6-1

SUCCESS!!!SUCCESS!!! How to How to interview and dress interview and dress

to snag that job!to snag that job!

Career Services Team

Sheila Carr scarr@westwood.edu 817-547-9625

Sumer Sauers ssauers@westwood.edu 817-547-9620

Jessica Smith JSmith01@westwood.edu 817-547-9642

6-2

• Ask pertinent questions

• GET DIRECTIONS & a phone number too!

• Ask what to expectnext

Telephone / Screening Interviews Telephone / Screening Interviews

What does your voicemail & email address say about you?

6-3

Telephone / Screening Interviews Telephone / Screening Interviews

Keep your resume and 60-second commercial handy

Focus on interests of employer and job qualifications

Be courteous Let caller lead

Keep your resume and 60-second commercial handy

Focus on interests of employer and job qualifications

Be courteous Let caller lead

(continued)(continued)

6-4

The Different Types of Interviews

The Different Types of Interviews

Structural

Behavioral

Panel / Team

Multi - Level

Structural

Behavioral

Panel / Team

Multi - Level

6-5

PreparePrepare Your 60-second

commercial

Research interview questions and answers

- Career Services can assist you.

Your 60-second commercial

Research interview questions and answers

- Career Services can assist you.

6-6

Prepare an Interview Marketing Kit

Prepare an Interview Marketing Kit

Use a professional binder or small attaché case.

Include portfolio and other items appropriate for each interview.

The benefits: You look professional; you feel preparedand confident.

Use a professional binder or small attaché case.

Include portfolio and other items appropriate for each interview.

The benefits: You look professional; you feel preparedand confident.

6-7

30-Second Test 30-Second Test

Interviewers form strong opinions about applicants within 30 seconds

The first 30 seconds can make or break an interview

Interviewers form strong opinions about applicants within 30 seconds

The first 30 seconds can make or break an interview

6-8

Tips for Effective Verbal Communication

Tips for Effective Verbal Communication

Use the interviewer’s name Use positive, courteous terms Use a pleasant voice tone Eliminate credibility robbers Emphasize your strengths Keep the content professional

Use the interviewer’s name Use positive, courteous terms Use a pleasant voice tone Eliminate credibility robbers Emphasize your strengths Keep the content professional

6-9

Three Sources of CommunicationThree Sources of Communication

Verbal = 10% Nonverbal = 60% Voice qualities = 30%

Verbal = 10% Nonverbal = 60% Voice qualities = 30%

Verbal Nonverbal / Body Language Voice qualities

Verbal Nonverbal / Body Language Voice qualities

Which has the greatest impact?Which has the greatest impact?

6-10

Can You Guess What You’re Judged on First?

Can You Guess What You’re Judged on First?

Posture

Dress

Neatness/Grooming

Facial Expression

Posture

Dress

Neatness/Grooming

Facial Expression

Eye Contact

Energy and Enthusiasm

Voice Qualities

Eye Contact

Energy and Enthusiasm

Voice Qualities

The Good News: You Can Control These Easily

The Good News: You Can Control These Easily

6-11

Emphasize Transferable Skills

Emphasize Transferable Skills

Multi-tasking

Good self-management (attendance, punctuality, problem solving)

Working well with others

Computer proficiency

Multi-tasking

Good self-management (attendance, punctuality, problem solving)

Working well with others

Computer proficiency

6-12

Be Confident & Reliable!Be Confident & Reliable!

6-13

Use Positive Nonverbalsto Convey Trust

Use Positive Nonverbalsto Convey Trust

Hand shake: Firm, warm

Facial expression: Smile, pleasant

Eye contact: Direct, comfortable

Posture: Erect, head up, eyes front, relaxed, not fidgeting

Voice tone: Energetic, pleasant

Walk: Tall, confident

Hand shake: Firm, warm

Facial expression: Smile, pleasant

Eye contact: Direct, comfortable

Posture: Erect, head up, eyes front, relaxed, not fidgeting

Voice tone: Energetic, pleasant

Walk: Tall, confident

6-14

Listening--The Silent PowerListening--The Silent Power

Concentrate on every word

Never interrupt the interviewer

If you don’t understand a question, ask for clarification

Look carefully for important details about the jobs

Concentrate on every word

Never interrupt the interviewer

If you don’t understand a question, ask for clarification

Look carefully for important details about the jobs

6-15

Your Questions Count—They Show Interest and PreparationYour Questions Count—They Show Interest and Preparation

• Ask about job duties/scope, training, career path

• Ask about work team, supervisor

• Remember, don’t ask about salary until job offer is made

• Ask about job duties/scope, training, career path

• Ask about work team, supervisor

• Remember, don’t ask about salary until job offer is made

6-16

Best Bets for Q & A Success Best Bets for Q & A Success

Be enthusiastic--employers consider this a priority!

Pause to think when necessary

Be candid and honest

Tailor your responsesto the employer

Be enthusiastic--employers consider this a priority!

Pause to think when necessary

Be candid and honest

Tailor your responsesto the employer

(continued)(continued)

6-17

Be thorough Answer in complete

sentences; speak correctly Be positive--it improves

your performance andrubs off!

