Interview Skills

Career Awareness andExploration II

Making a Good Impression

Become informed about the company Take the initiative

Look and behave your bestTake responsibility for your appearance

Sources of Information About the Company

Current employeesAnnual reportsBrochuresAdvertisements for company productsBetter Business BureauFriends/relatives

Organization itselfBusiness periodical/reference booksLocal chamber of commerceInternet

Look and Behave Your Best

Self confident or insecure?Concerned or indifferent?Cooperative or arrogant?

You never have another chance to make a first impression.

Responsibility for Appearance

Be freshly showered or bathedHave clean teethFingernails are clean and trimmedHair should be neat, clean and trimmedClothes should be clean, well pressed and well fittingShoes should be cleaned and polished

Tips for Females

Hemlines around the kneeBlouses that are conservative or tailoredNeutral colored stockingsTasteful jewelryModest amount of make up/cologneConservative nail polish

Tips for Males

Conservative suit or sport jacketTasteful jewelryDress shoesModest amount of cologne

Considerations Before Calling for an Interview

Job skillsPride in workWillingness to follow company rulesAbility to work with othersSincerity, honesty, attitude

When Calling for an Interview …

Speak with clear, normal voiceAlways identify yourself and the reason you are callingTry to have a specific person to callBe courteousRespond in a positive mannerDon’t talk too longHave paper and pen to take notes

Preparing for the Interview

Gather all information necessary Resume Personal data sheet Recommendations Social Security number Birth certificate Work permit application (if applicable)

Confirm the appointment the day before

Once at the Interview

Be business-like and friendlyFirm handshakeUse body language to make a good impressionLet the interviewer guide the conversation

Possible Questions

Why should I hire you?How many times were you late to school last year?What are your strengths?Why do you want to work for this company?Tell me something about yourself.What type of position are you interested in?Why did you leave your last job?How do you feel about working overtime?

Possible Questions

Did you drop out of school? Why or why not?How much money do you expect to earn by the age of twenty-five?Do you prefer working with others or by yourself?Have you ever had difficulty getting along with fellow students, school faculty, or co-workers?Can you work under pressure?Are you underqualified for this job?

Possible QuestionsDo you plan to get married soon?I see you have never done this type of work before.How many days of school did you miss last year?What are your weaknesses?Are you seeking temporary or permanent work?Tell me some of your life history.How do you presently support yourself?

Possible QuestionsWhy do you think you would like this particular type of work?What courses did you like best in school? Like least?What is the present source of your spending money?Can you take instructions without becoming upset?What has your relationship been with people who have a different background than yours?

Possible QuestionsWhat are your long-term career goals?Are you overqualified for this job?What kind of salary do you expect?I’ve already interviewed ten people for this job, and four of them are well qualified. Why should I hire you?What makes you think you can do the job?

Interviewing Tactics

Always be on timeKnow what skills are requiredGo to the interview aloneListen carefullyTake time to think about a question before answeringBe positive, brief and complete when answeringShow enthusiasm

Interviewing Tactics

RelaxKeep personal issues outBe sincere and honestUse standard EnglishDon’t interrupt!Look directly at the interviewer

Ending the Interview

The interview will signal the end Standing Shaking hands Concluding statement

Thank them for their timeRestate interest in jobAsk when you might be contacted

Interview Evaluation

Interviewer’s reactionsAdditional information you should have statedStatements you wish you never made

Interview Follow Up

Thank you letter Interest in job Restate background qualifications Look forward to hearing from them

soon

Two weeks later If interviewer has not contacted you,

make a phone call