10 Interview Tips for the First Job Interview

Sharon Page, RecruiterHuman Resources Dept.

1. Make a Positive First Impression

• Arrive 15 minutes early

• Have at least one extra copy of your resume

1. Make a Positive First Impression

• Know the NAMES of people you meet!!

• Take a notebook and make notes

1. Make a Positive First Impression

• Handshakes, eye contact

• SMILE!!

• Be kind to everyone you meet

2. Dress Appropriately

• Professional Attire:– Men: Suit in dark color, light shirt and tie– Women: Conservative Business suit, mid heels

• Details – hems, cuffs, shoes shined, buttons, no wrinkles

• Low-key jewelry, if any at all

2. Dress Appropriately

Please…

Easy on the perfume!!

3. Research the Employer

• Company history• CEO, Directors,

Board Members• Current events• Location, directions• Organizational

Culture• Mission, Vision,

Values

• Where to find?– Internet– Newspapers– Professional Journals– Networking

Organizations– Professional Groups– Word of Mouth– Current/Past

employees

4. Know Yourself

• Strengths• “Areas for

Development”• Skills• Energy Level• Motivations• “Pet Peeves”

5. C.A.R. Stories

5. C.A.R. Stories

ChallengeAction Result

5. CAR Stories

• Tell a story• Answer a question• Define a skill• Point out a strength• Give a chance to brag

about yourself!

5. C.A.R. Stories

How to write your own “CAR” Stories:STEP 1: Ask yourself…What skills are required for this job?What strengths do I want to showcase?Which accomplishments do NOT show on my

resume or application?How can I prove that I deserve the pay/position?How did I earn any promotions/accolades?

5. C.A.R. Stories

STEP 2: Determine…Specific instance for each of the questionsUse the format:Challenge presented/Problem to be solvedAction/steps taken to reach goalResult of that action/Outcome of effort

5. C.A.R. Stories

• STEP 3: Write out… Your Personal Story!!

– What?– Who?– When?– How Much?– How Many?

5. C.A.R. Stories

Step 4: Polish what you have writtenSay it, rewrite it, ask for opinions

Step 5: Prepare for the interview!!Practice until it’s almost memorized

Rule of Thumb is to take 5 skills and have at least 2 CAR stories for each one

5. C.A.R. Stories

Let your CAR

Stories“SELL” you as the Best Candidate for

the Job!

Last 5 tips…

How to “Interview” the Employer!!

6. Have Questions Prepared

• Demonstrates interest• Shows you did your “homework”• Creates an “exchange”• Gives you important information• Makes you feel confident

7. Determine “Fit”

• Get information on the employer’s:– Hours– Size– Supervision style– Lunch/Break policy– “Quality of Life”– Goals for employees

8. Evaluate your Feelings

Is this a place where you want to spend the rest of your career?

Is this only a “temporary” stop?

9. Map out your future

• Why is this position open?

• How are employees promoted?

• What is the career path?

• What is the policy on training?

10. Follow up X 3!!

• Summarize your impression

• Send Thank You note within 48 hours

• Call back within 7 days

10 Interview Tips for the First Job Interview

1. Make a Positive First Impression

2. Dress Appropriately3. Research the

Employer4. Know Yourself5. CAR Stories

6. Have Questions Prepared

7. Determine “Fit”8. Evaluate Feelings9. Map out your Future10. Follow up “X 3”