Interview Workshop

The Process

1) Find a job or internship you’re interested in. 2) Apply for the job by submitting your resume and cover letter via email. 3) The employer contacts you because they’re interested in speaking with you – you might have a phone interview. 3) In-person interview

But that’s not

it!

BEFORE the interview

Research the company or organization to learn and better understand what they do and how they run.

Prepare questions for your employer in advance, while also anticipating what they might ask you.

Dress professionally.

Which questions would be appropriate? How much are you going to pay me? NO. This is should not be the focus of your discuss.

Employers will often include the rate/salary in the job description. Also, once you receive a job offer, you can negotiate your rate/salary.

What are the day-to-day responsibilities of the job? YES. This is a good question to ask because the job

description or employer might not fully explain what the day-to-day work experience is like.

BEFORE the interview

Is there room for growth in the position? YES. This question would be applicable

to an entry-level job. This should you are motivated and ambitious.

How many vacation days do I get? NO. This shows you are not focused on

the work. This is not an appropriate question to ask until after you are hired.

BEFORE the interview

THIS ONE. Suits are great! For less formal

settings you can wear a button-down shirt, tie,

and slacks.

BEFORE the interview

BOTH! Depending on what kind

of job you’re interviewing for. Girls have some flexibility

in their attire, but stay professional.

BEFORE the interview

Ladies, be mindful of… Excessive jewelry,

make-up, and perfume.

Short, tight-fitting dresses and skirts.

Super high-heels and casual sandals.

Chipped nail polish or crazy nail colors.

BEFORE the interview

During the Interview

•Do’s and Don’t’s• Tough Questions• Role-play Exercise

Tough Questions

“What do you need to work on?”

Which is a better answer? Why?“I take a long time finishing projects.”

“I often take on too many tasks at once, so it’s more difficult for me to finish them all in a timely manner. I’ve gotten in to the habit of writing down all my tasks, so I am better organized at prioritizing them.

Tough Questions

“Tell me about a time when you encountered a difficult problem. How did you resolve it?”

Which is better? Why? “I was teaching a class and the students seems really bored, so I gave them some candy.”

“I was teaching a history class and the students seems really unengaged in the material. In order to make the class more interactive, I decided to split them into small groups and each group presented a short skit on the signing of the Declaration of Independence. They seemed to enjoy it much more!”

AFTER the Interview

Shake hands again and thank the interviewer for taking time to meet with you.

Make sure you have your interviewer’s contact information.

WRITE THANK YOU LETTER or follow up with an email!

Sample Interview Questions

Tell me about yourself. How would your teachers describe you? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

How are you preparing to achieve this goal?

What are your greatest strengths? What do you think you need to work on? Give me an example of your leadership

ability. Are you a team player or do you prefer

to work alone? Why?

Interview Exercise

Divide into pairs. One person should act as the Employer and the other should act as the Interviewee. Go through a few of the interview questions, then switch roles.

A. An internship at a non-profit that helps young kids learn about community service.

B. A summer internship at a advertising company in Manhattan as a (VERY) busy assistant to the CEO.

C. An interview for a college scholarship that is given to students who have recently come to the USA and who wants to study technology, economics, math or science.