1. Workplace Skills
Interviewing

2. Bellwork A common question in a job interview is:
Tell me about your weaknesses.
Now tell me about your strengths
Write down how you would answer this question.

3. Objectives Describe details for a successful interview
Prepare answers to common interview questions
Demonstrate interviewing skills in a mock interview

4. Purpose Interviews are for
Employers to make hiring decisions
Potential employees to learn about a job and company
The interview is your chance to “sell” yourself

5. Cornell Notes Use a notes sheet to take notes
Fill in the tips for interviewing

6. Before: Getting There Know where you are going
Drive by the site a day or two ahead of time, find parking, locate the office
Arrive 5-15 minutes early

7. Before: Research Company
Learn about the company
What kind of business is it, do they have a good reputation
Why is this important?

8. Before: Copies and Questions
Bring extra copies of your resume and portfolio
Bring a pen and notebook with questions that you have about the job and company

9. Before: Dress Grooming Women Men Be conservative!
Hair and nails should be clean without bright colors
Keep perfume and cologne to a minimum
Women
Dress, skirt (length), or dress pants with nice blouse or blazer
No excessive jewelry, make up, or big hair
Men
Pants (no jeans), collared shirt, tie, sport coat
Be conservative!

10. Beginning: Arriving Tell receptionist Be polite
who you are and that you are there for an interview
whom the interview is with and what time
Be polite

11. Beginning: Meeting the Interviewer
Introductions:
Look him/her in the eyes
Shake hands firmly
Smile
Introduce yourself
Wait to be seated
Be confident

12. Beginning: Starting the Interview
Sit up straight
Try not to be too bold or too shy
Express that you are happy to have the interview
Smile
Don’t chew gum, fidget, curse or use slang

13. Middle: Answering Questions
Be positive
Answer questions honestly and completely (give explanations not just yes or no)
It’s ok not to know everything – express a willingness to learn
Pay close attention to the interviewer
If you don’t understand something ask

14. Middle: Answering Questions
Organize your thoughts before you answer, it is ok to be silent and think
You cannot be asked about:
Age, race, religion, ethnicity, marital status
Avoid criticizing former employers or coworkers

15. End: Finishing the Interview
Ask your questions
If offered the job ask about salary, benefits, hours – you can ask for a day to think it over
If they say you will be contacted, ask when they expect to make a decision – offer to call in a few days
Make sure they have your contact information
Thank the interview and shake hands firmly

16. After: Follow Up Send a thank you letter to the interviewer
Call about a week after the interview if they haven’t contacted you to find out if they made a decision

17. Interview Questions
Look over the list of questions asked by employers and applicants
Be prepared to answer all of the employer questions

18. Mock Interviews Groups of three Roles:
Evaluator – use rubric to evaluate person being interviewed
Interviewer – asks the questions
Interviewee – person being interviewed
Switch roles so that everyone does each job once

19. Mock Interviews Pick a company for your group
Use the Internet to look up information about this company
Choose questions to ask as an interviewer and interviewee
You may choose from the list or write your own

20. Interviews
Rate the following areas in order of importance in an interview
Job qualifications
Attitude
Communication skills
Appearance

21. How are you rated?