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Interview T.I.P.S. Training to Improve Presentation

Skills

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Objectives of Program

• The goal is to teach you how to present yourself better before, during and after interviews, so you can get the job you want.

• We’ll be discussing applications, resumes and interviews throughout this module.

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Job Applications

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Application Guidelines

• Ask for a job description

• Make a copy• Pay attention to

directions• Type if possible• Use black or blue

ink

• Don’t exaggerate• Fill in all blanks• Print• Proofread

carefully• Sign• Attach resume

Legal or Illegal Questions

Legal:•Personal Information•Desired Position•Past Experience•Educational Background•Special Skills

Illegal:•Social Security Number•DOB, Age, Race, Marital Status…•Disabilities•Convictions•Credit Rating

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Personal Information

• Name (not nickname)

• Address (use permanent one)

• Phone Numbers (home & cell, not work)

• E-Mail Address (make sure it’s appropriate)

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Position Desired

• Title

• Status (part-time, full-time, etc.)

• Date you can start

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Education and Training

• Academic• Career and Technical or Vocational

School• Military• Schools attended• Dates attended• Degrees/Certificates

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Job Related Skills, etc.

• Types of equipment• Computer skills• Special training• Certifications• Licenses (CDL, etc.)

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Employment History

• Begin with most recent job• Employer’s name, address, phone• Supervisor’s name• Job title• Salary• Reason for leaving

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References

• People who can speak positively about you, never list relatives

• Have their permission before listing• Have current contact information• Have several to choose from

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Application Checklist

• Appearance• Writing Style• Personal

information• Position desired• Education and

Training• Special job-related

skills

• Employment history

• References• Signature• Date

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Sample Application

• Complete the sample application in your student handbook Use checklist Proofread

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Application Summary

• Gathering and recording accurate information for completing a job application is important.

• Be honest, prepared, and thorough.

• The application makes a first impression, make it a good one.

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Resumes

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Brainstorming Activity

• What would you look for in a resume if you were an employer?

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Types of Resumes

• Chronological-Job history, job titles and employers are emphasized.

• Functional- Skills and accomplishments are highlighted.

• Combination- Presents patterns of accomplishments and skills in categorical sections.

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Which One to Use?

• Chronological good to use when… Recent employers are

impressive Job history shows

progress Staying in same

career field

• Bad to use when... Changed employers

frequently Have gaps in work

history Changing career field

• Functional good to use when… Focus is on skills, not

work experience There is a variety of

unrelated experience Re-entering the work

force

• Bad to use when… Emphasizing

promotions and growth

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Which One to Use?

• Combination good to use when… Desire to change to a job in a related career field Desire to promote the most marketable skills Desire to acknowledge skills that are

complimentary but not necessarily required (i.e. leadership coursework through military, etc.)

• Bad to use when… Trying to circumvent specific job requirements as

outlined on job advertisements (i.e. requirement for unbroken work history, etc.)

Contact Information

• Name Use bold type

• Address• Phone Number• Email Address

Keep it professional

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Objective

• Include in this section Type of position wanted Level of responsibility desired

• Should be specific and employer centered

• Should include how you can “add value” in the company

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Education

• What should be included in this section? Degrees and GPA Name of institutions attended Dates attended/graduated Special workshops/seminars attended

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Work Experience

• What should be emphasized in this section? Responsibilities Achievements Name of organization Title Dates

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Additional Information

• What things could be listed here? Interests Computer skills Recent civic activities Hobbies Awards/Honors (most global listed first)

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Writing Tips

• What do you think are the most important writing rules for writing resumes? Spelling Grammar Punctuation

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Cover Letters

• Cover letters introduce your resume and should always be used.

• Three main topics: Why you are interested in the company Why the employer should be interested

in you The possibility of meeting to discuss

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Resume Summary

• Do not be bashful or embarrassed about selling yourself.

• Prepare specific resumes, each focused on a specific job or field.

• Remember that employers use resumes to screen applicants, make yours the best!

• Cover letters are essential components that grab the attention of the resume rater.

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Interviews

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Brainstorming Activity

• “The best or worst thing about an interview is…”

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Steps in an Interview

• Preparation

• Presentation

• Follow-up

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Prepare: Before the Interview

• Learn about the company/position• Review your resume• Double-check time and location• Prepare what you want to say• Rehearse with mock interviews

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Interviewers look for...

• General personality• Personal appearance• Work experience• Verbal communication skills• Work skills• Goals/Motivation• Knowledge of company/industry

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Appearance

• Clothes Clean, conservative Pressed

• Hair Clean Conservative style

• Nails Clean and trimmed Clear polish

• Jewelry Not flashy Conservative

• Cologne/Perfume None

• Make-up Light, natural

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Positive Body Language

• Openness Open hands/arms Relaxed posture (but not slumped)

• Confidence “Steeple” hands Good eye contact

• Cooperation Head tilted Sitting on chair edge

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Negative Body Language

• Defensiveness Crossed arms/legs Pointing/Fists

• Suspicion Sideways glance Rubbing nose

• Nervousness Throat clearing Fidgeting Sweating palms

• Frustration Short breaths Hand through hair

• Insecurity Chewed pen Fingernail biting Hands in pockets No eye contact

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Why didn’t they hire me?

• Lack of enthusiasm• Sloppy appearance• Know-it-all• Lack of courtesy• Limp handshake• Late to interview• Criticizing previous

employer

• Nervous• Inability to express

ideas clearly• Money focused• No eye contact• Asks no questions

about the job

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Points to Remember

• Be natural• Be confident, not

cocky• Don’t exaggerate

your experience• Don’t interrupt• Be attentive

• Don’t lounge• Don’t wisecrack• Don’t dominate• Make sure you

understand questions

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Common Questions

• Tell me about yourself

• What are your greatest strengths?

• Why do you want to work here?

• What does teamwork mean to you?

• What is your greatest weakness?

• Why are you the best candidate?

• How do you handle problems with people?

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Illegal Questions

• Sex, race, religion or ethnic background• Age, unless there are legal restrictions

about age related to the job• Marital status, children or other family

members• A non-work related disability• An arrest record• Details of a military discharge

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Questions to Ask

• Job focused “What do you see as the most

interesting part of this position?”

• Open-ended “What types of training are offered for

this position?”

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Follow-up Letters

• Thank the person for the interview• Keep it short and friendly• Use quality paper• Good grammar• No typos

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Interview Summary

• Three parts of an interview Preparation Presentation Follow up

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Conclusion

• First impressions are lasting ones.• Put your best foot forward in all

areas: applications, resumes and interviews.

• Practice makes perfect.• Attitude is altitude.