1. SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING Allegheny Valley Exit Interviews

2. The Job Interview by Definition
Opportunity to present yourself, skill set, and knowledge to one who can hire you or accept you into their institution

3. The Interview Procedure
The Interview Procedure includes:
Formally present your electronic portfolio materials (5 minutes)
Answer interview questions (20 minutes)
The Goal– Present yourself as the top candidate

4. Keys to the Successful Interview: Preparation BEFORE the Interview
Know yourself
Review your e-portfolio materials
Practice, Practice, Practice
Make a good impression

5. Know Yourself What do you have to offer?
Identify 5 – 10 work or school experiences that demonstrate your skills and accomplishments
half should be totally positive
half should be ones that started out negative but had
either a positive result or a good learning experience
What do you want to do and where do you want to do it?
How are you perceived by others?

6. Practice, Practice, Practice!
To better prepare yourself for the interview, as well as assist in conquering pre-interview anxiety, practice is key
Look up interview questions and brainstorm how you would answer
Practice for the interview with family or friends
Perfect your e-portfolio (proofread) and practice your 5-minute introduction

7. Proper Attire
DO:
Wear conservative attire, such as dark colored business attire
Wear dress shoes of appropriate height
Have hair neatly brushed and face shaved before interview
DON’T
Wear bright colored business suits: Black and gray are most appropriate
Wear flashy accessories like watches, jewelry, or excessive amounts of cologne, perfume, or hair gel
Wear skirts that reach above the knees
Wear stiletto heels or tennis shoes
Display tattoos

8. YES NO

9. DURING the Interview Be prompt and prepared
Be poised and aware of body language
Answer the questions thoroughly
Be positive – Smile

10. Be Prompt and Prepared
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled interview time
Turn the cell phone OFF – vibrations make noise
Give a firm handshake, make eye contact, and smile when you are greeted
Bring printed copies of your e-portfolio in case technology fails

11. Poise and Body Language
Many interviewers will assess you based on:
Appropriate eye contact and posture
Proper grammar and enunciation
If you seem enthusiastic and confident
When greeted, introduce yourself and shake interviewer’s hand. Don’t sit until interviewer is seated
Never chew gum during an interview
Most employers agree that the first five minutes of an interview will tell them the most about a person
First impressions are important

12. Answering the Questions
Speak slowly and clearly. Don’t be afraid to pause for a moment to collect your thoughts
Listen and understand the interviewer’s questions before responding thoroughly yet concisely
Be honest- don’t try to cover up mistakes. Instead, focus on how you learned from them
Give positive nonverbal feedback to the interviewer
Smile, be enthusiastic, show a positive attitude
Avoid negative terms and comments when responding to questions. Stress positives

13. After the Interview
Thank the interviewer or panel members

14. Interviewing Myths & Facts
Myth: The candidate with the best education, skills, and experience will get the job
Reality Check: Employers hire individuals for many different reasons. Education, skills, and experience are only a few of the several hiring criteria. If employers hired only on the basis of education, skills, and experience, they would not need to interview candidates. Such static information is available on applications and resumes. Employers interview because they want to see how you look and interact with them, how you would handle various work situations, and how well you fit into the organization.

15. Interviewing Myths & Facts
Myth: If the interviewer asks if I have any negatives or weaknesses, I should indicate I have none
Reality Check: You should be honest. Everyone has negatives. If you indicate you have none, the interviewer knows you are being less than candid. But neither should you blurt out your worst negatives. Identify a weakness and talk about how you are working to overcome it.

16. Interviewing Myths & Facts
Myth: I’ll be at a disadvantage because I’ll be nervous
Reality Check: If you practice some stress reduction techniques, such as taking deep breaths and focusing attention on the questions, you should be able to project confidence in the interview. Keep in mind, many interviewers are under pressure to hire the right candidate.

17. Think about what you have done in high school to prepare yourself to be a successful 21st century worker? What soft skills have you gained?