Interviewing Tips: Are You Ready? This presentation is designed to use with Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Preparing for the Interview When setting up the interview, ask how many people will be interviewing you. Make copies of your resume and reference sheet for each interviewer. Bring a notepad and pen to take notes. Make a list of questions to ask at the end of the interview. Let’s talk about some of the myths and fears you may have heard about people with disabilities. Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Research the Employer & Industry Interviewers describe lack of company knowledge as one of their top pet peeves. Ask yourself: Why am I interested in working for this employer? Do some homework: Be sure you know what the company mission is and what they manufacture or what service they provide. Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Interview Type Will you be interviewed: By phone or online? By several people or by a group of people? By a single person? Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Preparing for the Interview What types of questions will the interviewer ask? Be prepared to give examples of how you’ve demonstrated skills in prior work or volunteer experiences. Some possible questions: “What qualities do you feel a successful employee should have to be a customer service attendant?” “Describe a situation where you were involved with a team to complete a task.” Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Preparing for the Interview Rehearsing and practicing are the best ways to be prepared. Role playing Mock interviews Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Preparing for the Interview Plan ahead. You’ll never get a second chance to make a good first impression. Clean and polished conservative shoes Well-groomed hairstyle Clean and trimmed fingernails Minimal cologne or perfume and accessories Dress according to type of business Get a good night’s sleep the night before No alcohol on your breath Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Preparing for the Interview Getting there: Make sure you can find the company Ask for directions Practice your route before the day of the interview Plan for the unexpected Don’t arrive more than 15 minutes early Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Your interview actually begins even before you meet your interviewer. When You Arrive Your interview actually begins even before you meet your interviewer. Arrive about 10 minutes before the interview. Have a positive attitude when you greet and talk with any “gatekeepers” (the receptionist, the security guard, a secretary, etc.) you may meet. Wait patiently until you’re called for your interview. Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services

First Impressions No food or gum Turn off your cell phone Do not smoke right before your interview. Greet your interviewer with enthusiasm and a smile: Stand up Extend your hand for a medium-to-firm handshake. Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Show Your Confidence Learn body language and behaviors that help you: Make eye contact with the interviewer as much as possible Smile naturally Sit up straight Speak clearly (no mumbling!) and loudly enough to be heard Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Talking with the Interviewer Use some hand gestures to show enthusiasm, but keep it minimal. If you can’t keep your hands still, hold a prop, like a clipboard or pad. Don’t tap or play with a pen or pencil. Don’t keep nodding your head. Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Talking with the Interviewer Show your interest by asking a few questions. If you don’t already know them, ask your interviewer about the company’s current goals. Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Showcase Yourself Interviewers often look for: A positive work attitude Skills and previous experience in the field Communication skills (How well do you write? Can you give oral presentations? How do you relate to others?) Problem solving skills Leadership ability Teamwork Interviewers often look for: Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Illegal Interview Questions Sometimes an interviewer will ask questions they’re not allowed to ask by law. These questions usually have to do with your: Marital circumstances (Are you single or married?) Age Gender and physical appearance Disabilities Citizenship and national origin In most companies, the days are gone when an untrained interviewer simply asked whatever came into his or her head. Even “one” illegal question in a hiring interview can become grounds for expensive legal action. Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Questions You May Be Asked Interviewers CAN ask the following questions: Do you have responsibilities or commitments that will prevent you from meeting specified work schedules? Do you anticipate any absences from work on a regular basis? If so, please explain the circumstances. Do you meet the minimum age requirement set by law in our area? If hired, can you produce proof of your age? Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services

More Possible Questions If you are a minor, can you provide proof of age in the form of a work permit or certificate of age? As you understand the job requirements, are you aware of any circumstances or conditions that may prevent you from successfully performing the job? Will you be able to safely carry out all the job assignments necessary for this position? Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services

…and More Possible Questions After you’re hired, can you provide verification of your legal right to work in the United States? Do you have language abilities other than English that may be useful in performing this job successfully? If you’re hired, are you aware that a photograph may be required for identification? Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Talking About Your Disability—Or Not You are not required to tell an employer that you have physical or mental disabilities. Any information you disclose is voluntary. There may be good reasons to tell an employer about your disability (i.e., to obtain accommodations or job supports); there may be reasons you would like to keep your disability private. All information you disclose will be kept confidential. Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Talking About Your Disability—Or Not In an interview, an employer may ask all potential employees (not just you) if they would like to volunteer information about their disabilities so that the employer can be sure it is providing opportunities to people with disabilities. If you choose not to provide information, that choice will in no way affect your chance to be hired. Just be sure to plan ahead, and decide whether or not you want to tell an employer if you have a disability. Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services

How to Handle Tricky Questions If an interviewer asks about your age (which is an illegal question) you could answer: “No matter what age a person is, I think it is important to work together as a team to accomplish the assigned task.” If they ask about whether you have children, you could reply: “I assure you that my attendance is excellent and I haven’t missed a day since. . . .” Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Concluding Your Interview Ask about the next step in the hiring process. Collect a business card(s) from your interviewer(s). Tell your interviewer it was a pleasure meeting them and thank them for their time. Shake hands. Send a thank you letter or email to each of your interviewers. Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Getting Called Back It’s common for a business to call back a few candidates for a second interview. You may be asked many of the same questions—just be ready! You may meet with the same interviewer, or you may talk with other people in the company. Be prepared to talk about salary and benefits. Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Getting the Job! No job? Thank the employer for considering you. And then keep trying! Job offer? Congratulations! If you’re ready to accept, ask about when you’ll start and what you need to know. Need to think about it? Thank your interviewer and ask if you can let them know in a couple of days. Be sure to follow up! Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services