Interview nuts and bolts tip 2

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Pull it all together INTERVIEW NUTS AND BOLTS

description

The second in a series of discussions on the nuts and bolts of interviewing.

Transcript of Interview nuts and bolts tip 2

Pull it all together

INTERVIEW NUTS AND BOLTS

• Mary Sherwood, MS, CDMS, CCMOccupational Consultant

• www.about.me/marysevinskyShare a review: http://tack.z/6NDp

• My Blog: www.JobSearchForTheRestOfUs.comMore information about my services: www.Life-Works.InfoAdditional Resources

• JOB SEARCH FOR THE REST OF US Group on Linkedin: http://lnkd.in/dB5sATbTwitter LinkedIn Facebook Careerealism

About me

• It bears repeating that you should not wait until you have an interview scheduled to practice and prepare for an interview.

• To do your best, you will want to read interview articles, write answers to popular questions, practice them, and prepare an interview kit.

Practice Early Practice Often

• If you are job searching while working you will want to actually have everything you need with you – just in case you get a last minute chance to interview.

• You will want to be prepared to wow the employer!

Be Prepared

• Let’s start with your resume. You will want a short and a long version with you for the interview.

• The “short” version is the one you used to “hook” the employer.

• Think of it as your sales sheet, since it highlights your skills, abilities, experiences, education, etc.

Resume

• You should also bring a longer version with complete dates of employment in case you are asked to complete an application or other paperwork.

• Detail your accomplishments for each job using the STAR method as a guide (see Interviewing nuts and bolts tip #1).

Bring a long version

• Situation

• Task

• Activity

• Result

Try to keep the STAR method of answering questions in mind

• Bring several copies of both (5 – 10).

• Interviewers often use your resume to interview from.

• I like to recommend that you refer to your long version to expand on information from your shorter version.

Several Copies of Each

• It is ok to highlight or mark information that you plan to refer to.

• But, be careful not to leave this copy with the potential employer!

• Store it in your portfolio in a separate area (left versus “clean” copies in right flap).

• Or, print yours on white and those to share on off white.

Be Careful

• Bring copies of your important certifications or licenses.

• Some companies ask interviewees to complete a formal application as part of the interview process.

• Depending on your field, providing these accelerate the hiring process and/or impress the HR folks.

Prove It

• Related to your certifications or licenses is your documentation that shows you are eligible to work in the United States.

• A passport is easiest, but a driver’s license and social security card or birth certificate will do.

• Bring the originals – copies will not be sufficient.

Hiring Process

• Make sure your cell phone and tablet are fully charged

• Have a portable charger with you, especially if you are working and building a mobile interview kit.

• Be sure the sound is turned off on both devices before the interview.

Ringy Dingy

• If you are planning to use your tablet to interview from instead of paper, be sure you practice this way.

• You must be extremely comfortable with your tablet and using it in meetings to do this effectively.

• In general, I do not recommend this. Paper is simpler and less can go wrong.

• Additionally, the interviewer may not be as tech-savvy and may not wholly approve.

Tablet or Paper?

• Bring at least two pens and a clean notebook with you.

• It is fine if you have some notes for the interview on one or two pages.

• But, you don’t want to use your notebook from one of your college classes or one that you use regularly for department meetings.

• You want to look sharp!

Pens & Paper

• Many interviewees do not think about it, but bring a bottle of water and a bag of nuts with you.

• This is especially true if you are building a mobile interview kit.

• If you skip lunch to interview you will be especially thankful to have these items in your kit!

You gotta eat!

• Even if you are unemployed and don’t need a mobile interview kit

• You do not want your stomach growling during an interview or lose energy half way through!

• The nuts will help and the water will keep you hydrated.

• Your brain cells need water to operate correctly.

Feed Your Brain

• Consider keeping a full interview outfit ready to go in your mobile interview kit.

• Something that is easy to wear and wrinkle resistant.

• Men, yes, you can keep a suit hanging in your car in a garment bag if necessary.

• If you are job searching at home, have the interview outfit picked out, tested and located where you can access it quickly and easily.

Mobilize!

• Mints before you go into the interview are also a good idea.

• Even if you don’t have bad breath, there is no need to worry about it – use the mint anyway.

• Listerine makes small, thin slivers of tissue paper breath fresheners you can buy at drug stores.

• These are great because they are not necessarily minty, but help to ensure you won’t knock someone out with your coffee breath!

Fresh

• Gather all your items and keep them in one spot.

• If you are working, have an actual mobile interview kit ready to go in your car so you will be prepared for last minute invitations.

• The mobile interview kit concept can also be helpful to job seekers who are not working.

• Sometimes, when applying in person, you will luck into the opportunity to interview on the spot. You will want to be ready!

Recap

• Articles in my blog

• Articles on CAREEREALISM

• Articles on the Web

• Need more help? Chat, Email, Skype, Hangout

Click here for email

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Skype Mary.E.Sherwood

• PS I also wanted to let you know about a new job search group I just started on LinkedIn, it would be great to have you and please share with your connections … If you are currently employed you might want to “hide” this group on your Profile; click here if you need help with that!

Resources for possible interview questions and/or answers: