Interviewing

Employment SkillsMr. Patty 3/16/11

Prepare yourself with effective interview strategies before you actually go to an organization and meet with the interviewer. Increase your chances of

success by using these tips from the experts.

FIND OUT DETAILS OF THE INTERVIEW

When you are invited for an interview find out who will be interviewing you (name and title) and what style/format the interview will take. Ask if you are required to bring

anything in particular such as an additional resume, portfolio of past work etc. Determine if you will need to arrive early in order to complete an application form or

testing.

GET GOOD DIRECTIONS

Be sure you know exactly where to go, how to get there, and expected travel time. If possible, do a practice run before your appointment.

RESEARCH THE ORGANIZATION

Nearly every organization has published information available. Business directories, newspapers, trade journals, annual reports are all good sources of information. Speak to anyone you know who works in the organization to see if they can provide an insider’s

viewpoint.

PREPARE YOUR INTERVIEW MATERIALS

These would include extra copies of your resume, your reference list, letters of reference, copies of degrees, certificates, credentials/registration, etc. Organize these in

a folder or document keeper which you can present neatly. As well, bring a copy of your cover letter and, if applicable, the job advertisement. Bring a good pen to

complete an application form, and your prepared list of questions.

DRESS IN A MANNER THAT SUITS THE JOB

Strive for a business-like appearance. Most dress mistakes are those being under-dressed or too casual.

PAY ATTENTION TO DETAILS IN YOUR APPEARANCE

Ensure that buttons are done up, your shoes are polished, your nails are clean. Avoid wearing heavy fragrances. Again, be job-appropriate.

HAVE PLENTY OF TIME TO GET TO THE INTERVIEW

Never be late. Ideally, you should arrive 15 minutes early in order to have time for one last check in the washroom mirror, and to feel relaxed.

YOU ARE “ON” THE MINUTE YOU ENTER THE BUILDING

Managers are influenced by the impressions of their assistants and support staff. If you are rude to the receptionist, that information will be relayed to the interviewer.

ATTITUDE

Be punctual, realistic, relaxed, courteous, enthusiastic

Show initiative

Smile, pleasant greeting, firm handshake

GROOMING

Shower

Hair shampooed

Clothes – clean, neat, appropriate for a job interview

Shoes are cleaned and shined

WHAT TO BRING

Resume/Application form

Pen

Knowledge of organization to which you are applying

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Clear, concise, well organized thoughts

Good listening skills (eye contact)

Ask pertinent questions

Use expressive effective vocabulary

Participate in conversations and prepare closing question

REMEMBER YOUR STRENGTHS

Come with three stories that give examples of your strengths and skills

Complete these statements in class-

1)I have always been glad that I have the ability to…

2)My greatest achievement this year was…

3)One of my skills that I hope to use in my work is…

THE APPLICANT’S PERSPECTIVE

The interview is the focal point of all your work search efforts. It represents your opportunity to sell yourself in person. An interview is a conversation between 2 or more people. Its purpose, from your point of view, is ultimately to get the job offer.

You attempt to achieve this goal by:

· persuading the prospective employer to hire you.

· displaying confidence in your ability to perform competently.

· demonstrating interest in the employers’ needs and interests.

· demonstrating behaviors that are consistent with your application, resume, cover letter, etc.

THE EMPLOYER’S PERSPECTIVE

The purpose of the interview from the employer’s point of view is to assess/evaluate your suitability, relative to other applicants.

For their needs by:

· verifying information supplied in your work search documentation (e.g. application, cover letter, resume, broadcast letter).

· asking questions, listening to your responses and observing your body language.

· exploring your values, beliefs, expectations, skills, and qualifications as they relate to the type of work you are seeking.

· gathering information about you to help in making an informed decision.

OPENING

Generally begins with a greeting from the interviewer(s).

ESTABLISHING RAPPORT

Means the small talk, the getting-to-know-you that begins, perhaps, as you’re walking with the interviewer to the interview room.

SETTING THE AGENDA

Your interview will often give you an idea of how long the interview will be and what to expect as you’re settling into your chair and the environment.

INFORMATION GETTING

This is the focal point of the interview during which you are asked questions about your…

Background, Interest in the position/organization, Specific knowledge

Skills and abilities that make you a good candidate for the position

Career plans, Reliability, Work habits, Attitudes

Other information the interviewer deems important

INFORMATION GETTING

Most interviewers will ask you whether you have any questions. They may also give you an overview of the nature of the opening they’re filling and/or the company and

it’s goal.

CLOSING

The interviewer will be likely advise you that the interview is over and let you know when and how you can expect to hear about the outcome. If not, you should ask, she/he

should also thank you for your time and interest. You should do the same.

Practice your handshake with different people and ask for feedback. Get into the habit of shaking hands whenever you greet someone.

Observe what you feel is, and is not, a good handshake.

When meeting someone, listen to the other person’s name and state yours clearly. The sooner you can use the other person’s name the

better.

Researchers tell us that over 55% of the impact we have in a personal meeting is our nonverbal presentation. This means the way we look in

total. It includes dress, grooming, body language and facial expression.

Dress Professionally

Like you would if you were working in the position for which you’re being considered. In your employer research, observe the dress code. Dress includes your whole appearance from your shoes to your hair,

and everything in between.

CAUTION

Wearing a new outfit for the first time to an interview is not recommended. Give it a test run.

“YOU NEVER GET A SECOND CHANCE TO MAKE A FIRST IMPRESSION”

This refers to the way we carry ourselves and the nonverbal messages that are transmitted by our gestures or mannerisms.

• Shake hands. Do not hesitate about taking the lead by offering your hand first.

• Walk and stand straight – head erect and sitting squarely on your shoulders.

• Sit upright (avoid slouching), feet flat on the floor or crossed at the ankles, whichever is most comfortable.

• Sitting up and leaning forward shows interest and enthusiasm.

• Make eye contact with all interviewers.

• Hands and arms should be in an open position, resting on your lap, arms at your chair or at your side.

• Avoid fidgeting, squirming, rocking, or playing with objects, your hair, clothing, etc.

• Wear a friendly, welcoming smile on your face.• Look confident (but not arrogant).

You tube video

• YouTube - Interview Dos and Don'ts

• YouTube - Job Interviews: Good & Bad

Typical Interview Questions• About you

• Tell me about yourself • What experience have you had that is relevant to this

position?• What would you consider your major achievements to date?• What would your teacher say about you if asked?• Do you consider yourself to be a people person?

• About the job• What interests you about this job?• What do you know about this company?• Are you good with people? Give me an example of how you

have helped someone in the last 4 weeks.

• General knowledge• What do you think of the…. ?• What’s your opinion of the …

Other Type of Questions

• “What if” Questions• No experience - how are you likely to

respond to a situation

• Probing Questions• How exactly did you deal with the situation?• How did you know it worked?• How did you feel about the outcome?• Could you have handled it differently?

What creates a bad 1st impression?• Poor personal appearance• Negative attitude – evasive, using excuses• Lack of interest and enthusiasm• Lack of preparation• Poor knowledge of role• Failure to give concrete examples of skills• Over emphasis on money/rewards• Lack of career plan/lack of interest in company

Interview Marking Sheet (Example from well known company).Name Mark-max 100

Communication Skills/Appearance

Max 40 pts.

Problem Solving Max 20 pts.

Extracurricular/Grade pt.

Max 20 pts.

Relevant Experience Max 20 pts

Total Marks /100 pts