CAREERS Interviews

Opening Question What are your feelings towards going on your very first job interview? Will you be nervous, excited, anxious…?? why? How would your feeling change if someone you looked up to were going to watch you interview? (Ms. Doyle, parent, grandparent, friends…) Why is having good interview skills important?

How an interview works…  The Interview!!  It’s a chance for you to sell yourself.  Impress them.  Usual interview stages Introduction Questions about you and your qualifications Questions fro you about the job, company, etc. Closing

The Interview  Stage 1 - Introduction  Frequently, interviews make hiring decisions based on first impressions. Smile Establish eye contact Handshake and state “Hello, Mr./Ms._____, I am _______”

The Interview  Stage 2 – Questions about You  Employer will lead the interview Pay close attention to the questions. Answer questions in a thoughtful, concise manner. Relate every answer to the job. Avoid slang Be prepared to discuss past experiences

The Interview  Stage 3 – Questions from You  A few minutes to sell yourself. Show interest in the job Mention qualities that might not have been discussed Stress your willingness and eagerness to learn. Ask questions about the job and the company. Have a few thoughtfully prepared questions Impress them with your questions

The Interview  State 4 – The Closing  Watch for clues that the interview has ended Do not linger  Usually, a job will not be offered immediately If they do not tell you, ask what the next step is in the process.  Shake the interviews hand as you are making your closing remarks “Thank you for the opportunity to interview with you. I look forward to meeting you”

Congratulations!!  You have been selected for an interview!!  You will interviewing at: Coldstone Creamery Wal-Mart cashier Server at Applebee’s

Getting Prepared  Why is preparation important?  Increases your self-confidence  First impressions are important  Your goal in the interview is to  learn more about the job  Convince the employer to select you  Gather enough information to decide if you want the job if it is offered to you

Before the Interview  Find out as much as you can about the company  At minimum know: What company does what products or services they offer The kinds of jobs provided Positions available  Should try to know: How long the company has been in business Size of company (growing or shrinking) Future advancements/other locations

 Be Organized  Bring all materials Resume, cover letter, reference list, completed employment application  Have materials organized in a folder or portfolio  Arrive on time and look nice Make a good impression Before the Interview

Think about questions  What questions will they likely ask you  In what type of position are you most interested?  Why do you want to leave your current job? Or why did you leave your last job?  Why do you want to work for our company?  Do you have references?  What did you like best or least about school?

Think about questions  Are you looking for permanent or temporary job? Full- time or part-time?  Tell me something about yourself. Why do you think we should hire you?  How well do you work under pressure?  What are your strengths and weaknesses?  What are your short-term and long-term employment goals?

Begin Answering Interview ?’s

Think about questions  At nearly every interview, the last question they will ask is, “do you have any questions for me/us?  Think about questions you want to ask!!  Should always have a few planned out ahead of time to ask.

Think about questions  Asking the right questions in the right way and at the right time.  Research the company.  Ask questions that will help you determine if you will enjoy the job.  Remember an interview is a two way street… they are determining if they want to hire you y you are determining if you would accept the job if it is offered. You are looking for the “correct” answer from them as well.

Think about questions  Two categories of questions  You and the job opening  You and the company  Asking questions about each shows you are an intelligent and informed candidate.

Think about questions  You and the Job Opening  Why is there a job opening  Where have other who have held this job been reassigned within the company?  When might a person expect to be promoted?  How and when is new employee evaluated?  Does the employee evaluation system seem fair?  Is the position challenging or will it be boring work as time goes on?

Continued  What training can a new employ expect?  Will there be an employee probationary period? (trial period before becoming a permanent employee)  Is the physical work environment clean, well decorated, and properly maintained?  Are coworkers compatible with me in age and experience?  What could I expect during a normal work day in this position?

Think about questions  You and the company  What is the employee turnover rate at this company?  What are some of the company’s new product lines or services?  What is the employer's reputation in the community and the industry?  How will employer's rules and regulations affect me?  What are the work expectations and the hours expectations?

Think about questions  Should not ask certain questions that might come off as inappropriate or insensitive.  How much would I get paid?  What days do I get off?  How much vacation time do I get?  How many paid holidays do I get?  How much sick leave? These questions are self-serving and don’t show any interest in the company. They are important questions and this information is a normal part of any serious interview.

Do’s  Shake the interview’s hand firmly when introduced  Be courteous  Know the interview’s name and use it in conversation if possible.  Remain standing until asked to be seated.  Make eye contact  Answer all questions directly and truthfully

Do’s  Do not use slang  Be agreeable at all times  Show interest in the company  Ask questions about the job opening and company  Indicate willingness to start at the bottom  Express appreciation for interview

Don’t  Place handbag, briefcase, folder on the interview’s desk  Slouch in your chair  Play with your tie, ring, bracelets…  Chew gum  Make excuses  Interrupt the interviewer  Ask too many questions  Make jokes or argue  Beg for work