Fill in gaps--explainplans to strengthen skills, knowledge

Be thorough Answer in complete

sentences; speak correctly Be positive--it improves

your performance andrubs off!

Fill in gaps--explainplans to strengthen skills, knowledge

(continued)(continued)

Best Bets for Q & A Success Best Bets for Q & A Success

6-18

Don’t Ask:Don’t Ask:

What does this company do?

How much sick leave/vacation will I get?

What are the benefits? Bonus?

What time do I have to be at work?

When will I be eligible for a raise?

What does this company do?

How much sick leave/vacation will I get?

What are the benefits? Bonus?

What time do I have to be at work?

When will I be eligible for a raise?

6-19

Watch for signs it’s time toclose

Ask when you will be notifiedof hiring decision

Make notes of appointments/actions required

If you’re interested in the job, say so!

Watch for signs it’s time toclose

Ask when you will be notifiedof hiring decision

Make notes of appointments/actions required

If you’re interested in the job, say so!

(continued)(continued)

Close the Interview Skillfully

Close the Interview Skillfully

6-20

Close the Interview Skillfully

Close the Interview Skillfully

Use interviewer’s name in parting remarks

Maintain good posture

Smile and give a firm handshake

Thank the receptionist by name

Use interviewer’s name in parting remarks

Maintain good posture

Smile and give a firm handshake

Thank the receptionist by name

(continued)(continued)

6-21

Follow-Up Phone Callto Employer

Follow-Up Phone Callto Employer

Identify yourself/position interviewed for

Ask questions to be clarified

Provide information omitted or to be clarified

Identify yourself/position interviewed for

Ask questions to be clarified

Provide information omitted or to be clarified

Restate qualifications briefly

Thank interviewer; express interest and desire for speedy decision

Restate qualifications briefly

Thank interviewer; express interest and desire for speedy decision

6-22

Send a Brief Follow-Up, Thank-You

Message

Send a Brief Follow-Up, Thank-You

Message

Send as a positive reminder

Make it courteous and short

Don’t attach any strings

Send as a positive reminder

Make it courteous and short

Don’t attach any strings

6-23

Hit the Jackpot: Play Your Winning Hand!Hit the Jackpot: Play Your Winning Hand!

Be likeable

Emphasize qualifications

Show enthusiasm and interest

Use positive body language and voice qualities

Be likeable

Emphasize qualifications

Show enthusiasm and interest

Use positive body language and voice qualities

6-24

6-25

Dress for SuccessDress for Success

6-26

Dress for Success- MenDress for Success- Men Business suit in a

conservative color- black, gray or navy

Conservative Tie

Long-sleeved

button-down

dress shirt

Business suit in a conservative color- black, gray or navy

Conservative Tie

Long-sleeved

button-down

dress shirt

6-27

Dress for Success- MenDress for Success- Men Facial hair should

be neatly trimmed

Belt should always match your shoes

Polished shoes with dark dress socks

Facial hair should be neatly trimmed

Belt should always match your shoes

Polished shoes with dark dress socks

6-28

Common Mistakes to AvoidCommon Mistakes to Avoid

Tennis shoes and

WHITE socks!

Wrinkled Clothes

Unruly Facial Hair

6-29

Dress for Success- WomenDress for Success- Women Business suit in a

conservative color- black or charcoal

No mini-skirts! (stick to pants if in doubt!)

Conservative blouse

Business suit in a conservative color- black or charcoal

No mini-skirts! (stick to pants if in doubt!)

Conservative blouse

6-30

Dress for SuccessDress for Success

6-31

Dress for Success- ShoesDress for Success- Shoes

Conservative pumps

2 inch heels or less

Closed toe

No Sandals

Conservative pumps

2 inch heels or less

Closed toe

No Sandals

6-32

Dress for Success- DetailsDress for Success- Details Make up & Hair

should be simple (not distracting!)

Jewelry should be minimal- less is more!

Make up & Hair should be simple (not distracting!)

Jewelry should be minimal- less is more!

Fingernail polish should be subtle

Use perfume sparingly

Hosiery should be neutral

Fingernail polish should be subtle

Use perfume sparingly

Hosiery should be neutral

6-33

Common MistakesCommon Mistakes

No Flip Flops or Sandals!

Keep nails subtle!

Show that you are a

professional, not “trendy”

6-34

You only get 1 First ImpressionYou only get 1

First Impression

6-35

Writing a Powerful Writing a Powerful

ResumeResume

6-36

Your Resume Should Offer A Fresh Solution To the Employer’s Problem

6-37

Describe Your ValueDescribe Your Value A resume is a sales tool – describe benefits vs.

features How can you help an organization achieve its goals It has to be quantifiable Emphasize your achievements

I.E.: Project scheduled for 45 days, completed in 29 days

Among top 5% of help desk in terms of both calls handled and cases resolved

Technology people should understand they need to appeal to people who don’t understand the details of technology.

