10 Interview Tips for the First Job Interview

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10 Interview Tips for the First Job Interview

• Sharon Page, Recruiter
• Human Resources Dept.

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1. Make a Positive First Impression

• Arrive 15 minutes early
• Have at least one extra copy of your resume

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1. Make a Positive First Impression

• Know the NAMES of people you meet!!
• Take a notebook and make notes

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1. Make a Positive First Impression

• Handshakes, eye contact
• SMILE!!
• Be kind to everyone you meet

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2. Dress Appropriately

• Professional Attire
• Men Suit in dark color, light shirt and tie
• Women Conservative Business suit, mid heels
• Details hems, cuffs, shoes shined, buttons, no
  wrinkles
• Low-key jewelry, if any at all

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2. Dress Appropriately

• Please
• Easy
• on the perfume!!

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3. Research the Employer

• Company history
• CEO, Directors, Board Members
• Current events
• Location, directions
• Organizational Culture
• Mission, Vision, Values

• Where to find?
• Internet
• Newspapers
• Professional Journals
• Networking Organizations
• Professional Groups
• Word of Mouth
• Current/Past employees

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4. Know Yourself

• Strengths
• Areas for Development
• Skills
• Energy Level
• Motivations
• Pet Peeves

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5. C.A.R. Stories
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5. C.A.R. Stories

• Challenge
• Action
• Result

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5. CAR Stories

• Tell a story
• Answer a question
• Define a skill
• Point out a strength
• Give a chance to brag about yourself!

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5. C.A.R. Stories

• How to write your own CAR Stories
• STEP 1 Ask yourself
• What skills are required for this job?
• What strengths do I want to showcase?
• Which accomplishments do NOT show on my resume or
  application?
• How can I prove that I deserve the pay/position?
• How did I earn any promotions/accolades?

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5. C.A.R. Stories

• STEP 2 Determine
• Specific instance for each of the questions
• Use the format
• Challenge presented/Problem to be solved
• Action/steps taken to reach goal
• Result of that action/Outcome of effort

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5. C.A.R. Stories

• STEP 3 Write out
• Your Personal Story!!
• What?
• Who?
• When?
• How Much?
• How Many?

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5. C.A.R. Stories

• Step 4 Polish what you have written
• Say it, rewrite it, ask for opinions
• Step 5 Prepare for the interview!!
• Practice until its almost memorized
• Rule of Thumb is to take 5 skills and have at
  least 2 CAR stories for each one

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5. C.A.R. Stories

• Let your CAR Stories
• SELL you as the
• Best Candidate for the Job!

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Last 5 tips

• How to Interview the Employer!!

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6. Have Questions Prepared

• Demonstrates interest
• Shows you did your homework
• Creates an exchange
• Gives you important information
• Makes you feel confident

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7. Determine Fit

• Get information on the employers
• Hours
• Size
• Supervision style
• Lunch/Break policy
• Quality of Life
• Goals for employees

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8. Evaluate your Feelings

• Is this a place where you want to spend the rest
  of your career?
• Is this only a temporary stop?

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9. Map out your future

• Why is this position open?
• How are employees promoted?
• What is the career path?
• What is the policy on training?

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10. Follow up X 3!!

• Summarize your impression
• Send Thank You note within 48 hours
• Call back within 7 days

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10 Interview Tips for the First Job Interview

• Make a Positive First Impression
• Dress Appropriately
• Research the Employer
• Know Yourself
• CAR Stories

• 6. Have Questions Prepared
• Determine Fit
• Evaluate Feelings
• 9. Map out your Future
• 10. Follow up X 3