Helpful tips to help prepare for the interview, from apparel to responding to difficult questions…

THE SUCCESSFULJOB INTERVIEW

▸ Dealing With Interview Anxiety▸ Purpose Of The Job Interview▸ Several Types Of Interviews▸ How To Prepare▸ Questions To Ask Before The

Interview▸ Interview Do’s & Don’ts▸ Things To Remember During The

Interview▸ Possible Interview Questions▸ Questions To Ask▸ What To Do After The Interview▸ How To Dress For Success

Interviewing for a job is often filled with anxiety and fear but it doesn’t have to be that way.

There are things we can do to prepare ourselves and become more self-confident and relaxed.

Being prepared is the best way to reduce anxiety and help ensure a successful job interview.

Dealing with Interview Anxiety

▸ Your opportunity to shine▸ Your abilities, talents, interests, personality,

work experience, education, and motivation

▸ Informs you about the employer▸ Employer needs, history, work environment,

business activities, and future plans

▸ Requires skill and PREPARATION…

NOT LUCK

Purpose of the Interview

▸ Gather work samples, copies of resume, references and place in a nice case or folder

▸ Remember to bring a pen▸ Rehearse your answers▸ Write down your questions about

the job or organization▸ Review your work history▸ Practice your answers to

common interview questions▸ Be prepared for surprises

Preparing for the Interview

Ask Some Questions

How many people will be interviewing me?Will I be the only one interviewed during this time?

What kind of questions will be asked?How can I best prepare for the interview?What are the names of my interviewers?

Research The Company

Before the Interview

Do not chew gum

Do not distract the interviewer

Do not bring family or friends to the interview

Do not use slang

Do not ramble

Do formulate your answers before beginning to speak

Avoid “um…well…”

InterviewDo’s and Don’ts

▸ Firmly shake hands with those you meet

▸ Greet all involved in theinterview process and tryto remember names

▸ Be friendly to everyone (secretaries, other employees, etc.)

▸ Follow the interviewer ’s lead (direction, selecting a seat, drink, etc.)

Beginning the Interview

▸ Sit on the front third of the seat

▸ Men: legs uncrossed, but closed

▸ Women: legs or feet crossed if wearing a skirt, may be uncrossed, but closed

▸ Hands folded in front

▸ Sit up straight with head, neck, and chest aligned with hips

▸ Be careful of bad habits

▸ Tapping your fingers▸ Biting your nails▸ Playing with your hair▸ Clicking your pen, etc.

Posture During the Interview

▸ Nervousness is normal ▸ Take a deep breath and try

to R E L A X▸ Don’t let nervousness

interfere with your answers or conversation

Remind yourself that this isjust part of the processto see if you are a good fitfor the position

Remember…

▸

▸ Be on time

▸ Be friendly

▸ Show your enthusiasm

▸ Be positive and honest

▸ Maintain eye contact

▸ Express yourself

▸ Don’t criticize previous employers

▸ Be aware of body language

▸ Be a good listener

▸ Emphasize your strengths

▸ Be yourself

▸ Avoid personal issues

▸ Be confident

▸ Discuss ways you can contribute

During the Interview

▸ What are your career goals, both short-term and long-term?

▸ Why do you want this job?▸ What are you doing to achieve

your goals?▸ How would you describe yourself?▸ Why did you choose this career?▸ Why should I hire you?▸ What are your strengths

and weaknesses?

Possible Interview Questions

▸ The Equal Employment Opportunity Act outlaws questions about age, national origin, marital status, sexuality, and religion

▸ Be prepared for the possibility▸ If it happens, … don’t over react.▸ If you are uncomfortable, kindly respond

that you would rather not answer the question

Possible Interview Questions

▸ Test your ability to operate under pressure▸ Demonstrate your problem-solving skills▸ Opportunity for you to think quickly,

question and communicate▸ Usually no right or wrong answers

The Purpose of Off-the-Wall Questions

▸ What would my responsibilities and duties be?

▸ How would my performance be evaluated?

▸ How would I be supervised?▸ What opportunities for

advancement exist?▸ Is there a training program?▸ How much travel is required?▸ Who would I be working with?

Questions You May Want to Ask

ASK when you can expect a decision and if you should call

Express thanks for their time

FOLLOW UP the interview with a thank-you note or letter

ANALYZE your performance in the interview (for later interviews)

DO NOT GET DISCOURAGED!Learn from the process and be patient

When the Interview is Finished

▸ Think conservative, traditional, neat, modest, clean

▸ Do not go for “shock value”▸ Dress to fit in▸ One level above the work

environment▸ Dark or neutral colors▸ Little or no scents (cologne,

perfume, etc.)

Dressing for Success

Clothes with printed logos

Formal wear

T-shirts, tank tops,

sweats, shorts

Flip-flops

Hats indoors

Clothes that are sexually revealing

Worn-out or torn garments

Strong scents or excessive jewelry

Do NOT Wear

▸ Hair should be neat and clean▸ Shoes should be in good condition▸ Clean fingernails▸ Clothes should fit properly▸ Use appropriate deodorant▸ Everything clean and well-pressed

For Everyone

Be Prepared!

The Key to a SuccessfulJob Interview?