Interview Skills Career Awareness and Exploration II

Making a Good Impression Become informed about the company Take the initiative Look and behave your best Take responsibility for your appearance

Sources of Information About the Company Current employees Annual reports Brochures Advertisements for company products Better Business Bureau Friends/relatives Organization itself Business periodical/reference books Local chamber of commerce Internet

Look and Behave Your Best Self confident or insecure? Concerned or indifferent? Cooperative or arrogant? You never have another chance to make a first impression.

Responsibility for Appearance Be freshly showered or bathed Have clean teeth Fingernails are clean and trimmed Hair should be neat, clean and trimmed Clothes should be clean, well pressed and well fitting Shoes should be cleaned and polished

Tips for Females Hemlines around the knee Blouses that are conservative or tailored Neutral colored stockings Tasteful jewelry Modest amount of make up/cologne Conservative nail polish

Tips for Males Conservative suit or sport jacket Tasteful jewelry Dress shoes Modest amount of cologne

Considerations Before Calling for an Interview Job skills Pride in work Willingness to follow company rules Ability to work with others Sincerity, honesty, attitude

When Calling for an Interview … Speak with clear, normal voice Always identify yourself and the reason you are calling Try to have a specific person to call Be courteous Respond in a positive manner Don’t talk too long Have paper and pen to take notes

Preparing for the Interview Gather all information necessary Resume Personal data sheet Recommendations Social Security number Birth certificate Work permit application (if applicable) Confirm the appointment the day before

Once at the Interview Be business-like and friendly Firm handshake Use body language to make a good impression Let the interviewer guide the conversation

Possible Questions Why should I hire you? How many times were you late to school last year? What are your strengths? Why do you want to work for this company? Tell me something about yourself. What type of position are you interested in? Why did you leave your last job? How do you feel about working overtime?

Possible Questions Did you drop out of school? Why or why not? How much money do you expect to earn by the age of twenty-five? Do you prefer working with others or by yourself? Have you ever had difficulty getting along with fellow students, school faculty, or co- workers? Can you work under pressure? Are you underqualified for this job?

Possible Questions Do you plan to get married soon? I see you have never done this type of work before. How many days of school did you miss last year? What are your weaknesses? Are you seeking temporary or permanent work? Tell me some of your life history. How do you presently support yourself?

Possible Questions Why do you think you would like this particular type of work? What courses did you like best in school? Like least? What is the present source of your spending money? Can you take instructions without becoming upset? What has your relationship been with people who have a different background than yours?

Possible Questions What are your long-term career goals? Are you overqualified for this job? What kind of salary do you expect? I’ve already interviewed ten people for this job, and four of them are well qualified. Why should I hire you? What makes you think you can do the job?

Interviewing Tactics Always be on time Know what skills are required Go to the interview alone Listen carefully Take time to think about a question before answering Be positive, brief and complete when answering Show enthusiasm

Interviewing Tactics Relax Keep personal issues out Be sincere and honest Use standard English Don’t interrupt! Look directly at the interviewer

Ending the Interview The interview will signal the end Standing Shaking hands Concluding statement Thank them for their time Restate interest in job Ask when you might be contacted

Interview Evaluation Interviewer’s reactions Additional information you should have stated Statements you wish you never made

Interview Follow Up Thank you letter Interest in job Restate background qualifications Look forward to hearing from them soon Two weeks later If interviewer has not contacted you, make a phone call