Interview Skills Developed by: Student Career and Employment Centre

Job Interviews - Why? Get information Get information Give information Give information Make a decision (to decide) / choice Make a decision (to decide) / choice

Before the Interview  Get information  Clothing  Appearance

Get Information Know before …  Where is the interview?  What time is the interview?  What is the job?  Where is the job?  What does the company do (sewing, food, factory)?

Clothing Prepare your clothes the night before Prepare your clothes the night before Wear clean clothes and shoes that fit you Wear clean clothes and shoes that fit you

Would you wear this outfit to an interview? Why or why not?

Khaki Pants Polo ShirtLong-Sleeve Shirt Hiking BootsAthletic Shoes Sandals Yes No

Clothing for Men

Would you wear this outfit to an interview? Why or why not?

Blouse Jacket Yes No SandalsStilettos – High Heels Short Skirt Knee-length Skirt

Casual for Women

Appearance/Cleanliness (to be clean) How you look:  Clean and neat hair and nails  Jewellery & make-up: less is best  Light or no perfume  Fresh breath  Smell clean and fresh

Appearance Appearance

Parts of the Interview: Introduction (beginning) Giving Information End of the Interview

Introduction  Shake hands  Say your first and last name  Smile  Eye Contact

Giving and Getting Information The employer wants to know:  Can you do the job?  Can you learn the job?  What skills do you have?  Can you cooperate with everyone? What you want to know about the company/ position:  What will you do in this job?  Why is this a good company to work for?

End of the Interview  Say “Thank you”  Tell the employer why they should hire you you  Ask the employer when they will make the decision the decision  Ask the employer what the next steps are  Eye contact

Interview Do’s Turn off Cell phone Make Eye contact Ask for meaning Listen Ask Questions Arrive 5-10 mins. early Be honest Be positive Handshake Sit/stand straight

Interview Don’ts Use Yes or no answers Chew gum Take family Take translators

To Answer Interview Questions Tell what you did in other jobs Use details (more information) to describe your examples Don’t give “Yes” or “No” for an answer

Interview Questions - Examples 1) Tell me about yourself. 2) Why do you want to work here? 3) What are your strengths? What are you good at? 4) What are your weaknesses? What are you not good at? 5) Give me an example of a time when you had to be part of a team? 6) Are you able to work overtime?

Questions to ask an Interviewer 1) What are the daily duties and responsibilities of this job? 2) Who would be my immediate supervisor? 3) Is there training on the job? 4) When will you be making your decision? 5) What are the next steps?