Job Seeker Workshop

Interviewing Tips & Skills

Congratulations! You were asked to come

in for an interview!

The key to a successful interview: PREPARATION!

What do I prepare for? Prepare to discuss yourself-your skills,

abilities, experience, and accomplishments

Prepare to discuss the potential employer-the history & mission of the business, what the job entails, how the “chain of command” works, knowledge of the products & services they offer.

Prepare Yourself. Read through the job announcement.

Highlight the skills, knowledge, and abilities that are desired for the position.

Highlight the skills and abilities on your resume that are transferable to this position.

Think of examples where you used these skills and abilities.

Write these out, use them to practice for your interview.

Come up with examples of how you used these skills Think of situations in your previous

experience where you were able to use these skills.

Be prepared to discuss these. Practice with friends and family, or in front of a mirror.

Review the attached sheets (Turning duties into transferable skills, and Job Description/Skills Comparison)

Position: Attendant-Gourmet Coffee -- Coralville Marriott Hotel & Conference CenterLocation: Coralville, IA, 52241

Job Description

Coralville Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, located at 300 E. 9th St. seeks a Attendant-Gourmet Coffee to join their staff.

Complete opening and closing duties including setting up necessary supplies and tools, cleaning all equipment and areas, locking doors, etc. Set up, stock, and maintain work areas. Input orders into cash register system and collect payment from customer. Take orders, record in MICROS system and prepare food and coffee beverages. Ensure that appliances (e.g., coffee makers) are turned on/off at the appropriate times. Bus coffee cart areas and tables. Clean dishes, utensils, work areas, tables and equipment throughout the day. Obtain change required for expected business level. Count bank at end of shift, complete designated cashier reports, resolve any discrepancies, drop off receipts, and secure bank. Welcome and acknowledge all guests according to company standards, anticipate and address guests' service needs, assist individuals with disabilities, and thank guests with genuine appreciation. Speak with others using clear and professional language. Develop and maintain positive working relationships with others, and support team to reach common goals.

Learn more about your prospective employer. Research online Ask current employees Ask people who work in the same field Brochures, advertisements Newspapers Make yourself knowledgeable about

current issues facing that business sector

Role Play Have a friend ask some typical interview

questions. Be prepared to answer them honestly and clearly

Ask for feedback—what can you improve on? Are you speaking too quickly? Are you talking to loudly or softly? Are you displaying nervous habits? (biting nails, tapping, twisting your hair, etc).

Questions you may be askedReview the attached sheet.

Next: Interview the Interviewer! You will be asked if you have any questions

regarding the position. This is your time to shine! Always have questions prepared in advance. It’s okay to have a small notecard or paper with

questions, but these should be asked naturally and while making eye contact. You don’t want to seem as though you are just reading off of a sheet of paper that you are unfamiliar with.

PRACTICE your interview questions with a friend.

Make a list of questions to ask during the interview Why does the company need to fill this

position? What exactly is expected of you? What are the company’s (or

department’s) biggest challenges right now?

To whom will you report? What does a typical workday look like?

More questions What do you like best about working for

this company? How is performance measured? Has there been much turnover in this

position? What are the next steps? How soon are

you planning to fill the position? Other questions based on your research

Tips for the Interview Speak clearly and in a relaxed manner.

This will come naturally if you have practiced your interview questions and answers with a friend.

Avoid nervous habits like twisting your hair, biting nails, or tapping your leg.

Arrive well-rested and well groomed RELAX!

More tips Don’t try and control the interview-slow

down! Don’t be too serious/appear nervous Be careful with humor Don’t look at your watch

Relaxation Techniques

Sit up straight with your shoulders relaxed.

Take in a slow, deep,

nourishing breath through

your nose, using your entire lung capacity.

Exhale slowly, through your nose. Do this a few times. Concentrating on your breath will relax you.

What to Wear

What to wear – Do’s Make sure your clothes is clean, unwrinkled, and

stain-free Make sure your shoes are free of debris and

mud, and are presentable Avoid wearing anything that is going to distract

the interviewer from focusing on your knowledge, professionalism, talents, and abilities

Wear comfortable but presentable clothing Err on the side of conservative, if there is a

question

More what to wear Make sure your hair is clean, neat and

groomed. Avoid overly distracting hairstyles Avoid wearing too much perfume or cologne Make sure that your nails are neat and clean Do reconnaissance-find out what other

employees in the office are wearing. Don’t over or under dress

What to wear-Don’ts Wear dirty, wrinkled or torn clothing Wear overly revealing clothing (very

tight or low cut tops, extremely tight pants or very short skirts)

Wear t-shirts with wording or phrases Wear sweat pants, yoga pants, workout

clothes or overly casual clothes Wear flip-flops or sneakers

What to bring to the interview Two copies of the resume you used

when applying for the job Your questions A portfolio of your work A pen and notepad A list of references YOUR SMILE!

During the interview Greet the interviewer with a smile and handshake; thank them for the

interview Listen carefully. Take a few seconds to think (and breathe) before

answering questions Don’t be afraid to ask the interviewer to rephrase the question if you don’t

understand Remember your keywords and the practice that you’ve done Be brief when answering, speak slowly and clearly and elaborate when

asked Even if you don’t get the job, look at every interview as an opportunity to

practice and learn Don’t be intimidated by your competition. Be yourself. Be honest. Don’t give false information Never, ever, ever provide negative information about your current or

previous employer, supervisor, or coworkers. BE CONFIDENT. Interview the Interviewer-Why should you work for them?

After the interview Thank the interviewer for their time Ask about the process-how soon can you

expect to hear back from them with a decision? Are there other interviews that will take place?

Show enthusiasm-Let them know that you want the job and know you can do it.

Send a thank you note.