INTERVIEW SKILLS

VIDEO CLIP: STEP BROTHERS INTERVIEW SCENE

JOB INTEVIEWS A. PREPARATION WHAT TO WEAR Guys - No hats, jeans, athletic pants, shorts, t-shirts, sandals, flip flops, or running shoes! Dress pants or khakis, collared shirt (can be a nice polo shirt or dress shirt), longer length socks that are the same colour as pants, shoes should be clean Girls – No hats, jeans, athletic pants, yoga pants, tights, t-shirts, tight shirts, belly shirts, low rise pants, shorts, shoes with heels higher than 1 inch, sandals, flip flops, or running shoes! Minimize the amount of skin shown (no low collar, sleeveless, belly exposing, backless, short skirt) Clothes must be clean, not crumpled or wrinkled Keep jewellery to a minimum (no long dangling earrings, long chains, etc) Long hair should be tied back, hair should be clean and neat (avoid hat head) Nails should be trimmed, clean Perfume and cologne – minimal use antiperspirant with minimal scent

JOB INTERVIEWS WHAT TO BRING - Pen/paper - portfolio (something with a hard cover in case you need to use it on your lap as a backing to write something down) - copy of your resume and cover letter - questions to ask the employer - list of references (3 minimum) - copies of any certifications/awards that might be relevant - copy of your credit counselling summary or transcript (if graduated)

JOB INTERVIEWS WHEN TO ARRIVE 10 min. early is acceptable Arriving too early may make employer feel rushed to start interview Arriving just in time will make you feel rushed and anxious (before the interview even starts!) Arriving late is the worst possible first impression and no excuse will make it better

JOB INTERVIEWS INTERVIEW QUESTION PREP. Be prepared and rehearse answers to common interview questions (ex. Tell me something about yourself. What are your strengths?, What do you know about our company?) Think about what the interviewer is looking for so they hear what they want to hear from you when you respond to their questions.

THE INTERVIEW GREETING / HANDSHAKE Look the person in the eyes and say Hi or Hello (never “Hey”), handshake should be firm, shake their hand, don’t just grab their fingers

THE INTERVIEW BODY LANGUAGE Stand tall, shoulders back sit up straight, slight forward lean Avoid – crossing your arms, playing with your hair, leg jiggling, fidgeting, swaying constantly, putting hands over mouth, resting head on hands, slouching, drumming fingers, clicking pen Keep eyes up, don’t stare into eyes of interviewer (creepy) but keep focus up in general area of the interviewers head Nod to show agreement when appropriate (shows you’re listening) Smile and show honest interest in the opportunity they are giving you

THE INTERVIEW RESPONDING TO QUESTIONS Look up at interviewer when responding (don’t read or look down) Show enthusiasm by having intonation in responses (don’t be monotone) Make sure your voice has appropriate volume Preparation is important!

THE INTERVIEW ETIQUITTE / MANNERS / RESPECT Turn cell phone off! Only bring it out if needed and you ask them (ex. Using calendar to put in an orientation appointment for a later date) Holding the door for another employee or interviewer Standing if another person comes into the office and you are introduced to them Saying please and thank you when appropriate

THE INTERVIEW ENDING THE INTERVIEW ON A POSITIVE NOTE At the end of an interview often interviewers will ask if you have any questions. This is your time to shine! Have a prepared list of questions to ask. Examples – Who would I be reporting to? What work schedule fits for this position? Is there a dress code? Be sure to thank the interviewer and let them know how interested you are in this potential opportunity. And let them know you look forward to hearing from them (if they said they will let you know their decision). Shake their hand again when interview is over. Say goodbye to the receptionist as you pass by them (if applicable)