Interview Skills The person who gets hired is not necessarily the most qualified for the job; rather it is the person who best sold his or her qualifications.

Purpose of the Interview  It is a meeting between an employer and a job applicant to assess the applicants suitability for a position within the organization.  It is a two way conversation designed to exchange information  The interviewer wants to know if you have the skills, abilities and personality to fit-in with the organization and its needs.  If you have done your research and homework, you will know how to best sell your skills, abilities and personality.

Types of Interviews  Screening – done to see if you have the basic requirements before you moving on to the next stage.  Informal – between employer and the applicant. Usually only last only 15 min and is less structured.  Formal – between the applicant and employer. Highly structured and is less structured than other types.

Types of Interviews continued….  Board or Panel – more than one person does the interviewing of an applicant. Each person has an agenda of questions to ask. Highly structured and lasts between fifteen minutes to a few hours.  Testing – many organizations will request applicants to take aptitude tests and or drug tests.

Types of interviews continued…  Informal – Initiated by you with an employer or someone in an occupational field you are interested in.  Telephone – similar to screening but is commonly used if the job is a far distance away.

Preparing for the interview  Research the company, the position and the interviewer  Prepare Answers….plan what you will say  Prepare an interview kit – portfolio, references, work samples, etc.  Prepare clothing, child care, transportation  Prepare emotionally  Follow up

Researching the Company  What do they do?  What services and products to they provide?  Where do they operate?  How many employees?  How long have then been in business?  Major competitors?  What is the work environment like?

Researching a company…  Get details about the position, such as:  Responsibilities?  Schedule?  Day to day activities?  What type of interview?  Who is interviewing?

Where to find the answers:  Library  Internet  The company – brochures, website  An employee *** Activity Sheet 1

Researching the Position  Use the job ad itself  Use the job descriptions found on-line – check out  Previous or current employees *** Worksheet 2

Prepare your answers  Worksheet 3

Prepare your questions  Worksheet 4

Prepare yourself  Relaxation exercise  Visualization exercise  Rational thoughts  Breathing

Do’s  Arrive at least 5-10 min early  Be dressed appropriately for the job you are interviewing for  Be polite and respectful to EVERYBODY  Call to inform if you are going to be late (but don’t be late)  Sit up facing the interviewer in a an alert and interested manner

Do’s continued…..  Make eye contact  Keep notes and ask relevant questions  Allow enough time for the interview and any tests that you may have to take  Thank the interviewer and say good-bye to everyone  Shake hands  Sell yourself with evidence and examples

Don’t:  Chew gum  Bring personal life into the interview  Criticize your former employers or co-workers  Use flattery or exaggerate your abilities  Use slang, profanities, jokes  Discuss controversial subjects  Volunteer negative information  Bring anyone to the interview with you

Follow up  Letter  Checklist

Keeping the Job…..  Employability skills 2000