CAREERS

Interviews

Opening Question

What are your feelings towards going on your very first job interview? Will you be nervous,

excited, anxious…?? why?

How would your feeling change if someone you looked up to were going to watch you

interview?(Ms. Doyle, parent, grandparent, friends…)

Why is having good interview skills important?

How an interview works…

The Interview!! It’s a chance for you to sell yourself. Impress them.

Usual interview stages Introduction Questions about you and your qualifications Questions fro you about the job, company, etc. Closing

The Interview

Stage 1 - Introduction Frequently, interviews make hiring

decisions based on first impressions. Smile Establish eye contact Handshake and state “Hello, Mr./Ms._____ , I am

_______”

The Interview

Stage 2 – Questions about You Employer will lead the interview

Pay close attention to the questions. Answer questions in a thoughtful, concise

manner. Relate every answer to the job. Avoid slang Be prepared to discuss past experiences

The Interview

Stage 3 – Questions from You A few minutes to sell yourself.

Show interest in the job Mention qualities that might not have been

discussed Stress your willingness and eagerness to learn. Ask questions about the job and the company. Have a few thoughtfully prepared questions

Impress them with your questions

The Interview

State 4 – The Closing Watch for clues that the interview has

ended Do not linger

Usually, a job will not be offered immediately If they do not tell you, ask what the next step is

in the process. Shake the interviews hand as you are

making your closing remarks “Thank you for the opportunity to interview

with you. I look forward to meeting you”

Congratulations!!

You have been selected for an interview!! You will interviewing at:

Coldstone Creamery Wal-Mart cashier Server at Applebee’s

Getting Prepared

Why is preparation important? Increases your self-confidence First impressions are important

Your goal in the interview is to learn more about the job Convince the employer to select you Gather enough information to decide if you

want the job if it is offered to you

Before the Interview

Find out as much as you can about the company At minimum know:

What company does what products or services they offer The kinds of jobs provided Positions available

Should try to know: How long the company has been in business Size of company (growing or shrinking) Future advancements/other locations

Be Organized Bring all materials

Resume, cover letter, reference list, completed employment application

Have materials organized in a folder or portfolio

Arrive on time and look nice

Make a good impression

Before the Interview

Think about questions

What questions will they likely ask you In what type of position are you most

interested? Why do you want to leave your current job?

Or why did you leave your last job? Why do you want to work for our company? Do you have references? What did you like best or least about

school?

Think about questions

Are you looking for permanent or temporary job? Full-time or part-time?

Tell me something about yourself. Why do you think we should hire you?

How well do you work under pressure? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What are your short-term and long-term

employment goals?

Begin Answering Interview ?’s

Think about questions

At nearly every interview, the last question they will ask is, “do you have any questions for me/us?

Think about questions you want to ask!! Should always have a few planned out

ahead of time to ask.

Think about questions

Asking the right questions in the right way and at the right time. Research the company. Ask questions that will help you determine if you

will enjoy the job.

Remember an interview is a two way street… they are determining if they want to hire you y you are determining if you would accept the job if it

is offered. You are looking for the “correct” answer from them

as well.

Think about questions

Two categories of questions You and the job opening You and the company

Asking questions about each shows you are an intelligent and informed candidate.

Think about questions

You and the Job Opening Why is there a job opening Where have other who have held this job

been reassigned within the company? When might a person expect to be promoted? How and when is new employee evaluated? Does the employee evaluation system seem

fair? Is the position challenging or will it be boring

work as time goes on?

Continued

What training can a new employ expect? Will there be an employee probationary

period? (trial period before becoming a permanent employee)

Is the physical work environment clean, well decorated, and properly maintained?

Are coworkers compatible with me in age and experience?

What could I expect during a normal work day in this position?

Think about questions

You and the company What is the employee turnover rate at this

company? What are some of the company’s new

product lines or services? What is the employer's reputation in the

community and the industry? How will employer's rules and regulations

affect me? What are the work expectations and the

hours expectations?

Think about questions

Should not ask certain questions that might come off as inappropriate or insensitive. How much would I get paid? What days do I get off? How much vacation time do I get? How many paid holidays do I get? How much sick leave?

These questions are self-serving and don’t show any interest in the company.

They are important questions and this information is a normal part of any serious interview.

Do’s

Shake the interview’s hand firmly when introduced

Be courteous Know the interview’s name and use it in

conversation if possible. Remain standing until asked to be

seated. Make eye contact Answer all questions directly and

truthfully

Do’s

Do not use slang Be agreeable at all times Show interest in the company Ask questions about the job opening and

company Indicate willingness to start at the

bottom Express appreciation for interview

Don’t

Place handbag, briefcase, folder on the interview’s desk

Slouch in your chair Play with your tie, ring, bracelets… Chew gum Make excuses Interrupt the interviewer Ask too many questions Make jokes or argue Beg for work