1. 9/17/20151 Interview T.I.P.S. Training to Improve Presentation Skills

2. 9/17/2015 2 Objectives of Program The goal is to teach you how to present yourself better before, during and after interviews, so you can get the job you want. We’ll be discussing applications, resumes and interviews in this 2-night program.

3. 9/17/20153 Job Applications

4. 9/17/2015 4 Brainstorming Activity

5. 9/17/2015 5 The Application Personal information Position desired Education and Training Special job-related skills Licenses Accomplishments Employment history References Signature Date

6. 9/17/2015 6 Personal Information Name (not nickname) Address (use permanent one) Phone Numbers (home & cell, not work) E-Mail Address (make sure it’s appropriate)

7. 9/17/2015 7 Position Desired Title Status (part-time, full-time, etc.) Date you can start

8. 9/17/2015 8 Education and Training Academic Career and Technical or Vocational School Military Schools attended Dates attended Degrees/Certificates

9. 9/17/2015 9 Job Related Skills, etc. Types of equipment Computer skills Special training Certifications Licenses (CDL, etc.)

10. 9/17/2015 10 Employment History Begin with most recent job Employer’s name, address, phone Supervisor’s name Job title Salary Reason for leaving

11. 9/17/2015 11 References People who can speak positively about you, never list relatives Have their permission before listing Have current contact information Have several to choose from

12. 9/17/2015 12 Application Guidelines Ask for a job description Make a copy Pay attention to directions Type if possible Use black or blue ink Don’t exaggerate Fill in all blanks Print Proofread carefully Sign Attach resume

13. 9/17/2015 13 Sample Application Complete the sample application in your student handbook  Use checklist  Proofread

14. 9/17/2015 14 Application Summary Gathering and recording accurate information for completing a job application is important. Be honest, prepared, and thorough. The application makes a first impression, make it a good one.

15. 9/17/201515 Resumes

16. 9/17/2015 16 Brainstorming Activity What would you look for in a resume if you were an employer?

17. 9/17/2015 17 Types of Resumes Chronological-Job history, job titles and employers are emphasized. Functional- Skills and accomplishments are highlighted. Combination- Presents patterns of accomplishments and skills in categorical sections.

18. 9/17/2015 18 Which One to Use? Chronological good to use when…  Recent employers are impressive  Job history shows progress  Staying in same career field Bad to use when...  Changed employers frequently  Have gaps in work history  Changing career field Functional good to use when…  Focus is on skills, not work experience  There is a variety of unrelated experience  Re-entering the work force Bad to use when…  Emphasizing promotions and growth

19. 9/17/2015 19 Which One to Use? Combination good to use when…  Desire to change to a job in a related career field  Desire to promote the most marketable skills  Desire to acknowledge skills that are complimentary but not necessarily required (i.e. leadership coursework through military, etc.) Bad to use when…  Trying to circumvent specific job requirements as outlined on job advertisements (i.e. requirement for unbroken work history, etc.)

20. 9/17/2015 20 Objective Include in this section  Type of position wanted  Level of responsibility desired Should be specific and employer centered Should include how you can “add value” in the company

21. 9/17/2015 21 Education What should be included in this section?  Degrees and GPA  Name of institutions attended  Dates attended/graduated  Special workshops/seminars attended

22. 9/17/2015 22 Work Experience What should be emphasized in this section?  Responsibilities  Achievements  Name of organization  Title  Dates

23. 9/17/2015 23 Additional Information What things could be listed here?  Interests  Computer skills  Recent civic activities  Hobbies  Awards/Honors (most global listed first)

24. 9/17/2015 24 Writing Tips What do you think are the most important writing rules for writing resumes?  Spelling  Grammar  Punctuation

25. 9/17/2015 25 Cover Letters Cover letters introduce your resume and should always be used. Three main topics:  Why you are interested in the company  Why the employer should be interested in you  The possibility of meeting to discuss

26. 9/17/2015 26 Resume Summary Do not be bashful or embarrassed about selling yourself. Prepare specific resumes, each focused on a specific job or field. Remember that employers use resumes to screen applicants, make yours the best! Cover letters are essential components that grab the attention of the resume rater.

27. 9/17/201527 Interviews

28. 9/17/2015 28 Brainstorming Activity “The best or worst thing about an interview is…”

29. 9/17/2015 29 Steps in an Interview Preparation Presentation Follow-up

30. 9/17/2015 30 Prepare: Before the Interview Learn about the company/position Review your resume Double-check time and location Prepare what you want to say Rehearse with mock interviews

31. 9/17/2015 31 Interviewers look for... General personality Personal appearance Work experience Verbal communication skills Work skills Goals/Motivation Knowledge of company/industry

32. 9/17/2015 32 Appearance Clothes  Clean, conservative  Pressed Hair  Clean  Conservative style Nails  Clean and trimmed  Clear polish Jewelry  Not flashy  Conservative Cologne/Perfume  None Make-up  Light, natural

33. 9/17/2015 33 Positive Body Language Openness  Open hands/arms  Relaxed posture (but not slumped) Confidence  “Steeple” hands  Good eye contact Cooperation  Head tilted  Sitting on chair edge

34. 9/17/2015 34 Negative Body Language Defensiveness  Crossed arms/legs  Pointing/Fists Suspicion  Sideways glance  Rubbing nose Nervousness  Throat clearing  Fidgeting  Sweating palms Frustration  Short breaths  Hand through hair Insecurity  Chewed pen  Fingernail biting  Hands in pockets  No eye contact

35. 9/17/2015 35 Why didn’t they hire me? Lack of enthusiasm Sloppy appearance Know-it-all Lack of courtesy Limp handshake Late to interview Criticizing previous employer Nervous Inability to express ideas clearly Money focused No eye contact Asks no questions about the job

36. 9/17/2015 36 Points to Remember Be natural Be confident, not cocky Don’t exaggerate your experience Don’t interrupt Be attentive Don’t lounge Don’t wisecrack Don’t dominate Make sure you understand questions

37. 9/17/2015 37 Common Questions Tell me about yourself What are your greatest strengths? Why do you want to work here? What does teamwork mean to you? What is your greatest weakness? Why are you the best candidate? How do you handle problems with people?

38. 9/17/2015 38 Illegal Questions Sex, race, religion or ethnic background Age, unless there are legal restrictions about age related to the job Marital status, children or other family members A non-work related disability An arrest record Details of a military discharge

39. 9/17/2015 39 Questions to Ask Job focused  “What do you see as the most interesting part of this position?” Open-ended  “What types of training are offered for this position?”

40. 9/17/2015 40 Follow-up Letters Thank the person for the interview Keep it short and friendly Use quality paper Good grammar No typos

41. 9/17/2015 41 Interview Summary Three parts of an interview  Preparation  Presentation  Follow up

42. 9/17/2015 42 Conclusion First impressions are lasting ones. Put your best foot forward in all areas: applications, resumes and interviews. Practice makes perfect. Attitude is altitude.