10 Interview Tips for the First Job Interview

• Sharon Page, Recruiter

• Human Resources Dept.

1. Make a Positive First Impression

• Arrive 15 minutes early

• Have at least one extra copy of your resume

1. Make a Positive First Impression

• Know the NAMES of people you meet!!

• Take a notebook and make notes

1. Make a Positive First Impression

• Handshakes, eye contact

• SMILE!!

• Be kind to everyone you meet

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

2. Dress Appropriately

• Please

• Easy

• on the perfume!!

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

4. Know Yourself

• Strengths

• Areas for Development

• Skills

• Energy Level

• Motivations

• Pet Peeves

5. C.A.R. Stories

5. C.A.R. Stories

• C hallenge

• A ction

• R esult

5. CAR Stories

• Tell a story

• Answer a question

• Define a skill

• Point out a strength

• Give a chance to brag about yourself!

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?

5. C.A.R. Stories

• STEP 2: Determine

• Specific instance for each of the questions

• Use the format:

• C hallenge presented/Problem to be solved

• A ction/steps taken to reach goal

• R esult of that action/Outcome of effort

5. C.A.R. Stories

• STEP 3: Write out

• Your Personal Story!!

• • What?

• • Who?

• • When?

• • How Much?

• • How Many?

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

5. C.A.R. Stories

• Let your CAR Stories

• SELL you as the

• Best Candidate for the Job!

Last 5 tips How to Interview the Employer!!

6. Have Questions Prepared

• Demonstrates interest

• Shows you did your homework

• Creates an exchange

• Gives you important information

• Makes you feel confident

7. Determine Fit

• Get information on the employers:

• • Hours

• • Size

• • Supervision style

• • Lunch/Break policy

• • Quality of Life

• • Goals for employees

8. Evaluate your Feelings Is this a place where you want to spend the rest of your career? Is this only a temporary stop?

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?

10. Follow up X 3!!

• Summarize your impression

• Send Thank You note within 48 hours

• Call back within 7 days

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