INTERVIEWING

Before the Interview

During the Interview

After the Interview

Modified by the Ag Ed Leadership Revision Committee May 2007

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

Job Interview Purpose

It provides an opportunity for you to sell yourself verbally to the employer on why you are the best applicant for the job.

Research -- Be able to ask ???

Research -- Be able to ask intelligent ?? Library books Newspaper articles Talk to people who work for the company Visit their internet site Check Human Resource Department for press kit about

company history

The more information you know, the better you can showcase yourself!!!

Sources of Information About Company

Newspaper or Magazines Brochures Chamber of Commerce Internet Website of Company Employees Customers Position Announcements

Rehearsal Time

Interview with a friend Practice typical questions using a mirror and

tape recorder Create a 30-second “commercial” that

highlights your unique talents and skills

Practice Interview Questions

What is your experience? What activities did you participate in school, community, etc.? What are your career goals? Why do you want this job? What are your major strengths? What are your major weaknesses? How well do you get along with others? Are you willing to work overtime? When can you begin work? Tell me about yourself.

General tips on Interviewing

Be neat and be well groomed Dress appropriate for type of job applied for Go to interview alone Be on time Use good manners and appropriate gestures Pay attention to interviewer Ask appropriate questions about the job Have necessary personal reference information with you Smile and Relax Ask some opening questions Have good posture Sound enthusiastic Make eye contact Avoid distracting habits (rocking, etc.) Videotape yourself for practice

Telephone Skills

Speak clearly Say it with a SMILE Repeat time and location of the interview

Remember -- You make your first impression

on the telephone!!!!!

Dress For Success

Be conservative in dress Dress one step above what employees are

wearing Shower and shave Use cologne and perfume sparingly Avoid extra jewelry

Professional Dress for Women

A business suit-blue, gray, black

Keep skirt length appropriate: hemline no shorter than the bottom of the knee

Wear quality fabrics Shoes that match

Solid colors One ring per hand One set of earrings

Professional Dress for Men

Conservative color for suit, ex. Blue, gray, black

A white collared shirt with a conservative tie, no wild patterns (cartoon characters)

Socks needed to match suit Don’t wear athletic socks Shoes need to be shined

Don’t wear accessories (a watch is fine)

Avoid wearing a suit that you can tell is from an expensive designer

Tips for Men and Women

Hair should be trimmed, neatly arranged, and clean

Fingernails should be neat, clean, and trimmed

Avoid using colognes, scented powders, and perfumes

Keep pockets empty of tinkling coins

No gum, candy, or cigarettes

Women: Don’t wear too much makeup

Keep hair pulled back and out of face

Be conservative:

earrings, piercing,

etc

Do’s

Act Natural Be Prompt Carry out Promises Ask Questions Allow Employer to Express Ideas Read Company Literature Follow Procedures Be Clear and Precise Listen Effectively to Interviewer

Don’ts

Be LatePresent an Extreme AppearanceCome unpreparedOversell YourselfBecome ImpatientTry to be FunnyPut Emphasis on SalaryCriticize YourselfTalk Too Much and Control Interview

AT THE INTERVIEW

It’s

Showtime

What makes a good first impression?

Proper handshake Proper introduction

Good posture Neat appearance:

attire

grooming

personal hygiene

Body Language

Good Posture Sit up straight, Sit on the edge of chair, Avoid crossing legs and

arms Inviting Gestures

Firm handshake Nod your head -- indicates you are listening

Eye Contact Indicates confidence

Speak Clearly Standard English, not slang Not only what you say, but how you say it

Typical Questions

Tell me about yourself. What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? What are some of your goals? Do you like working with others or on your own?

???Honesty is the best policy???

Typical Tough Questions???

What qualities do you have that offset your lack of experience?

Are you going to move to a better job as soon as you gain experience here?

If you are faced with a deadline you can’t meet, what will you do?

Stay Calm, Don’t be Defensive, Focus on your Skills

Employee Questions

What services or products does the company provide?

Who are the company’s customers? Who are the key personnel? Where are company headquarters, plants, etc? What are the specific duties of the job applied for? What is the name of the interviewer? How profitable is the company? Annual revenue?

Number of employees, etc?

Questions to Avoid

Salary Research other companies, give a range

Vacations Benefits Sick leave

Final Comments

Thank the interviewer for the interview Decide a convenient time you can call on the

hiring status

After an Interview

Following Up

Evaluate the Interview

Did you speak clearly? Did you forget important information? Will you accept or reject the job offer?

Thank You Letter

Reinforce your skills and abilities Insert added information you may have

forgotten Restate your continued interest in the

company

Remember to call back at appointed time!!!!!

Accepting the Job Offer

Ask for a day to think about the job offer List pro and cons before you accept the job Ask for a formal offer letter for your files Send and keep a copy of your acceptance

letter

Rejecting the Job Offer

You are offered the job, but the salary is too low. Negotiate your salary.

The job isn’t what you expected:

Be tactful in your response…

If you are not hired…

Consider it a learning experience Ask why you were not hired

Do you need more training? How can you improve in your interview?

Feedback will help you in future interviews

HAPPY HUNTING