1. The Art of the Interview
Val Richardson, M.A.
Palmetto Health-Workforce Development

2. The First Impressions How do you look?
What does your body language say?
How do you sound?
How well do communicate (listen)?

3. How do you look?
Dress conservatively to communicate a professional image
Select clothing that is appropriate for the work setting.
Hairstyle should be neat, but not extreme
Use deodorant, but avoid heavy perfumes and colognes
Save flashy jewelry and accessories for the weekend

4. Body Language Greet the interviewer with firm handshake and smile
Use good posture while sitting or standing
Maintain good eye contact, but don’t stare
Be careful to avoid fidgeting, leg bouncing, pen tapping, etc.

5. How do you sound?
What you say and how you say it is vitally important.
Avoid “um” or “you know”
Pause if you need to think about what to say next…silence is OK.
Allow the interviewer to initiate the next interchange.

6. How well do you communicate?
Listen carefully before you answer.
If you don’t understand the question, ask the interviewer to explain it.
Use active listening techniques such as restatement.

7. Getting Ready for the Interview
The interviewer will judge you based on your appearance, your communication skills, your job skills, your professional goals and more.
Prepare yourself the night before the interview.
Make sure your clothing is clean, wrinkle-free, and fits properly.
Complete the application, resume, and other appropriate documents thoroughly.
Place interview documents, directions, and appointment information together for easy access before you leave for the interview.

8. Getting Ready Continued
Get enough rest before the interview.
Eat at least two hours before the interview.
Rehearse your responses, if necessary.
Look good, smell good, speak well with confidence…smile.

9. Types of Interviews
Screening Interview- short, determines if the candidate has basic skills and knowledge of the job
One-on-One Interview- interviewee and only one hiring representative
Panel interview- interviewee and a panel or a team of staff members

10. Questions often asked during the interview
Tell me about yourself?
Do you have any work experience related to this job?
Tell me about a time you worked in a team environment.
Tell me about your most recent work experience.
Tell me about a time when you made a mistake and how did you handle it.

11. Questions Continued
Tell me why you consider yourself a responsible person?
If I called you previous supervisor, what would they say about you?
Tell me about a time when you worked with a difficult person.
Why should I hire you for this position?
Can you provide examples of your accomplishments or major contributions you made?

12. Questions you may ask? Why is this position open?
What are the initial day-to-day responsibilities of this job?
What is the most challenging aspect of this job?
What is the management structure of this department?
What career paths are available?
In your opinion what type of person is most successful in this company?
Adapted from Building Your Career Piece by Piece

13. Closing the Interview Process
Make sure you have asked and/or clarified all questions regarding the position and the interview process.
Thank the interviewer for their time and interest in you and request a business card.
Send a thank you note.

14. Common reason for rejection
Lack of goals
Lack of appropriate job skills
Lack of enthusiasm or interest in the job/business
Inability to communicate well
Poor personal appearance
Lack of credible references
Lying on the application

15. Reasons Continued Unrealistic salary demands
Inability to clear health screening
Inability to clear background investigation