Office of Human Resources Southwestern Community College

First step in applying for a job◦ Resume

Highlight previous experience that matches the job requirements of the job you are applying

◦ Cover letter Briefly explain why you are interested in the position and

how your previous experience makes you a viable candidate for the position in which you are applying

◦ Employment Application Some companies may ask you to complete their

employment application Most state and federal positions will require an

employment application Many employment applications are now online

Online application process ◦ Filters through the applications before an actual

person sees the application ◦ Important to include “key words” in application or

resume to match the position requirements Selection Committees

◦ Multiple people review the applications and decide on which applicants to interview as a group

Hiring Manager/Human Resources◦ The supervisor for the advertised position or

someone from Human Resources will review the applications and select candidates to interview

Who is chosen to interview?◦ Usually must meet minimum requirements for the position

Example: if the position requires a master’s degree and the applicant has a high school diploma, then the applicant will probably not be selected to interview

◦ Candidates that meet the preferred requirements◦ Candidates that have listed related work experience on their

resume and/or application◦ Well-written resume and/or application

Should be typed Error free

Have someone else proof your resume Use spell-check but don’t completely rely on it

◦ Candidates that have documented success in previous positions◦ Sell yourself on your resume and/or application

Highlight your accomplishments

You made it past the first screening. What next?

Interview Committee or Panel Interview◦ Candidates will interview with multiple people

Could comprise of the supervisor, other department managers, someone from human resources, and possibly a future co-worker

One-on-One Interview◦ Hiring Manager◦ Human Resources Representative

How to have a successful interview: Prepare for the interview

◦ Research the company Have a couple of facts memorized for the interview

◦ Practice, Practice, Practice Ask a friend to act as the interviewer and practice

answering sample interview questions◦ Know how to get to the interview and allow for extra

travel time It is always better to be early rather than late for an

interview.◦ Bring extra copies of your resume to the interview◦ Prepare a couple of questions about the position

Show the interviewer(s) that you researched the position

Tell me about yourself. Why did you leave your last job or why do you want to leave your current

job? What experience do you have in this field? What do co-workers say about you? What do you know about Southwestern Community College? What have you done to improve your knowledge or skills in the last year? Why do you want to work for Southwestern Community College? Are you a team player? Describe a situation where you were a team

player. Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that? What is your philosophy towards work? Have you ever been asked to leave a position? Explain how you would be an asset to this program (or department). Why should we hire you? Tell me about a suggestion you have made. Was it implemented? What irritates you about co-workers? What is your greatest strength? Tell me about your dream job. Why do you think you would do well at this job?

Source: The Accelerated Job Search by Wayne D. Ford, PhD (adapted)

Describe a good day at work. What are you looking for in a job? What would your previous (or current) supervisor say your strongest point

is? Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor What has disappointed you about a job? Tell me about your ability to work under pressure and provide an example. What motivates you to do your best on the job? Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends? Describe your management style. What have you learned from mistakes on the job? If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for? How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience? What qualities do you look for in a supervisor? Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a dispute between others. Describe your work ethic. What has been your biggest professional disappointment? What has been your greatest professional success (something you are

proud of)? Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job. Do you have any questions for me?

Source: The Accelerated Job Search by Wayne D. Ford, Ph.D (adapted)

How to have a successful interview: Dress appropriately

◦ Avoid dressing too casual

Too Casu

al

Although some worksites have casual dress during the week, it is still better to over-dress for the interview.

Dress maybe okay once hired (depends on workplace) but too casual for an

interview

Show the interviewer that you are serious about the job

Perfect – Your Hired!

How to have a successful interview: Try to engage the interviewer

◦ Let your personality shine◦ Smile

Be professional◦ Firmly shake the interviewer(s) hand(s)◦ Sit up straight ◦ Make eye contact◦ Speak clearly

Project your voice Don’t mumble

◦ Don’t chew gum◦ At the end of the interview, thank the interviewer/panel

Stay positive◦ Don’t say anything negative about a previous employer or supervisor

(even if you had a very negative experience)◦ If asked about a weakness, then turn the answer into something positive

Example: I am a perfectionist; however, I have learned to produce error-free work in a time-efficient manner.

“Don’ts”: Why interviewees are not hired◦ Lack of interest for the position◦ Negative comments during the interview◦ Too casual (in appearance and/or behavior)◦ Lack of eye contact◦ Clerical errors and/or messy application/resume◦ Late for interview◦ Answers to interview questions were too

vague/not clear◦ Poor grammar (written and/or verbal)

Know Your Rights: Questions the interviewer is not allowed to ask◦ The national origin of the applicant (e.g.,

birthplace, ancestry, culture, etc) ◦ Religion or religious beliefs◦ Pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical

conditions◦ The age of the applicant◦ The applicant’s marital status, number/age of

children, childcare issues◦ A person’s handicap(s)◦ The applicant’s sexual orientation◦ Membership in any organizations and/or groups

that are not professional associations related to the job

All full-time positions have selection committees◦ Selection committee reviews the applications and selects the

most qualified candidates to interview for the position The interviewees may be asked to participate in the following

(as deemed necessary by the selection committee):◦ A demonstration of his/her presentation skills (typically used for

faculty positions)◦ A tour of the campus◦ A skills test (typically used for administrative assistant

positions)◦ A second level of interviews

After the interviews are conducted, the selection committee will do one of the following:◦ Recommend one of the interviewees to the president◦ Select a second group of applicants to interview for the position◦ Repost the position (if there was not a sufficient group of

qualified applications)

The Office of Human Resources will conduct a criminal background check and contact the applicant’s references/previous employers

After the interview with the president, the president will either recommend the candidate to the Board of Trustees or reject the candidate.

If the candidate is recommended to the Board of Trustees, then the Board will have 7 days to reprove the recommendation for employment.

If no negative response is provided by the Board of Trustees, then the Office of Human Resources extends an offer of employment to the candidate.

Stay in school and graduate It is never too early to begin building your resume

◦ Participate in school activities, committees, and/or sports◦ Volunteer in the community

Talk with someone who has a career that interests you◦ Shadow the person for a day◦ Find out what degree is required for the position◦ Find out the type of work experience and how many years of

experience are required for the position Work part-time in the field that interests you

Human Resources Specialist

• Primarily responsible for employment services and employee benefits• Place employment ads• Assist applicants with the application and selection process• Schedule interviews• Contact applicants’ references• Serve on selection committees• Coordinate annual benefits fair• Conduct benefits orientations for new employees• Assist employees with benefit questions• Serve on college committees

• Required qualifications:• Associate’s degree• Two years of related work experience • Proficient in Microsoft Office• Excellent oral and written communication skills• Organization skills