Notes on Interviewing and questions

The Basics Dress appropriately before you arrive Leave the phone in the car, purse, or pocket. Turn it off. Bring a copy of your references and your resume. Research the company. Prepare to ask the representative questions. Practice answers to common questions. Save the interview with your first choice for later to get practice.

When answering interview questions Design your answer based on company research ALWAYS GIVE AN EXAMPLE Show yourself in a positive, employable light Be honest but…. See the previous note

Greatest Strength Describe skills and experiences that directly relate to the job for which you are applying. What strengths would the employer consider important?

Biggest weakness 3 techniques to choose from Choose non essential skills--- skills that do not matter on the job (this is waste of time) Choose skills you have improved—tell how you improved them Turn a negative quality into a positive one

Difficult decisions What does your answer tell the employer about your work habits? Give concrete examples of a real work problem and how you solved the problem, itemize the details. Prepare by having specific examples (success stories) ready before the interview.

Handle Stress/ pressure Think of time that you were really stressed out and how you handled it (or how you should have handled it…) Relate your answer to a positive life outcome:  Exercise  Walk away and ________________. (pick something that allows your mind to rest: coloring, relaxing activity, etc.)  Organize tasks: make a list and mark off completed items, avoid procrastination by completing tasks early)

Today’s interview questions For what have you been most criticized? Follow guide for weakness question How was your attendance at school/ work? Be honest here but always focus on the positive How do you feel about teamwork? Consider what an employer wants to hear

Feedback on your answers You need specific details for your answers. It is your job to provide specific evidence. You have the opportunity to choose your answer. Take the time to prepare and answer that shows off qualities you want the interviewer to know This assignment is all about planning your answers so you are not caught off guard in an interview.

Specific  Instead of:  I am hard worker because I always finish a job.  Try:  Once I was part of a group project in school, but I got the flu and missed several group meetings. I texted my group members to see what I needed to do to make sure I completed my part for the project.

Positive answers- criticized You get to choose your answer----- make it positive Instead of:  I have been most criticized for talking too much.  People complain that I am rude. Use:  I have been most criticized for being too talkative. I can’t help it. I love to meet new people and talk to them. (positive for a public service job)  People have told me that I was rude to them. I immediately apologized and explained that I would work on my tone next time. My mind was on finishing the project. I guess I needed to slow down and remember other people’s feelings.

Goals for your future Relate to your future with the company or in the position you are applying for Do not include---family or educational goals

Evaluate success Looking for an idea about your work ethic Cater your answer to the company you are working for. Include ideas of self improvement, helping the company grow, or just making a positive impact in the community

Leaving past job Focus on goals for your future NEVER BADMOUTH THE MANAGEMENT NEVER SAY THAT YOU DID NOT GET ALONG WITH MANAGEMENT OR CO WORKERS Read possible answers

Want this job Advancement of career or education Reputation of company Love of the position Agree with the mission and values of the company

Why hire you? Use the job description to help you align your skills with the needs of the position Provide examples and reasons--- be careful on time Make yourself unique

Day 2 interview questions What are your future goals? How do you evaluate success? Why are you leaving your past company? Why are you interested in this position? Why should we hire you over all of the other applicants?

Your answers should be Positive---- show off your best qualities Planned---- think about the qualities you want to emphasis and have several examples ready to explain those qualities. Precise--- (specific)  I am a hard worker because I was promoted to shift leader.  I am dedicated because I work extra shifts whenever my manager has a call in.  I have excellent attendance because I have only missed 3 days of school this semester.

Day 3 Interview Questions Describe a time when you felt stressed and explain how you coped. Tell me about a time when you went beyond the call of duty. Tell me about a goal you set and how you met it.

Employers cannot ask you about Marital status Age Health Nationality nor race affiliation Sexual preferences Disabilities Arrest records (This is different from convictions.)

Questions that should never be asked - What is your religious affiliation? - Are you pregnant? - What is your political affiliation? - What is your race, color or ethnicity? - How old are you? - Are you disabled? - Are you married? - Do you have children or plan to? - Are you in debt? - Do you social drink or smoke?

Poorly worded questions: - When do you plan to retire?  Asking candidates what their long-term goals are is okay, but asking when they plan to retire is off the table. - Where do you live?  Asking candidates where they live could be interpreted as a way to discriminate based on their location and is therefore illegal. Asking them if they are willing to relocate, however, is okay. - What was the nature of your military discharge?  Asking why a military veteran was discharged is illegal; however asking what type of education, training or work experience received while in the military is not. - Are you a U.S. citizen?  While it’s okay to ask if a candidate is legally eligible for employment in the U.S., it’s not okay to ask about citizenship or national origin.

Appropriate answers to NO-NO questions: There is nothing in my personal life that will interfere with my performance of the job duties. I will be happy to answer that question, but first could you explain how the answer relates to the position for which I am applying? Could you reword that question? I am not sure what you are asking.

Links releasesdetail.aspx?sd=4%2F9%2F2015&id=pr877& ed=12%2F31%2F releasesdetail.aspx?sd=4%2F9%2F2015&id=pr877& ed=12%2F31%2F limits-questions-job-interviews_n_ html limits-questions-job-interviews_n_ html