Bronx Community College Career Development Office Presents

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Bronx Community CollegeCareer Development
OfficePresents

• The Job Interview

Written and Created by Edwin Roman
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First and foremost.

• Questions are encouraged-If anything on this
  presentation is not clear, be certain to visit
  the Career Development Office in Loew Hall,
  319-328
• Career Development can also help with you with
  mock interviews and offers Job Interviewing
  Workshops

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What is a job interview?

• A job interview is a formal meeting or
  conversation with a person to determine his / her
  qualifications as a job candidate

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What should I be thinking of before I go on a job
Interview?
This following information will be elaborated
upon in the next slides

• Preparation
• Personal Appearance
• Information to bring to the interview
• The Actual Interview

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How do I prepare for an interview?

• Learn about the organization
• Have different jobs in mind
• Prepare answers for broad questions about
  yourself
• Review your resume
• Be on time if you are going somewhere you are
  not familiar with, dont wait until that day to
  figure out how to get there-prepare for your
  interview trip

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What about my appearance?

• Be well groomed
• Dress appropriately-remember, it is better to be
  too conservative than too casual (even if the
  working environment is casual dress)
• Do not overdo cologne, perfume, makeup or jewelry
  (never substitute a bath with cologne)
• Do not chew gum. You want to your breath to
  smell good, but if you forget to spit out the gum
  there may be a problem try mints that dissolve
  in your mouth instead

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What type of information should I bring to the
interview?

• Resume (especially if you faxed or e-mailed it)
• Social Security Card
• References (be certain to have ALL the required
  information)
• Products to show (this depends on what the
  position is-for example, if you are an education
  major, you may want to consider writing an
  original lesson plan)

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Tips for a Job Interview

• Answer questions concisely
• Respond promptly
• Use good manners shake hands with the
  interviewer (check on line for the March 2004
  issue of the Career Communiqué which details the
  dynamics of shaking hands)
• Avoid using slang
• Be enthusiastic-watch your body language
• Ask questions about the organization

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What are some mistakes I can make at an interview?

• Arriving Late for the Interview
• Failure to look at the interviewer during the
  interview
• Indefinite responses to questions
• Having a know it all attitude
• Making too many excuses (be sure not to discuss
  the drama in your personal life)

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More Mistakes

• Lack of planning for a career
• Inability to take criticism (a common interview
  question addresses how you deal with criticism-a
  good answer would be to state, I see criticism
  as a part of learning and I am open to all
  learning.)
• Intolerant strong prejudices
• Overemphasis on money
• Lack of vitality
• Lack of maturity (if you laugh when you are
  nervous, gain some control over this)
• Narrow interests (employers dont want a couch
  potato-mention things that exercise body and mind)

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Prepare Your Answers

• Take the interview questions detailed on the next
  two slides and prepare responses for them
• Never go into an interview without preparing some
  answers to questions in advance
• Practice saying your answers until they sound
  natural and unrehearsed

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What are some common interview questions?

• Tell me about yourself?
• Why do you want to work here?
• Where do you see yourself in 3-5 years?
• Why should I hire you?
• What do you like to do in your spare time?
• Do you have any questions for me?

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What are some of the most difficult questions I
face during an interview?

• What are your five biggest accomplishments in
  your present or last job or in your career so
  far?
• Are you creative? Give an example.
• What other types of jobs are your considering?
  What companies?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?

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Is there anything else I should know or think
about?

• Dealing with the receptionist / front person-Do
  not act rude or superior. Be pleasant and it may
  pay off. Be aware that how you treat these
  gatekeepers will affect the net result of your
  visit with other important people in the company.
  It will also be communicated to those who make
  final decisions!

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Any questions?Please be sure to visit Career
development for answers
Edwin Roman, 2004