9/17/20151 interview t.i.p.s. training to improve presentation skills
TRANSCRIPT
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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 in this 2-night program.
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Job Applications
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Brainstorming Activity
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The Application
• Personal information
• Position desired• Education and
Training• Special job-related
skills• Licenses• Accomplishments
• Employment history
• References• Signature• Date
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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 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
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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.)
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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.