1. Chapter 5 Interviewing Skills

2. I. The Most Important Step A. Interview: a talk between an employer and a job applicant B. Interviewer: the employer C. Interviewee: the job applicant D. Interviewer could be one of the following 1. personnel dept (large company) 2. owner/manager (small company)

3. II. Preparing for Interviews A. Do some homework 1. know what the company does 2. know the interviewer’s name 3. be prepared to say positive things about the co. 4. be prepared to talk about your skills 5. think about possible questions that will be asked

4. III. Telephone Interviews 1. a phone conversation between a company rep and a job applicant 2. be ready to set a time for a personal interview

5. IV. Personal Interviews 1. face-to-face meeting between an employer and a job applicant 2. plan what you will wear, shave, polish shoes, etc

6. A. Be Well Groomed 1. shower 2. brush your teeth 3. clean hands and fingernails 4. brush hair B. Be on Time 1. Get a good night’s sleep 2. know exact time and place of interview C. Plan to go Alone 1. don’t bring a friend

7. V. Interviewing Tips A. What to do 1. Introduce yourself when you meet the interviewer 2. Shake hands firmly 3. Remain standing until you are offered a seat 4. Make good eye contact with interviewer 5. Keep a pleasant smile 6. Talk freely 7. “Sell” yourself 8. Be polite and positive

8. B. What not to do 1. Don’t be late 2. Don’t chew gum or smoke 3. Don’t place anything on interviewer’s desk 4. Don’t be a know-it-all 5. Don’t say “I’ll take anything.” 6. Don’t try to run the interview. 7. Don’t discuss your personal problems. 8. Don’t try to read the material on the desk. 9. Don’t lie 10. Don’t argue or be negative

9. C. Questions to Answer 1. What are your goals? 2. What are your favorite/least favorite subjects? 3. Will you work hard? 4. What school activities are you in? 5. Can you follow instructions? 6. Are you dependable? 7. What is your major weakness? Strength? 8. What salary do you expect? 9. Why do you think you might like this particular job? 10. What kind of work do you eventually hope to do?

10. D. Questions to Ask 1. What are the working hours? 2. Is there a lot of overtime? 3. Is there room for promotion? 4. Was the last person who held this job promoted? 5. What are the job duties? 6. What is a typical day like? 7. What skills does an employee need to succeed in this job? ***Read Interview Minuses on top of page 71

11. VI. After the Interview A. Evaluate the Job and the Company 1. Do you feel you can do this job? 2. Would you enjoy this job? 3. Does the job seem right for you? 4. Are the working conditions comfortable? 5. Did the other employees seem to like the work? 6. Is the salary right? 7. Would this job help you in your long-range goals? 8. Do you have enough info to make your decision?

12. B. Write a Follow-Up Letter 1. a brief letter to the interviewer 2. includes a. a short thank-you b. a statement about your interest in the job c. additional points that are important, but were not discussed d. a request to hear from the interviewer about the company’s decision