Interview SkillsThe person who gets hired is not necessarily the most qualified for the job; rather it is the person who best sold his or her qualifications.

Purpose of the Interview It is a meeting between an employer and a job

applicant to assess the applicants suitability for a position within the organization.

It is a two way conversation designed to exchange information

The interviewer wants to know if you have the skills, abilities and personality to fit-in with the organization and its needs.

If you have done your research and homework, you will know how to best sell your skills, abilities and personality.

Types of Interviews Screening – done to see if you have the

basic requirements before you moving on to the next stage.

Informal – between employer and the applicant. Usually only last only 15 min and is less structured.

Formal – between the applicant and employer. Highly structured and is less structured than other types.

Types of Interviews continued…. Board or Panel – more than one person

does the interviewing of an applicant. Each person has an agenda of questions to ask. Highly structured and lasts between fifteen minutes to a few hours.

Testing – many organizations will request applicants to take aptitude tests and or drug tests.

Types of interviews continued… Informal – Initiated by you with an

employer or someone in an occupational field you are interested in.

Telephone – similar to screening but is commonly used if the job is a far distance away.

Preparing for the interview Research the company, the position and

the interviewer Prepare Answers….plan what you will say Prepare an interview kit – portfolio,

references, work samples, etc. Prepare clothing, child care, transportation Prepare emotionally Follow up

Researching the Company What do they do? What services and products to they

provide? Where do they operate? How many employees? How long have then been in business? Major competitors? What is the work environment like?

Researching a company… Get details about the position, such as:

Responsibilities? Schedule? Day to day activities?

What type of interview? Who is interviewing?

Where to find the answers:

Library Internet The company – brochures, website An employee

*** Activity Sheet 1

Researching the Position Use the job ad itself Use the job descriptions found on-line –

check out www.workingincanada.gc.ca Previous or current employees

*** Worksheet 2

Prepare your answers Worksheet 3

Prepare your questions Worksheet 4

Prepare yourself Relaxation exercise Visualization exercise Rational thoughts Breathing

Do’s Arrive at least 5-10 min early Be dressed appropriately for the job you

are interviewing for Be polite and respectful to EVERYBODY Call to inform if you are going to be late

(but don’t be late) Sit up facing the interviewer in a an

alert and interested manner

Do’s continued….. Make eye contact Keep notes and ask relevant questions Allow enough time for the interview and

any tests that you may have to take Thank the interviewer and say good-bye

to everyone Shake hands Sell yourself with evidence and

examples

Don’t:

Chew gum Bring personal life into the interview Criticize your former employers or co-

workers Use flattery or exaggerate your abilities Use slang, profanities, jokes Discuss controversial subjects Volunteer negative information Bring anyone to the interview with you

Follow up Letter Checklist

Keeping the Job….. Employability skills 2000