The Interview

Preparing for your Interview

1. Research the company.2. Rehearse common interview questions.3. Create your own questions about the job.

Research the company

• Why:– Provides background info you can use during an interview.

• Companies want employees that are familiar with what they do.• Shows you are serious about working for the company.

– Provides information that could change or reinforce your thoughts.• Beliefs, values, etc…• Positions available• Benefits, vacation, Salary/Income, etc…• Location(s)

• How:– Internet– Current employees– Human resources

Prepare your Answers– Positive, Positive, Positive!!!

– Go into detail with your answers, but don’t ramble!!• Explain your answers WITHOUT being asked to do so.• Structure your answers so you don’t go on and on into really

long or unorganized stories.• Avoid controversial/illegal topics. (Pg. 605)

– It is important to keep a conversational flow.• The interview should be a group of small conversations… not

have a cold, interrogation feel. • Employers are testing your social interaction and

communication/conversational skills.

Always ask the interviewer follow-up questions.

– Shows you are prepared and interested in the job– Provides important information that might help you

decide if you really want to work at that company.

Good Questions What are the specific duties assigned

to the position? What is your favorite thing about

working for this company? Are there opportunities for

growth/advancement? When are you expecting to fill the

position?

Inappropriate Questions How much money will I get paid?

What holidays can I expect to have off?

Do you pay for vacation time?

What benefits will I receive?

During your Interview

1. 1st Impression & Greeting2. Professional Dress3. Informative, positive, energetic, and

conversational– Not an interrogation

4. Avoid controversial topics

Professional Greetings

• Do’s– Stand up to greet people– Extend arm at an angle– Say your full name– Make eye-contact and

smile– Squeeze GENTLY– Shake 2-3 times, then LET

GO!!– Shake hands the same way

for men and women

• Don’ts– Say your name too fast– Hold arm too close to

your body– Squeeze too hard or be

too weak– Shake more than 3 times– Use two hands

DO’s for an InterviewBring: resume, notepad and a pen!!

– Entry Level:• Solid, plain colors• Khaki or dress pants• Polos (guys and girls)• Simple blouses (Girls, w/sleeves)• Skirts (knee or longer)• Button up shirts and/or ties• Simple dress shoes

Interview Attire DON’Ts

• Flip flops

• Sweat tops or bottoms

• Jeans or Shorts

• Short skirts

• Low-cut/sleeveless/tank tops

• Too high of heels/spikes/platforms

• Noisy/distracting jewelry

• Visible tattoos

• Excessive piercings

• Too big or too tight clothing

It’s a conversation, not an interrogation!

• Testing your: Customer interaction and communication skills.

• Be:– Energetic (smile and be upbeat… but not too fake)

– Detailed (don’t give one word answers)

– A good listener• Make eye contact and use nonverbal communication elements• Make sure you have heard the question and answer it fully.• Respond to feedback in order to keep the discussion going

Avoid illegal or depressing topics• Discrimination laws.– Pg. 605: Illegal Questions– How to answer an illegal question

• Could you explain how that question relates to this position?

– Do not talk about physical or mental issues• Disabilities, ADHD, dyslexia, etc…

Always turn negatives into positives. • What is one of your weaknesses?

– Explain how you overcome the weakness.• What is the hardest thing you have had to overcome?

– Don’t go into great detail about deaths or other depressing items… you want to keep the interview on a happy note.

After an interview

1. Thank you letter2. Follow-up letter– Accepting or Declining an offer

Follow Up Letter• Thank you letter that reminds the employer of who you

are and that you are still interested in the position.

Format:• P1

– Thank them for the time/opportunity to interview.– Remind them of the date and position

• P2– Mention something you learned about the company or a specific

topic you discussed and that you are still interested in the position.– You can also reiterate your skills or qualifications.

• P3– Include your contact information and a closing action statement.– Thank them again for their consideration

Accepting or Declining

• Accept– Be grateful and take note of the next step.

• Decline– Be grateful and politely give them a reason you

cannot accept the offer.• Ex: “Thank you so much for the opportunity but I have

accepted another position.”• Ex: “Thank you for the offer but I have decided to go

another route.”