A resume is a sales tool – describe benefits vs. features

How can you help an organization achieve its goals It has to be quantifiable Emphasize your achievements

I.E.: Project scheduled for 45 days, completed in 29 days

Among top 5% of help desk in terms of both calls handled and cases resolved

Technology people should understand they need to appeal to people who don’t understand the details of technology.

6-38

Give Your Resume a KISSGive Your Resume a KISS Keep It Short and Simple (KISS) Limit your resume to one page Keep sentences brief and under 12 words Do not write paragraphs Use simple everyday language Give examples Be positive and enthusiastic

Keep It Short and Simple (KISS) Limit your resume to one page Keep sentences brief and under 12 words Do not write paragraphs Use simple everyday language Give examples Be positive and enthusiastic

6-39

Keep it Relevant to the JobKeep it Relevant to the Job

6-40

Give Your Resume a KISSGive Your Resume a KISS Don’t exaggerate Don’t give class rank, grades, or GPA Don’t mention salary or wages Don’t list addresses, phone numbers or

supervisor Keep one inch margin on all four sides Avoid fancy type Avoid cutesy artwork

Don’t exaggerate Don’t give class rank, grades, or GPA Don’t mention salary or wages Don’t list addresses, phone numbers or

supervisor Keep one inch margin on all four sides Avoid fancy type Avoid cutesy artwork

6-41

Give Your Resume a KISSGive Your Resume a KISS

Double space between sections Single space within sections Bold, Underline, or CAPITALIZE

headers so they stand out Use bullets at the beginning of a list Proofread for spelling and grammar Print on quality paper

Double space between sections Single space within sections Bold, Underline, or CAPITALIZE

headers so they stand out Use bullets at the beginning of a list Proofread for spelling and grammar Print on quality paper

6-42

Powerhouse BuzzwordsPowerhouse Buzzwords Certain words evoke confidence and

authority. When explaining how you used a skill needed for the job you want, be sure to start each sentence with an action word, like: Achieved, assisted, completed, coordinated,

created, delivered, designed, developed, established, generated, handled, improved, led, managed, operated, organized, performed, planned, produced, researched, taught, trained, etc.

Certain words evoke confidence and authority. When explaining how you used a skill needed for the job you want, be sure to start each sentence with an action word, like: Achieved, assisted, completed, coordinated,

created, delivered, designed, developed, established, generated, handled, improved, led, managed, operated, organized, performed, planned, produced, researched, taught, trained, etc.

6-43

Skills/Functional ResumeSkills/Functional Resume

Use when your past work experience is in jobs that do not relate to what you want to do

It allows you to emphasize transferable skills that you have developed and can use in other settings

Use when your past work experience is in jobs that do not relate to what you want to do

It allows you to emphasize transferable skills that you have developed and can use in other settings

6-44

Recent GraduatesRecent Graduates New graduates need to look at their

schoolwork as the equivalent of work. Self-discipline, completion of a variety of

tasks, and other activities that are similar to those required by many jobs

You have learned a variety of things that are relevant to doing the job you want and you should present them in a skills resume

Familiar with the latest trends and techniques in your field and can apply these skills right away

New graduates need to look at their schoolwork as the equivalent of work. Self-discipline, completion of a variety of

tasks, and other activities that are similar to those required by many jobs

You have learned a variety of things that are relevant to doing the job you want and you should present them in a skills resume

Familiar with the latest trends and techniques in your field and can apply these skills right away

6-45

Experience in studying and learning new things – makes you better able to quickly learn the new job.

Effectively present skills you used in other jobs (such as waiting tables). Transferable and adaptive skills Support your resume objective

Experience in studying and learning new things – makes you better able to quickly learn the new job.

Effectively present skills you used in other jobs (such as waiting tables). Transferable and adaptive skills Support your resume objective

6-46

Education vs. ExperienceEducation vs. Experience

Place education before experience if you are a recent graduate or have less than 5 years of work experience. If you are changing careers and have continued your education to support your new goal. List GPA if 3.0 or higher Include academic honors to show you

excelled in your program List special projects and related courses that

support your goal

Place education before experience if you are a recent graduate or have less than 5 years of work experience. If you are changing careers and have continued your education to support your new goal. List GPA if 3.0 or higher Include academic honors to show you

excelled in your program List special projects and related courses that

support your goal

6-47

Education vs. ExperienceEducation vs. Experience

Place experience before education if you have 5 or more years of experience related to your goal. Hiring managers will be more interested in your accomplishments than your education. List basic facts about education Remove references to high school List professional development

courses/seminars

Place experience before education if you have 5 or more years of experience related to your goal. Hiring managers will be more interested in your accomplishments than your education. List basic facts about education Remove references to high school List professional development

courses/seminars

6-48

Top 10 Resume Pet PeevesTop 10 Resume Pet Peeves Spelling errors, typos, and poor grammar Too duty-oriented Inaccurate dates or none at all Poor Formatting Bad use of space Long Resumes Long Paragraphs Unqualified Candidates Personal Information Unrelated to the Job

Spelling errors, typos, and poor grammar Too duty-oriented Inaccurate dates or none at all Poor Formatting Bad use of space Long Resumes Long Paragraphs Unqualified Candidates Personal Information Unrelated to the Job