Interviewing

Why do we have to learn this? OPTIONS =

Interviewing Mishaps

Social vs. Professional Communication Social Communication:  Communication that occurs in your personal and community life. Professional Communication:  Communication that takes place on the job or is related to your career.

Professional Communication Don’t use slang. Standard language- commonly accepted and expected by most social groups, as well as by professionals. Technical language- used in specific professional fields.

What Matters in a Job Interview  ___ % - Packaging:  _________ aspects are the most important. Resume Application How you dress Posture Facial Expressions Body Language Non-verbal 45

What Matters in a Job Interview  ___ % - Responsiveness:   _________ & ______ Questions  ___ % - Experience:   ___ % - Miscellaneous: Behavior AnsweringAsking Work Volunteer Uncontrollable Circumstances 35 10

At the Interview  Arrive at the appointment ____.  Be sure to bring a ______ with you.  Greet the interviewer by _____ and shake their ____.  Offer your ______ for them to look over.  _____ to be seated until they offer.  Be sure to have a ____ and a ______ attitude!!! early resume name hand resume WAIT smile friendly

Remember, nonverbal is the most important! Dress to the occasion- it’s always better to be over dressed than under dressed. Respect the expectations of your employer. Maintain professionalism in your choice of clothing. Be neat and well groomed.

What to Wear for the Interview  Men:  Button down shirt Collared shirt Dress slacks with belt Dress shoes with dark socks Tie (Optional)

What to Wear for the Interview  Women:  Conservative Dress Skirt and blouse/shirt Dress slacks and blouse Suit with pants or skirt Closed toed dress shoes

What NOT to Wear for the Interview  Do not wear:  Sandals, flip flops or tennis shoes Jeans, shorts, or revealing clothing Excessive make-up or jewelry Deviant hairstyle or color

5 Ways to Ruin an Interview 1. Being late  Leave as early as possible, leaving room for something to make you late.  Worse case scenario: You’re sitting in the parking lot waiting.  Aim to be at least 20 minutes early.

5 Ways to Ruin an Interview 2. Dressing inappropriately.  Girls wearing something short or men not being dressed up enough.  Don’t check yourself out in the reflection of a picture.  Don’t dress down.

5 Ways to Ruin an Interview 3. Not knowing about the company.  Research their website and do some of your own research about the company.  Don’t stare blankly or make up stuff when they ask you, “So, what do you know about our company?”

5 Ways to Ruin an Interview 4. Being too revealing.  Don’t ramble.  Review your answers to open ended questions and tough ones the night before.

5 Ways to Ruin an Interview Body language.  Don’t fidget with clothes, tap pens, or cross arms.  Smile! Show your interest.

Tough Questions Question: What is your greatest weakness? Don’t say:  “I’m such a perfectionist” or “I work too hard.” Instead: Think about areas where you can improve and figure out how they can be assets. NOTE: In groups, create your own example!

Tough Questions Question: Tell me about yourself. Don’t say:  “It was a cold February morning when the doctor placed me in my mother’s arms for the first time…” Instead: Give a brief overview of your career and qualifications in a few sentences. NOTE: In groups, create your own example!

Tough Questions Question: Why do you want to work here? Don’t say:  “I’ve maxed out three credit cards and need a paycheck ASAP.” Instead: Articulate why you want the job and why you’re a good fit for the company. NOTE: In groups, create your own example!

Tough Questions Question: How would others describe you? Don’t say:  “They would say I’m the best you’ll meet and you’d be stupid not to hire me.” Instead: Answer honestly. NOTE: In groups, create your own example!

Tough Questions Question: Why did you leave your last job? Don’t say:  “Gee, there were so many reason I got out of that miserable place.” Instead: Take your time to answer this question. If the interviewer thinks you are rushing through it, there’s a problem. NOTE: In groups, create your own example!