INTERVIEW WORKSHOP

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INTERVIEW WORKSHOP
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PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW

• To give the employer the opportunity to get to
  know you! And to give you the opportunity to get
  to know the employer.
• An employer has a brief time to decide if you are
  the right candidate for the job. . . So how you
  perform in an interview can make the difference
  between being employed or having to go back to
  your job search!

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TYPES OF INTERVIEWS

• One to One Interviewer interviews applicant
• Panel Several interviewers interview applicant
• Group Several applicants interviewed at the
  same time

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APPEARNCE

• Appearance plays an important role in whether you
  obtain the job or not.
• How to dress depends on 1) level of position, 2)
  type of company, and 3) industry.
• You should research the company to find out the
  every day attire the rule is to dress one step
  above the every day attire.
• Use your common sense! (no provocative clothing,
  no body odors, accessories kept to a minimum,
  etc.)

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LAST MINUTE TIPS ON CLOTHES

• Make sure your clothes are neatly pressed and
  clean.
• Shoes should be in good condition.
• Always have a clean outfit ready just in case of
  a last minute interview.
• Stay with solid colors - gray, black, white,
  blue, etc.
• Always think CONSERVATIVE!

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PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW

• Learn about the company by reviewing their
  website. DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Use the website
  www.hoovers.com/free/
• If you are unfamiliar with the location of the
  interview, drive to the company a day ahead so
  you do not get lost.
• Bring a copy of your resume, certificates, and
  references.
• Arrive at least 10 minutes early.

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DURING THE INTERVIEW

• Let the interviewer take control.
• Be sure that you appear confident
• Smile and firmly shake the employers hand
• Maintain eye contact
• Sit straight with good posture
• Use nods or exclamations to reinforce
  attentiveness
• Hands should be folded in your lap to avoid
  nervous tapping or shaking
• Keep a positive attitude!

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TIPS TO REMEMBER

• Dont answer questions with yes or no.
  Expand on your answers. Be purposeful.
• Give specific examples.
• Limit your answers to 1 or 2 minutes.
• If you dont understand a question ask for
  clarification.
• Think before answering a question.
• Do not use slang.
• Do not discuss personal issues.
• Use plenty of eye contact.
• Leave promptly when the interview is over.

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TOUGH INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

• 1. Tell me about yourself.
• 2. Why should we hire you?
• 3. Why do you want to work here?
• 4. Why did you leave your last job?
• 5. Why have you changed jobs so often?
• 6. What are your greatest strengths?
• 7. Where do you see yourself in five years?
• 8. How would your former supervisors describe
  you?
• The Interview Booklet provides examples of how to
  answer these type of questions!

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SALARY NEGOTIATION

• Know your BASIC salary requirements!
• Know your value in todays market.
• Know the fringe benefits.
• Weigh the non-monetary rewards.
• Only discuss salary AFTER you have received a job
  offer!
• Let the employer name the salary first.
• If you have to name a salary, provide a range
  one that you have researched so you dont provide
  an amount that is too low or too high!

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QUESTIONS YOU CAN ASK

• Describe a typical work day.
• What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this
  job?
• What are some of the skills and abilities
  necessary for someone to succeed in this job?
• Can you describe an ideal employee?
• When will you finish interviewing for this
  position?
• When may I check back with you?

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REASONS WHY PEOPLE DO NOT GET HIRED

• Poor personal appearance
• Overaggressive
• Inability to express information clearly
• Lack of interest or enthusiasm
• Lack of planning for career - no goal / purpose
• Nervous, lack of confidence and poise
• Overemphasis on money
• Unwilling to start at the bottom
• Condemns past employers
• No eye contact
• Arrives late at interview

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AFTER THE INTERVIEW

• Dont forget to thank the interviewer!
• Immediately after the interview, write down what
  you discussed.
• Send a thank you card to all interviewers.
• Approximately one week later, follow-up to
  determine if the employer has made a decision or
  is still in the interview process.

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INTERVIEW STRESS

• Interviews are stressful for everyone.
• Tips to help reduce stress during an interview
  are
• Keep good eye contact
• Firm handshake with dry hands
• No fidgeting
• Good posture
• Remain positive
• Breathe!

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DEALING WITH REJECTION

• Rejection is part of the job seeking process.
• Most of us receive more turn downs than job
  offers!
• Make sure you have a list of fun rewards for all
  your hard work
• Ice cream sundae
• Walk on the beach
• Fishing trip
• Bubble bath

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Keeping Spirits High

• Think of rejection as simply meaning you havent
  found the right match.
• Form a buddy team or join a job club to find
  support.
• Maintain your health and energy level.
• Share your job search activities with your family
  to gain additional support.
• Dont give up - the right job is waiting for YOU!