. Before the Interview Prepare papers for your interview
Extra copies of your resume
Job reference lists
Reference letters
Legal pad for taking notes
Prepare your clothes for your interview

4. Communication statistics reveal that in only five to thirty seconds, three things are determined about you, whether accurate or false:
Your IQ
Your Socioeconomic Status
Your Marital Status
Your Sense of Style
Your Educational Level
Your Age
Your Desirability

5. Your Socioeconomic Status Your Educational Level
In only five to thirty seconds, the following three things are determined about you:
Your Socioeconomic Status
Your Educational Level
Your Desirability (are you worth hiring?)

6. How To Dress: Men and Women
Conservative two-piece business suit (solid dark blue or grey is best)
Conservative long-sleeved shirt/blouse (white is best, pastel is next best)
Clean, polished conservative shoes
Well-groomed hairstyle

7. How To Dress: Men and Women
Clean, trimmed fingernails
Empty pockets--no bulges or tinkling coins
Light briefcase or portfolio case
No visible body piercing (nose rings, eyebrow rings, etc.)
Minimal cologne or perfume

8. How to Dress: Men Only
Necktie should be silk with a conservative pattern
Dark shoes (black lace-ups are best)
Dark socks (black is best)
Get a haircut; short hair always fares best in interviews

9. How to Dress: Men Only
Make sure beard and mustache are neat and trimmed
No rings other than wedding ring or college ring
No earrings (if you normally wear one, take it out)

10. How to Dress: Women Only
Always wear a suit with a jacket - no dresses
Shoes with closed toes and heels
Conservative hosiery at or near skin color
Carry a briefcase OR conservative colored purse

11. How to Dress: Women Only
If you wear nail polish use clear or a conservative color
Minimal use of makeup
Minimal jewelry: this includes rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings

12. You Must Dress Accordingly For Your Interview
You don’t have to wear a suit!
Nice pants/skirt and shirt (no tie required but it would be nice)
If you do not have anything to wear, please speak with me after class

13. Beginning the Interview
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early
Allow time for traffic
Allow time to get lost
Treat all people you encounter with professionalism and kindness.
Receptionist or secretary
Maintenance man
Turn cell phone off
Don't chew gum, eat candy or smell like smoke

14. Beginning the Interview
Greet the Interviewer
Shake Interviewers Hand

15. The Handshake
Truly effective handshake is going to be a "mirror" of the handshake being offered
Use a medium grip handshake, placing your hand so that the soft skin between your thumb and forefinger comes in contact with the same location on the recipient's hand.
Be prepared to squeeze down on the gorilla or lighten up on the softie
Make Eye Contact

16. Practice Your Handshake

17. During the Interview
Don’t let the employer’s casual approach cause you to drop your manners or professionalism.
No First Names
No Slang
No Curse Words
Don't interrupt the interviewer, even if you are anxious and enthusiastic about answering the question.

18. During the Interview Be aware of your non-verbal behaviors
sit straight – avoid slouching
smile as often as you can
maintain eye contact but don't stare the interviewer down
lean forward but not invading the interviewer's space
Sit still in your seat – avoid fidgeting
Don't be shy or reluctant to talk about yourself

19. During the Interview
Don't make negative comments about previous employers or professors (or others)
Listen very carefully to each question you are asked
Give thoughtful, to-the-point and honest answers
Ask for clarification if you don't understand a question. It is OK to take a few moments of silence to gather your thoughts before answering.
Take notes

20. Poor personal appearance Overemphasis on money
Of the following five behaviors candidates exhibit in job interviews, what behavior do you think recruiters find most unforgivable?
Poor personal appearance
Overemphasis on money 
Failure to look at interviewer while interviewing
Doesn’t ask questions 
Late to interview 

21. #4 – Doesn’t Ask Questions Thoughtful questions emphasize that you are taking an active role in the job selection process, not leaving the interviewer to do all the work. Active is good. Great questions demonstrate that, far from being a passive participant, you are action-oriented and engaged, reinforcing your interest in the job.

22. Great Questions To Ask
Can you tell me about the position and the type of person you are seeking?
What does this company value the most and how do you think my work for you will further these values?
What can I bring Company XYZ to round out the team?

23. More Great Questions To Ask
What’s the most important thing I can do to help within the first 90 days of my employment?
Do you have any questions or concerns about my ability to perform this job? 
What do you see in me? What are my strongest assets and possible weaknesses? Do you have any concerns that I need to clear up in order to be the top candidate?

24. Questions Not to Ask Is it possible for me to get a small loan?
What is it that your company does? 
Can I see the break room? 
What are your psychiatric benefits?
How many warnings do you get before you are fired? 
Can you guarantee me that I will still have a job here a year from now? 

25. More Questions Not to Ask
Would anyone notice if I came in late and left early? 
What does this company consider a good absenteeism record? 
The job description mentions weekend work. Are you serious? 
What is the zodiac sign of the company president?
How do you define sexual harassment?
Will my office be near an ice machine?

26. The Close of the Interview
Make sure you understand the employer's next step in the hiring process; know when and from whom you should expect to hear next.
Thank the interviewer for his or her time
Establish a follow-up plan
Offer a firm handshake and make eye contact

27. After the Interview
Make notes right away so you don't forget critical details
Don't call the employer back immediately.
Send a follow up letter to all interviewers immediately
Thank him or her for the opportunity to interview
Let him or her know that should another or similar position open in the future, you would love to have the opportunity to interview again
thank you notes are acceptable

28. Top Ten Critical Success Factors
Positive attitude toward work
Proficiency in field of study
Communication skills (oral and written)
Interpersonal skills
Confidence
Critical thinking and problem solving skills
Flexibility
Self-motivation
Leadership
Teamwork

29. Top Ten Strikeouts that Condemn Job Candidates
Doesn’t ask questions 
Condemnation of past employer 
Inability to take criticism 
Poor personal appearance
Indecisive, cynical, lazy
Overbearing, over aggressive, “know it all” 
Late to interview 
Failure to look at interviewer while interviewing
Unable to express self clearly
Overemphasis on money

30. Your Mock Interview Will be THIS Friday, Nov 13
You are interviewing for the job you found on snagajob.com
Dress Professionally
Follow these guidelines we have discussed
If you are absent, be dressed appropriately the next class you are present