Before, During, and After Job Interview Before, During, and After

BE PREPARED The best way to settle your nervousness about an upcoming interview is to be prepared. Doing your homework will boost your confidence and help you make a good impression. Consider taking these steps: Research the Company Practice Common Interview Questions Plan What to Wear Check Your Manners and Body Language Take the Essentials Follow-Up

Know the Company Ownership History and How Long in Business Size and Number of Employees Specialties or Focus

Practice Makes Perfect Top 5 Interview Questions Tell me about yourself What are your hobbies or extra curricular activities? What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Why should I hire your?

Your On-Line Image Do an on-line search of your name to see what images and information comes up. Create a professional online identity. Join groups such as LinkedIn and create an online portfolio using work samples to market yourself. Clean up your online identity. Don’t list personal information or post comments, photos or videos that you would not want an employer to see. Remove swear words, complaints about previous employers and any discriminatory comments.

What to Wear Although most workers in trade or technical fields don’t wear suits to work, it is important to dress appropriately for the job interview. A good rule of thumb is to dress one level up from what is typical on the job. In most cases business casual is a safe bet. Also remember that being overdressed is always better than being too casual.

What to Wear: FEMALE Business Casual Business Professional SHIRT: Blouse, basic top w/conservative neck-line Add-ons: sweater or jacket PANTS: Khaki or dark pant Finger-tip length skirt SHOES: Flat or low-heel dress shoe Business Professional SUIT: Conservative with pant or skirt SHOE: low-heel dress shoe REMEMBER: Avoid clothing that is too tight or to short. No excessive perfume, make-up or jewelry

What to Wear: MALES Business Casual Business Professional SHIRT: Dress or Polo shirt w/a collar PANTS: Khaki, trouser or dress jean SHOES: Dress or casual loafer SUIT: Conservative SHIRT: Dress w/tie SHOES: Dress REMEMBER: Underwear should not be showing Shirts are tucked in Wear a belt No big chains

What to Wear EXTRAs Cover up tattoos Remove facial and tongue piercings Personal grooming is a MUST Beards and facial hair should be well-trimmed; long hair should be pulled back Nails and hands should be neat and clean No excessive jewelry Be aware that colorful hair may not be considered professional Avoid wearing to much make-up

Make a Great 1st Impression During the Interview Make a Great 1st Impression

Your Presentation Manners Body Language Be nice to everyone who greets you. No Gum Turn off cell phones Wait to be ask to be seated. Firm handshake at the beginning and end of interview. Stand-up straight Sit-up straight Maintain eye contact Avoid using words such as “like”, “yeah”, “um”, “you know”….

Take the Essentials Contact Information – Name of Interviewer and Phone Number Resume and References Pen and Paper ID and Social Security Card Certifications

What to Ask What is a typical day like in this position? Who will I work with? Who do I report to? What would I have to do to be successful in this position? What is the career path associated with this position? When do you expect to make a hiring decision?

Completing the Process After the Interview Completing the Process

FOLLOW-UP Make notes about the interview Assess how you did Write a thank-you letter Call after 10 days to check on status Do NOT keep calling

Saying Thank You Send a thank you note within one day of the interview Be sure to proof the letter for spelling and grammar errors.