Interview Protocol

1
Interview Protocol

• Impressing a Potential Employer

2
Before the Interview Tips Tricks

• Studies have shown, the overall impression that
  people make in the first few minutes when meeting
  is based 7 on what the other person says, 38 on
  how he or she says it, and 55 on what the other
  person SEES!
• Groom yourself well, and dress appropriately (see
  next slide).
• Research the company and/or the person who will
  be interviewing you.
• Practice answers to common interview questions.

3
Dressing Appropriately

• Match your dress to employees in the workplace in
  which you are interviewing and probably take it
  up a notch.
• For example, employees wearing suitsmeans
  prospective employees in suitsemployees in
  dress pants and dressshirts or skirts and
  blouses meansprospective employees should
  stillwear suits. If dress is very casual,
  thosebeing interviewed should wear dresspants
  and dress shirts or skirts andblouses.

4
Before the Interview Tips Tricks Cont.

• Arrive in the area in plenty of time but not to
  the lobby/office until five minutes before the
  interview.
• Remember to be pleasant in your interactions with
  everyone you encounter because you never know who
  has influence, who may overhear what (out of
  context), and what impressions you may be making
  without knowing it!
• Bring a nice portfolio or binder and a pen (no
  advertising logos or chewed up caps). DO NOT
  BRING A BOOK BAG. Ladies should not bring both a
  portfolio and a purse.  
• Do not bring your cell phone to the interview.
• Do not chew gum.

5
Approaching/Greeting an Employer

• Smile, greet the employer with a firm handshake
  and good posture, and make eye contact.
• Greet the employer by name (Mr., Ms.) if you can
  pronounce it. If you cannot, politely ask (and
  remember it for next time)!
• You may say something like Hello, I'm Jane Doe.
  It's nice to meet you Mr. Smith. Or the
  interviewer may say Hello, I'm John Doe and you
  answer, Jane Doe, it's nice to meet you.
• Dont sit until employer invites you to sit. Once
  seated, find a middle ground between rigidity and
  relaxation. Sit slightly forward in your chair
  with good posture.

6
Announcing the Purpose of the Visit

• Since you made an appointment to talk with the
  employer, the employer knows why you are there,
  but you should still be prepared to state your
  purpose.
• Start by saying something like, Thank you for
  taking time to talk with me today about the
  possibility of working with your company in a
  Work-Based Learning placement. This opportunity
  would allow me to explore my career interests and
  develop necessary work skills, while providing
  you with an energetic, enthusiastic worker.

7
Carrying Out a Successful Interview

• Make eye contact with the interviewer for a few
  seconds at a time.
• Smile and nod (at appropriate times) when the
  interviewer is talking, but, don't overdo it.
  Don't laugh unless the interviewer does first.
• Be polite and keep an even tone to your speech.
  Don't be too loud or too quiet.
• Don't slouch. Relax and lean forward a little
  towards the interviewer so you appear interested
  and engaged.
• Don't lean back. You will look too casual and
  relaxed.
• Keep your feet on the floor.
• Pay attention, be attentive and interested.
• Listen, and don't interrupt.
• Stay calm, and dont fidget.
• Not sure what to do with your hands? Hold a pen
  and your notepad or rest an arm on the chair or
  on your lap, so you look comfortable. Don't let
  your arms fly around the room when you're making
  a point.

8
Carrying Out a Successful Interview

• Be yourself the employer wants to see the real
  you.
• Take time to think through and organize your
  response. Do pause and mentally regroup as
  needed.
• Be specific and honest in your answers. Select
  relevant information that will demonstrate your
  strengths for the job for which you are
  applying. Use examples to support your
  statements. Turn negatives into positives. Show
  tact, maturity, and courtesy. Be professional and
  use professional language. A sense of humor is a
  plus, used appropriately. 
• Sell your knowledge, skills and experience.
• Be prepared to ask the employer questions.

9
Following the Interview

• "Thou Shalt Always Follow Up" should be the
  number one commandment for anyone serious about
  getting a job offer.
• There are two simple steps you can take to make a
  lasting impression after your interview and
  greatly increase your odds of success.
• The first is to call the interviewer to thank
  them for their time.
• If possible, you may want to add additional
  information which was not discussed in the
  interview. An example would be "I understand
  from speaking with the receptionist that your
  company uses Microsoft Office. I just wanted to
  mention that I'm also fully proficient in each of
  the tools in the Office suite." This phone call
  should ideally take place the same day. If you
  are unable to reach the interviewer directly,
  leave a voicemail message.
• The second activity is to immediately write the
  interviewer a short note, thanking them for their
  time and reemphasizing your interest in the
  position.
• Do your best to get it to the interviewer as
  quickly as possible. Hand deliver it if
  necessary. The quicker your letter arrives, the
  greater the likelihood of having a positive
  impact.

10
Helpful Websites

• http//jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewsnetworking
  /a/interviewguide.htm
• http//interviewingbasics.org/
• http//www.quintcareers.com/interview_follow-up-do
  s-donts.html
• http//www.solveyourproblem.com/job-interviews/job
  _interview_follow_up.shtml