Chautauqua Works Summer Youth Employment Program Work Readiness Work Shop

Contents Interviewing

An interview provides a potential employer with the information needed to see if you have the necessary skills for a job. For this part of the session we will learn about the importance of interviews and also learn the basic steps and techniques for preparing for and having a successful interview.

Interviewing Do companies interview every job applicant? No, they prescreen. If you do not meet the preliminary qualifications, you are not interviewed.

Interviewing What is an interview? An interview is a meeting between a job applicant and a representative of the company. The meeting comes about because the company had a job available. People applied for the job and the company needs to decide who to hire.

Interviewing What is the purpose of an interview? The purpose of the interview is for the company to get a good look at you. It is the companys chance to ask you questions about your work experience. It is the companys opportunity to see if you would fit in with the other employees.

Interviewing What is the purpose of an interview? The interview is also your opportunity to look at the company. You get to ask questions about the companys business. It is your opportunity to see if the company suits you.

Interviewing There are different types of interviews Screening Interview Selection Interview

Interviewing Screening Interview Determines whether the candidate is in or out. Does the candidate have the skills necessary to perform the job? Questions are designed to collect facts. Clear and concise answers are looked for.

Interviewing Selection Interview Usually conducted by the person with authority to hire. Can you do the tasks required by the position? Are you willing and motivated to solve the employers problems? Are you going to fit in? Will I be comfortable seeing you every day?

Interviewing Selection Interviews can be done one on one or panel interviews. A one on one interview means you are being interviewed by one other person. This could be the manager, the human resources representative or the owner of the business. A panel interview means that you will be interviewed by more than one person at the same time. It could be three or it could be seven people. The other individuals are told to observe you and listen carefully to your response.

Interviewing Your purpose: TO MAKE A GOOD IMPRESSION! Be prepared. It is okay to bring your information with you. Answer questions clearly and concisely. Be honest and be prepared to ask as well as answer. Make eye contact while you are speaking. If there is more than one person interviewing you, make sure you make eye contact with the others as well. Treat everyone with respect.

Interviewing There are four phases to an interview Introduction Background and Probe Stage Matching Stage Final Questions and Close

Interviewing Introduction Both the candidate and the employer are getting first impressions of each other. You are selling yourself at this stage. Personal introductions are made.

Interviewing Background and Probe Stage Questions are asked during this stage. Different types of questions are used. Notes are taken and later compared.

Interviewing Matching Stage The interviewer asks you if you have nay questions of them. Be prepared with a little knowledge of the company and what is happening at the company.

Interviewing Final Questions and Close These questions and answers will determine if you go on to the next level or if you get the job.

Interviewing Prepare ahead of time for the interview questions by making a list of typical interview questions and practicing your response to those.

Interviewing Activity Get into small groups of five and come up with a list of typical interview questions. Next write down how you would respond to those questions in an interview.

Interviewing Preparing for the Interview Know the exact place and time of the interview, the interviewers full name, the correct pronunciation and his or her title. Learn pertinent facts about the company, principal lines of business and locations. Determine how the opportunity will impact your immediate and long-term career development. An interview is a two-way street. Know what questions to ask during the interview. Your questions allow the hiring manager to evaluate your professional and personal needs. The more you understand the opportunity, the more you will be able to communicate your interest in the position. Put your best foot forward. Always wear proper attire and greet your interviewer with a firm handshake and enthusiastic smile.

Interviewing The Interview For hiring managers, the right match means they have identified individuals capable of performing the immediate challenges. More importantly, they hope the individuals have the potential to be future resources and assets to the firm. The interview is the mechanism used to determine the right match. You are being interviewed by the hiring manager to determine whether you have the qualifications necessary to do the job and whether a mutually rewarding relationship can be formed. Similarly, you must determine whether you can be successful in the available position and whether the company will give you the opportunity for growth and development. Present yourself in the best possible light. However, be yourself; everyone has the same goal, the right match.

