1. The Interview: Make the Sale
IRC Sacramento JOB class session #5
The Interview: Make the Sale
Learning to “make the sale” during your interview. Know yourself and be ready to communicate your strengths and areas for growth.
The objectives of this lesson are to explain the different types of interviews.
To expose students to potential interview questions they will be asked and to ask employers.
Discuss common mistakes made during interviews and how to avoid them.
Have students practice answering and asking interview questions.
Figure 1: Job Interview. Adapted from Pixabay. Received from
The IRC in San Diego

2. Why Do Employers Interview?
To determine your qualifications
To see how serious you are
To get to know you and your work ethic

3. What is an Interview? Types of Interviews: TEAM PHONE ONE-ON-ONE GROUP
An interview is a verbal cover letter, a conversation about why you’re so great and why you’d be great for the job.
-Team Interview:
In this interview, you alone are being interviewed by a panel of several employees of the company. It is important to interact with each member of the panel. MAKE EYE CONTACT
-One-on-One Interview:
Most common type of interview where one person will be interviewing only you.
-Phone Interview:
Employers may call you for a phone interview before deciding to meet with you in person. This could be to find out information regarding your qualifications and if further contact should be made.
-Group Interview:
In a group interview, several candidates are interviewed by a panel of several employees of the company. It is important to interact with each member of the panel. MAKE EYE CONTACT
Figure 1: Team Interview. Adapted from Pixabay. Received from Figure 2: Phone Interview. Adapted from Pixabay. Received from
Figure 3: One-on-one Interview. Adapted from Pixabay. Received from
Figure 4: Group Interview. Adapted from Pixabay. Received from

4. At the Interview You will meet the employer at the company
You will be asked questions about yourself
You will have a chance to ask questions
ALWAYS BE 10 to 15 MINUTES EARLY
*It is better to be there and wait a little, rather than rushing.

5. THE FIRST IMPRESSION IS MOST IMPORTANT!
Most employers decide within two minutes!
BE EARLY! If you are not 10 minutes early, you are late!!
DRESS WELL :
*a neat presentation

6. Body Language Make eye contact during the introduction
Wait to be invited to sit or until the interviewer is seated
Face and talk to the employer, not the interpreter
Don’t fidget– the interviewer will think you are distracted or uninterested
Give a firm handshake and say “Nice to meet you”
Make eye contact during the introduction
Body Language
Figure 1: Hand shake. Adapted from Pixabay. Received from

7. Shaking Hands Shake before and after the interview
Use a firm grip- not too tight or too long
Figure 1: Hand shake. Adapted from Pixabay. Received from

8. Eye Contact
Eye contact shows you are interested in what the employer is saying
Establishes trust
It is not rude or disrespectful to make eye contact in American culture; it’s deemed more professional and makes for a more confident perception.

9. Eye Contact
If you are uncomfortable making eye contact, you can look anywhere in the triangle (I usually look at the forehead)
It looks like you are making eye contact

10. Body Language to Avoid
Don’t cross your arms or your legs– keep your arms to your sides and feet on the ground

11. Body Language Body language is VERY important
It is important to act professional and show respect for the person who is interviewing you.
Confidence is another important factor expressed through body language.
Activity: Body language handout exercise to identify proper body language
DO: Smile, Make eye-contact, Sit up straight, Shake hands
DO NOT: Slouch, Frown ☹

12. Attire
YES NO
Dress better than you would for the job, but not much better
No sagging pants, sweatpants or athletic jerseys
No tank tops, flip flops or t-shirt
Always tuck in your shirt
Just as with body language, proper attire is very important. It shows respect to the person interviewing you, and displays your desire to get the job.
Another point to make is: make sure your cell phone is turned off!!!
Figure 1: Business Suit. Adapted from Pixabay. Received from
Figure 2: Casual Dress. Adapted from Pixabay.

13. Before You Go to the Interview
Shower, brush teeth, don’t smoke, if you use cologne wear a MINIMAL amount!!!
Arrive minutes early

14. S.T.A.R Method Responding to situational questions
“Tell me about a time you encountered conflict. How did you handle the situation?”

15. Situation Task Action Result S.T.A.R Method
Situation-summary of the situation and context. “When I worked as a manager at this company, I was responsible for twelve team members.”
Task-what was your task? “As a team, we had to put together a large project for our investors. Unfortunately not all of my team members agreed on the project.”
Action-what did you do? “I scheduled a meeting with all of my team members where we each discussed our perspectives. I served as a mediator for the conflict and we all created a brand new project that met everyone’s needs.”
Result-what happened? “The result was that our project was innovative and impressed our investors."

16. Tips Speak clearly and answer all questions
Maintain good eye contact and proper posture
Extend your hand in greeting
Always ask questions at the end!
Thank the interviewer as you leave

17. Good Questions! Always wait until the end
Asking questions shows the employer you are
interested

18. After the Interview Follow up 24-48 hours after your interview
Send a thank you note or to the interviewer
Make the message formal and professional
Address them by name
Include the details of the interview
Provide your contact information again

19. Common Mistakes Poor personal appearance Lack of interest in job
Too much focus on money
Rude
No eye contact
Arriving LATE
Sloppy paperwork or forms
Inability to express information clearly
Conclude discussion of proper interview behavior and preparation by explaining common mistakes made during an interview.