Dress to Impress!Interviewing Skills Workshop

Women of OpportunitiesChampaign Housing Authority

What makes you most nervous about interviewing?

Discussion Question

● Dress appropriately● Get to know the position you’re applying for● Get to know your resume● Practice!!!

Pre-Interview

● Making a good first impression is important so you want to dress professionally● What does it mean to dress professionally?

o Dressing professionally shows the employer that you respect their time and understand their corporate culture

o Professional dress carries an expectation that you won't show up in casual clothing for the job

● Dressing professional means: o nice pants (suit pants) or a nice skirt that goes to knees or below o dress with straps/sleeves that goes to knees or below o nice shirt button down, collared, fancy looking fabric o possibly a suit jacket, or nice sweater o appropriate shoes- flats, or small heels

Dress Appropriately

Examples

Places to find these clothes for a great price!!!● Salvation Army

o 2212 N Market St, Champaign, IL 61822● Dots Fashion

o 2032 N Prospect Ave, Champaign, IL 61822● Good Will

o 912 W Anthony Dr, Champaign, IL 61821o Monday-Saturday 9 A.M.-7 P.M., Sunday 4 P.M.-6 P.M.

● Walmart o 2610 N Prospect Ave. Champaign, IL o 100 S. High Cross Road Urbana, IL o Both are open 24 hours 7 days a week

● Transitions o Lincoln Square Village in Urbana Illinois o 201 Lincoln Square, Urbana, IL 61801o Monday-Friday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sunday-Closed

● Plato’s Closet

○ 29 E. Marketview Drive Champaign, IL 61820

○ Mon-Sat 10 am - 8 pm Sun 12 pm - 6 pm

Stores in the Area

● Know about the position and company you’re applying foro Employers are impressed when you know information about their

companyo This shows you’re interested in the jobo Know specific details about your position that you can ask questions

about● Know your resume

o Be able to explain what you’re good at and why it would help with the job you’re applying for

Take the time to do the research and be prepared

Do Research

● It is important to practice:o When practice anything you will get improvemento Make sure to practice interviewing before you go o Practice here with uso But you can also practice with a friend or family membero We will give you handouts with general interview questions

● Also by praciticing you will be abel to be more confident in tyour interviewing skills and be less nervous for the interview

Practice

● The day of:o Arrive 10-15 minutes earlyo Turn off cell phones

● Non-Verbal:o Most important piece of advice: BE YOURSELF! o Self-confidence!o You’ve done all your preparation and research so just… RELAX! :)o Walk in with a positive attitudeo Greet the interviewer and shake handso Eye contacto Listen carefully

During the Interview

● Verbalo Take your time answering the questions o Be tactful with your responses, courteous & polite

Why are you the best candidate for this position? o Be specific in your responses o Ask your questions and concerns you have for themo Make sure to ask when they will notify you/if they will

During the Interview

● Thank you note● Wait patiently for response● Follow up for a response● Accept position / accept rejection

Post-Interview

Let’s practice our interview skills :)

Mock Interview Practice!