CHAPTER 8-SECTION 1Preparing for an Interview

Know Yourself

Personal Work History (For Each Employer) Name, address, and telephone number Names of supervisors how to reach them Exact dates (months and years) Specific duties Specific skills that were required Promotions, awards, or recognitions received

Know Yourself

Education Schools you have attended and years

attended GPA Academic Honors/Awards Received Activities (clubs, groups, as well as offices

held) Athletic teams

Know Yourself

Self Assessment What accomplishments are you proudest of? What mistakes have you made? What have

you learned from them? How well do you interact with authority

figures? (bosses, teachers, etc…)

Parts of a Resume

Identification Name, address, and phone number at the top

of the page, usually centered. (Avoid Nicknames)

Parts of a Resume

Objective or Goal Ask yourself, what is the purpose of this

resume? Know the type of job you are applying for. Ex: Seek a hostess position at a fine dining

establishment Change it if it does not fit the specific job you

are applying for

Parts of a Resume

Education and Training Near the top for now to list your most

impressive credentials first As you gain work experience, this will move

lower Be sure to list any special job-related skills you

have (foreign language, computer applications, etc…)

Parts of a Resume

Work History Include name and location, as well as dates

you were employed there. List in reverse chronological order. List mini-descriptions to call attention to job

responsibilities. These descriptions should begin with action verbs!

Parts of a Resume

Personal Data List clubs, organizations, leadership positions,

hobbies, etc… This is also a great place to list volunteer

services This shows employers that you are well

rounded

Parts of a Resume

References At the end of the resume List their contact information Use two professional references (employers,

teachers, counselors, etc… Use one personal reference Ask them before using them on an official

resume

Tips

Be Brief Be positive Stick to the facts Keep your language clear Keep your eye on the goal

Tips

Research the employer You want to be informed about what type of

company it is. Look for newspaper articles, internet articles,

etc.. You want to be able to talk intelligently during

the interview

Tips

Practice Anticipate the questions Have someone practice with you Wear what you are going to wear in the

interview

CHAPTER 8 SECTION 2Answering Interview Questions

Anticipate the Questions

Different types of questions: General: Why do you want to work for us? Educational: What is your grade point

average? Job-Related: Why should I hire you? Personal: Tell me something about yourself.

Make Positive Points

Prepare a list of positive points to make about yourself during the interview (Your Offensive Game Plan)

Be alert for opportunities to make a positive point: Puff Ball Questions: Tell me about yourself? Pauses: “downtime” interviewer looks at

notes, takes a sip of water, etc… Bridges: Transitions from one answer to

another

Take Your Time

When you encounter a tough, unexpected question: Pause (Shows Poise) Buy yourself some time Restate the question in your own words, or

speak generally while pondering the specifics. You can also ask for a moment to think about

the question

Ethical Issues

Inappropriate Questions Questions that may give an employer a reason

to unfairly discriminate OK: Are you in good health? Or, Do you have

any physical problems that may limit your ability to perform this job?

Not OK: Is that an Irish name? Or, what religion are you?

Ethical Issues

You can: Answer briefly and move on Or, Ignore the question and address what they

may be really getting at.

Ask Questions

Be prepared to ask the interviewer some questions. This shows interest. Avoid talks of salary, benefits, sick days, etc… Ask about duties/responsibilities of the job.

Personal Inventory

Previous Work History Education (School Name and Dates)

Clubs, Organizations, Graduation Date, etc…

Accomplishments, Achievements, Awards

3-5 Strengths and 3-5 Weaknesses Skills Interests/Hobbies

Interview Questions

Tell me about yourself. What are your greatest

strengths? What is your biggest

weakness? Where do you see

yourself in 5 years?

Interview Questions

Tell me about a personal achievement that makes you proud.

Tell me about a mistake you made and what you learned from it?

Who is the biggest influence in your life and why?

Why would you be an excellent choice for this job?