1. Helpful tips to help prepare for the interview, from apparel to responding to difficult questions… T HE S UCCESSFUL J OB I NTERVIEW

2. ▸ Dealing With Interview Anxiety ▸ Purpose Of The Job Interview ▸ Several Types Of Interviews ▸ How To Prepare ▸ Questions To Ask Before The Interview ▸ Interview Do’s & Don’ts ▸ Things To Remember During The Interview ▸ Possible Interview Questions ▸ Questions To Ask ▸ What To Do After The Interview ▸ How To Dress For Success

3. Interviewing for a job is often filled with anxiety and fear but it doesn’t have to be that way. There are things we can do to prepare ourselves and become more self-confident and relaxed. Being prepared is the best way to reduce anxiety and help ensure a successful job interview. Dealing with Interview Anxiety

4. ▸ Your opportunity to shine ▸ Your abilities, talents, interests, personality, work experience, education, and motivation ▸ Informs you about the employer ▸ Employer needs, history, work environment, business activities, and future plans ▸ Requires skill and PREPARATION… NOT LUCK Purpose of the Interview

5. ▸ Gather work samples, copies of resume, references and place in a nice case or folder ▸ Remember to bring a pen ▸ Rehearse your answers ▸ Write down your questions about the job or organization ▸ Review your work history ▸ Practice your answers to common interview questions ▸ Be prepared for surprises Preparing for the Interview

6. Ask Some Questions How many people will be interviewing me? Will I be the only one interviewed during this time? What kind of questions will be asked? How can I best prepare for the interview? What are the names of my interviewers? Research The Company Before the Interview

7. Do not chew gum Do not distract the interviewer Do not bring family or friends to the interview Do not use slang Do not ramble Do formulate your answers before beginning to speak Avoid “um…well…” Interview Do’s and Don’ts

8. ▸ Firmly shake hands with those you meet ▸ Greet all involved in the interview process and try to remember names ▸ Be friendly to everyone (secretaries, other employees, etc.) ▸ Follow the interviewer’s lead (direction, selecting a seat, drink, etc.) Beginning the Interview

9. ▸ Sit on the front third of the seat ▸ Men: legs uncrossed, but closed ▸ Women: legs or feet crossed if wearing a skirt, may be uncrossed, but closed ▸ Hands folded in front ▸ Sit up straight with head, neck, and chest aligned with hips ▸ Be careful of bad habits ▸ Tapping your fingers ▸ Biting your nails ▸ Playing with your hair ▸ Clicking your pen, etc. Posture During the Interview

10. ▸ Nervousness is normal ▸ Take a deep breath and try to R E L A X ▸ Don’t let nervousness interfere with your answers or conversation Remind yourself that this is just part of the process to see if you are a good fit for the position Remember… ▸

11. ▸ Be on time ▸ Be friendly ▸ Show your enthusiasm ▸ Be positive and honest ▸ Maintain eye contact ▸ Express yourself ▸ Don’t criticize previous employers ▸ Be aware of body language ▸ Be a good listener ▸ Emphasize your strengths ▸ Be yourself ▸ Avoid personal issues ▸ Be confident ▸ Discuss ways you can contribute During the Interview

12. ▸ What are your career goals, both short-term and long-term? ▸ Why do you want this job? ▸ What are you doing to achieve your goals? ▸ How would you describe yourself? ▸ Why did you choose this career? ▸ Why should I hire you? ▸ What are your strengths and weaknesses? Possible Interview Questions

13. ▸ The Equal Employment Opportunity Act outlaws questions about age, national origin, marital status, sexuality, and religion ▸ Be prepared for the possibility ▸ If it happens, … don’t over react. ▸ If you are uncomfortable, kindly respond that you would rather not answer the question Possible Interview Questions

14. ▸ Test your ability to operate under pressure ▸ Demonstrate your problem-solving skills ▸ Opportunity for you to think quickly, question and communicate ▸ Usually no right or wrong answers The Purpose of Off-the-Wall Questions

15. ▸ What would my responsibilities and duties be? ▸ How would my performance be evaluated? ▸ How would I be supervised? ▸ What opportunities for advancement exist? ▸ Is there a training program? ▸ How much travel is required? ▸ Who would I be working with? Questions You May Want to Ask

16. ASK when you can expect a decision and if you should call Express thanks for their time FOLLOW UP the interview with a thank-you note or letter ANALYZE your performance in the interview (for later interviews) DO NOT GET DISCOURAGED! Learn from the process and be patient When the Interview is Finished

17. ▸ Think conservative, traditional, neat, modest, clean ▸ Do not go for “shock value” ▸ Dress to fit in ▸ One level above the work environment ▸ Dark or neutral colors ▸ Little or no scents (cologne, perfume, etc.) Dressing for Success

18. Clothes with printed logos Formal wear T-shirts, tank tops, sweats, shorts Flip-flops Hats indoors Clothes that are sexually revealing Worn-out or torn garments Strong scents or excessive jewelry Do NOT Wear

19. ▸ Hair should be neat and clean ▸ Shoes should be in good condition ▸ Clean fingernails ▸ Clothes should fit properly ▸ Use appropriate deodorant ▸ Everything clean and well-pressed For Everyone

20. Be Prepared! The Key to a Successful Job Interview?