The Interview

Preparing for your Interview 1.Research the company. 2.Rehearse common interview questions. 3.Create your own questions about the job.

Research the company Why: – Provides background info you can use during an interview. Companies want employees that are familiar with what they do. Shows you are serious about working for the company. – Provides information that could change or reinforce your thoughts. Beliefs, values, etc… Positions available Benefits, vacation, Salary/Income, etc… Location(s) How: – Internet – Current employees – Human resources

Prepare your Answers – Positive, Positive, Positive!!! – Go into detail with your answers, but don’t ramble!! Explain your answers WITHOUT being asked to do so. Structure your answers so you don’t go on and on into really long or unorganized stories. Avoid controversial/illegal topics. (Pg. 605) – It is important to keep a conversational flow. The interview should be a group of small conversations… not have a cold, interrogation feel. Employers are testing your social interaction and communication/conversational skills.

Always ask the interviewer follow-up questions. – Shows you are prepared and interested in the job – Provides important information that might help you decide if you really want to work at that company.  Good Questions  What are the specific duties assigned to the position?  What is your favorite thing about working for this company?  Are there opportunities for growth/advancement?  When are you expecting to fill the position?  Inappropriate Questions  How much money will I get paid?  What holidays can I expect to have off?  Do you pay for vacation time?  What benefits will I receive?

During your Interview 1.1 st Impression & Greeting 2.Professional Dress 3.Informative, positive, energetic, and conversational – Not an interrogation 4.Avoid controversial topics

Professional Greetings Do’s – Stand up to greet people – Extend arm at an angle – Say your full name – Make eye-contact and smile – Squeeze GENTLY – Shake 2-3 times, then LET GO!! – Shake hands the same way for men and women Don’ts – Say your name too fast – Hold arm too close to your body – Squeeze too hard or be too weak – Shake more than 3 times – Use two hands

DO’s for an Interview Bring: resume, notepad and a pen!! – Entry Level: Solid, plain colors Khaki or dress pants Polos (guys and girls) Simple blouses (Girls, w/sleeves) Skirts (knee or longer) Button up shirts and/or ties Simple dress shoes

Interview Attire DON’Ts Flip flops Sweat tops or bottoms Jeans or Shorts Short skirts Low-cut/sleeveless/tank tops Too high of heels/spikes/platforms Noisy/distracting jewelry Visible tattoos Excessive piercings Too big or too tight clothing

It’s a conversation, not an interrogation! Testing your: Customer interaction and communication skills. Be : – Energetic (smile and be upbeat… but not too fake) – Detailed (don’t give one word answers) – A good listener Make eye contact and use nonverbal communication elements Make sure you have heard the question and answer it fully. Respond to feedback in order to keep the discussion going

Avoid illegal or depressing topics Discrimination laws. – Pg. 605: Illegal Questions – How to answer an illegal question Could you explain how that question relates to this position? – Do not talk about physical or mental issues Disabilities, ADHD, dyslexia, etc…  Always turn negatives into positives. What is one of your weaknesses? – Explain how you overcome the weakness. What is the hardest thing you have had to overcome? – Don’t go into great detail about deaths or other depressing items… you want to keep the interview on a happy note.

After an interview 1.Thank you letter 2.Follow-up letter – Accepting or Declining an offer

Follow Up Letter Thank you letter that reminds the employer of who you are and that you are still interested in the position. Format: P1 – Thank them for the time/opportunity to interview. – Remind them of the date and position P2 – Mention something you learned about the company or a specific topic you discussed and that you are still interested in the position. – You can also reiterate your skills or qualifications. P3 – Include your contact information and a closing action statement. – Thank them again for their consideration

Accepting or Declining Accept – Be grateful and take note of the next step. Decline – Be grateful and politely give them a reason you cannot accept the offer. Ex: “Thank you so much for the opportunity but I have accepted another position.” Ex: “Thank you for the offer but I have decided to go another route.”