PRESENTER: MS. CRYSTAL WATSON DATE: OCTOBER 4, 2014 Preparing for a Successful Job Interview

THE JOB INTERVIEW THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS PROVIDED TO ASSIST YOU WITH PREPARATION AND TIPS ON ACHIEVING A SUCCESSFUL JOB INTERVIEW

AGENDA Welcome/ Introductions Pretest Preparation Interview Day Follow-Up Question & Answers Post-test and Evaluations

Introduction Pretend that you are at an interview. The interviewer for the position you are applying for says, “What can you tell me about yourself?” What do you say? (1 minute)

GOALS Learners will understand how to prepare for an interview Learners will understand the actions that takes place on the Interview Day Learners will acquire information on what to do following the Interview

Preparation Research the Company Be aware of the Job Description Conduct a mock interview with a relative or friend or practice in the mirror Compose a resumé Have questions for the Interviewer Be prepared to answer questions

PREPARATION Research the company before your Job Interview Steps: 1. Start with the company website 2. If the company does not have its own website go to other internet sites 3. Use public libraries as another good resource for company information 4. Research details on the company products and services 5. Note the company mission, vision, and values statements 6. Find out the company’s goal, special projects, and new developments

Do you match the Job Description? Job Description often include the knowledge, skills, and abilities that are identified for a particular job. Information applied directly to the performance of a function. For example, managing is knowledge. Knowledge Tasks that are learned. Examples can include operating a fax machine, writing effectively, or having good communication skills. Skills The performance of behaviors that you can see. For example, customer service skills. Abilities

What to do the day of the Interview Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early Maintain appropriate body language and expression Maintain professionalism Keep your communication professional and positive Be prepared to ask and answer questions Wear proper attire (see below)

What makes a good question? Good questions are open-ended- cannot be answered using “yes” or “no”  For example: Not good: Does your organization value its employees? Good: How will your organization show it values its employees? Better: What are things your organization has done recently to show how it values its employees?

Activity Write at least 2 questions that you might want to ask the interviewer during an interview. Be prepared to share with the group.

Sample Questions to ask Interviewer What skills and experiences would make an ideal candidate? What have you enjoyed most about working here? Does the company offer continuing education and professional training? Can you tell me about the team I’ll be working with? What is the next step in the process?

What is a Behavioral Interview? This type of interviewing is based on discovering how the interviewee acted in specific employment related situations. Behavioral questions reveal details about your character and how you handle specific events and situations to the interviewer. The logic is that how you behaved in the past will predict how you will behave in the future.

Sample Behavioral Questions Describe a job experience in which you had to speak up to be sure that other people knew what you thought or felt. Give me an example on any job in which you faced a problem and tell me how you went about solving it. When working on a team, what role do you usually take? Why? What ways have you found to make your job easier or more rewarding.

Sample Behavioral Questions (Continued) Provide an example of how you resolved a conflict with you an another person when you disagreed with each other? Describe the most creative way you have solved a customer’s problem. Tell me about a time when your supervisor was not satisfied with the quality of your work. What actions did you take? Tell me about an accomplishment that you are very proud of and why it means so much to you.

STAR Approach for Behavioral Questions

Video Presentation on Behavioral Interview

Remember! When you are answering interview questions:  Don’t use limiting or negative words.  Don’t use too much body language  Use appropriate wording. No slang.  Use action words to describe your experiences  Be clear, logical and to the point  Use short sentences.  Relax and stay calm.

Role Playing Activity In groups of 2’s or 3’s, practice answering behavioral questions using the STAR approach. Take turns and be ready to give your partner feedback. (slide 13)slide

After the Interview Evaluate your performance and think on how you can improve the next interview Send a follow-up Thank You letter Continue to follow-up

THANK YOU! If you need further assistance on preparing for a job interview, please me at I’ll be happy to help! Please return all evaluation forms before leaving.

References Denham, Tom. (2012). 50 behavioral based interview questions you might be asked. Retrieved from behavioral-based-interview-questions-you-might-be- asked/1538/ behavioral-based-interview-questions-you-might-be- asked/1538/ Doyle, Alison. Behavioral Interview Questions. Retrieved from s/a/behavioral-interview-questions.htm s/a/behavioral-interview-questions.htm