Interviewing Interviewing Dos Do plan to arrive on time or a few minutes early. Late arrival for a job interview is never excusable. If presented with an application, do fill it out neatly and completely. Dont rely on your application or resume to do the selling for you. Interviewers will want you to speak for yourself. Do greet the interviewer by last name is you are sure of the pronunciation. Give the appearance of energy as you walk. Smile! Shake hands firmly. Be genuinely glad to meet the interviewer. Do wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. Sit upright, look alert and interested at all times. Be a good listener as well as a good communicator. Do look a prospective employer in the eye while speaking.

Interviewing Interviewing Dos Do follow the interviewers leads, but try to get the interviewer to describe the position and the duties to you early in the interview so that you can apply your background, skills and accomplishments to the position. Do make sure that your good points come across to the interviewer in a factual, sincere manner. Stress achievements. For example: sales records, processes developed, savings achieved, systems installed, etc. Do always conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the job you are discussing. Never close the door on an opportunity. Do show enthusiasm. If you are interested in the opportunity, enthusiastic feedback can enhance your chance of being further considered. If you are not interested, your responsiveness will still demonstrate your professionalism.

Interviewing Interviewing Donts Dont forget to bring a copy of your resume. Bring several copies in case more than one person is interviewing you. Dont smoke, eat candy, or chew gum, even if offered to you. Dont answer with a simple yes or no. Explain whenever possible. Describe those things about yourself which relate to the situation. Dont lie. Answer questions truthfully, frankly and succinctly. Dont make unnecessary derogatory remarks about your present or former employers. Obviously there were issues or else you would not have left a prior company or be looking to leave a present employer. However, when explaining your reasons for leaving, limit your comments to those necessary to adequately communicate your rationale.

Interviewing Interviewing Donts Dont over-answer questions. And if the interviewer steers the conversation into politics or controversial issues, try to do more listening than speaking since this could be a sensitive situation. Dont inquire about salary, vacations, bonuses, retirement, etc., on the initial interview unless you are sure the employer is interested in hiring you. If the interviewer asks what salary you want, indicate what you have earned but that you are more interested in opportunity than in a specific salary.

Interviewing Negative Factors Evaluated by an Interviewer Personal appearance which is less than professional. Overbearing, overaggressive or egotistical behavior. No positive purpose. Lack of interest and enthusiasm – passive and indifferent. Lack of confidence and poise – nervousness. Overemphasis on compensation. Evasive – making excuses for unfavorable factors in work history.

Interviewing Negative Factors Evaluated by an Interviewer Lack of tact, maturity and courtesy. Condemnation of past employers, managers, projects or technologies. Inability to maintain a conversation. Lack of commitment to fill the position at hand. Failure to ask questions about the position. Persistent attitude of What can you do for me? Lack of preparation for the interview – failure to get information about the company resulting in inability to ask intelligent questions.

Interviewing Activity Get into small groups of five. Talk to each other about interviews that you have gone on. What did you like or not like about the interview process?

Interviewing Closing the Interview If you are interested in the position, let the interviewer know. If you feel the position is attractive and you want it, be a good salesperson and say something like; Im very impressed with what Ive seen here today; your company, its products and the people Ive met. I am confident I could do an excellent job in the position youve described to me. The interviewer will be impressed with your enthusiasm.

Interviewing Closing the Interview Dont be too discouraged if no immediate commitment is made. The interviewer will probably want to communicate with other people in the company or possibly interview more candidates before making a decision.

Interviewing Closing the Interview If you get the impression that the interview is not going well and that you have already been rejected, dont let your discouragement show. Once in awhile an interviewer who is genuinely interested in you may seem to discourage you as a way of testing your reaction.

Interviewing Closing the Interview Thank the interviewer for his or her time and consideration. If you have answered the two questions – Why are you interested in this position? and What can you offer? – you have done all you can.