Interviews That Get You Working

Co-op Education & Employment Resources Department

2011

Great news… You have an interview

Important Information to have:

• General directions to the location• Name(s) and title(s) of interviewer(s)• Telephone number in case of emergency• Need to bring anything in particular• Special testing/practical tests?

Take good notes – thank employer for time – either via email or telephone

The secrets to interview success...

•Research!

•Preparation!

•Practice!

Research...

• Know the position • Review the job posting/description • Know the company/organization

– Check web sites, annual reports, brochures, conduct on-site visit, etc.

• Know yourself, your skills and how they match the job’s requirements– Review your resume– Recall examples of skills/accomplishments

Job Search Statement

PREPARE A JOB SEARCH STATEMENT

Your one-minute commercial

• Education*• Experience*• Skills (transferable and/or job specific)*• Objective*

*As it relates to the organization and job

Your Job Search Statement Comes in Handy…

• The basis of answers to interview questions:

– Tell me about yourself.– Why should I hire you?– What are your strengths?– What skills/knowledge can you bring to this position?

• Customizing resumes/cover letters

Sample Job Search Statement

I am a recent graduate from the ECE Diploma Program at Centennial College. My educational background has provided me with valuable experience in learning how to develop and carry out activities for children, communicate effectively with children and their parents, and contribute to the developmental needs of children.

In addition, I have completed a placement at ABC Daycare where I utilized the skills and knowledge l developed through my studies at Centennial. I am a strong team player who can demonstrate flexibility and initiative.

I would love the opportunity to use my skills and experience to contribute to the programming of your Senior School Age Room.”.

Your Interview Kit…What to take with you

• Additional copies of your resume• Copies of your references • Letters of recommendation• Notebook and pen• Briefcase or professional looking folder• Copies of transcripts, diplomas,

certificates, • Questions for employer

You never get a second chance to make a first impression

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9rn5kuTpHw

Dressing the part...

• Ensure your appearance is neat, clean and well-groomed• Select clothing appropriate to the type of

organization• When in doubt, be conservative:

–Suits or coordinated outfits, jacket and tie, pantsuit

–Avoid excessive make-up and jewelry–No cologne or perfume, plenty of

deodorant–Dark colours are always safe–Shoes and accessories are appropriate–Get everything ready the night before!

Speak without saying a word…Non-verbal cues

•The handshake•Body language•Physical appearance•Promptness

A Few Tips...

• Always be punctual - it’s best to arrive 10 minutes early• Never eat or drink while waiting to meet the

interviewer – do not smoke before/do not chew gum!• Always be polite to the receptionist/secretary• Enter with a confident and friendly smile• Maintain eye contact• Listen carefully

Behaviour Based Interviews

Your future performance is best measured by your past performance

Based on “WHAT DID YOU DO?”

Behaviour Based Interviews

•You need to determine the skills needed for the position and questions that may be asked around those skills•Think of examples or stories that exhibit these skills•When asked a question answer using one of these stories

POSSIBLE QUESTION TOPICS

• Experience communicating with parents• Understanding of Behaviours and Approaches to

Discipline• Administrative duties

–Recording information–Creating lesson plans/overviews

• Type of environment–Private/Public Daycare–In-Home Care–Summer/After School Camps

Sample Behaviour Based Questions

• Can you tell me about a time when you demonstrated your ability to work well with others?

• Describe a time when you had to use your communication skills to deal with a difficult parent.

• Have you ever been in a situation where you had several requests and duties to attend to at the same time? What did you do?

• Tell me about a time when you felt intervention by a supervisor was required.

Other Sought-After Skills

• Communication/Good Judgment/Ethics• Organizational• Interpersonal, teamwork• Ability to work under pressure/at a fast pace• Flexibility• Ability to multi-task/time management• Problem-solving, decision making• Lifelong learning, adaptability

STAR Performance…Answering Behavioural Questions

When answering behaviour based questions and storytelling remember to follow the STAR method:

–S - Situation–T - Task–A - Action–R - Result

Situational Interviews

Based on “WHAT WOULD YOU DO?”

• One of the children in your classroom is misbehaving. How will you address the situation?

• A parent comes to pick up their child and notices a bite received by another child. They become angry and demand to speak to the other child's parents. How will you handle the situation?

• If a parent came to you saying that his or her child was not challenged, what would you do?

Tricky Questions

•What are your salary expectations?–Try to avoid a straight answer–Give a range instead of a single number

•What are your weaknesses?–Choose something that wouldn’t affect your ability to do the job

–Quickly move on to explain how you are improving in that area - remain positive!

QUESTIONS TO ASK EMPLOYER

•You are determining whether or not you want to work there•Suitable topics for questions:

–Organizational structure–Performance evaluation–Training/professional development–Typical first year assignments

•Remember never to initiate questions regarding salary and/or benefits

Making an exit…Closing the interview

• Restate why you are the right person for the position• Clarify what the next step in the

process is and when you can expect to hear from them• Thank the interviewer(s) for

their time• Give a firm handshake and

leave confidently

Follow Up!

•Within 2 days of the interview send a thank you letter to demonstrate:

–Appreciation for the employer’s time and interest in you

–Your interest in the organization and the position

–Remind the employer about your qualifications

Services at the Coop Education & Employment Resources Department

• Employment Coaching• Résumé/Cover Letter Critiques• Interview Preparation & Practice• PlacePro - Job Posting site – via my.centennial• OptimalResume via my.centennial• Grad Success Pack via my.centennial• oncampusrecruitment@centennialcollege.ca• Computers, printers and fax access• To book appointment – (416) 289-5000, ext. 8121