Successful Interviewing

Project MentorNew Jersey City University

Jersey City, New Jersey

*partially funded by a Grant from the NJ Commission on Higher Education

Workshop Topics

1. Identify your goals2. Learn about the company3. Know your strengths & skills4. Know your weaknesses & challenges5. Be prepared for questions6. Prepare questions to ask7. Practice8. Appearance and Impressions9. What to bring with you?10. What to do at the end of the interview?11. How did you do?

IDENTIFY YOUR GOALS

Identify Your Goals

Remember you want this job Why Visualize yourself working at this job

What do you like to do? What do you want to learn? What is your vision of your career? Remember you want this job

LEARN ABOUT THE COMPANY

Learn About the Company

Company Website Google or other search engines Visit if possible Talk to people who work there or have

worked there Job description or posting Consider how your skills match up Make some notes about the company for

discussion during your interview

Useful Information About the Company How long have they been around What do they do Do they face competition How are they doing What is their reputation One site or many Number of employees Earnings What are their current activities Mission Statement

KNOW YOUR STRENGTHS & SKILLS

Strengths and Skills

They must relate to this job How have these helped you accomplish

things in your life? What did you do to achieve or develop

these? Who has guided you?

References

Make a list of potential professional, academic and personal references

Contact the ones you think are most likely to have positive things to say about you

Tell them you are interviewing for jobs and ask if they are willing to provide a positive reference for you

KNOW YOUR WEAKNESSES & CHALLENGES

Weaknesses & Challenges

We all have weaknesses and challenges The interviewer expects you to identify yours but

does not have to be told something that would create a negative opinion of you as a candidate

This is not the time to discuss your concerns about yourself

Turn your weakness into a strength

Examples of How A Weakness Can Be A Strength I like to work on a project or assignment until

it’s completed, so I generally don’t socialize very much.

I’m something of a perfectionist. I expect a lot of myself.

I like a clean desk, so I try to complete as much as possible every day.

I have trouble saying no because I really like to be helpful and busy.

BE PREPARED FOR QUESTIONS

The Interviewer’s Goal They want to fill the position with a

good fit Need to find out

if you have the skills If you have personal attributes If you are motivated

Tell Me About Yourself your 60 second commercial

Where you grew up Educational background

Including major area of studies and why you chose it

2 or 3 strengths or skills that are related to this job

Academic or vocational accomplishments Your ability and desire to make contributions to

the success of your employer Your career goals Speak in a conversational tone

STAR OUTLINE FOR ANSWERSS ituation

I worked at…….

T ask Where I ……

A ction I did……

R ESULT I achieved…….

Notes for possible answers and descriptions

Its OK to have notes with you There are questions that you can

expect and can write down points to remember (see handout of frequently asked interview questions)

How would you describe something you have done that relates to this type of work?

You may refer to your notes during the interview

Interview Success Tips

Focus and refocus attention on your successes. Always offer positive information. Discuss only the facts needed to answer the

question. You may mention hobbies/interests but keep it brief

Listen carefully. If you are not sure you understand the question, ask

for clarification. Tell the truth but do not offer information not asked

for.

Interview Success Tips

Make your points. Then ask if the interviewer would like further details

Be organized in your presentation Be concise in your responses Pause at times to consider your responses

M. DeLuca & N. DeLuca, 24 Hours to the Perfect Interview (2004), McGraw Hill

Illegal Topics

Interviewers May Not Ask About Nationality/race Marital status Religion Affiliations Disability or medical history Pregnancy, birth control, child care Age

TO DISCLOSE OR NOT TO DISCLOSE

Employers CAN NOT ask you if you have a disability

You are not required to disclose a disability during an interview

Why would you?

Source: Baker, Jed. Ph.D. (2005): Preparing for Life: the Complete Guide to Transitioning to Adulthood for those with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. Arlington, TX. Future Horizons INC.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER Is your disability readily apparent?

Poor eye contact, idiosyncratic movements, etc. Can you explain how it will not interfere with performing the

job duties? Can you point out how aspects of your disability make you

a desirable candidate for the position? i.e. RULES = HONESTY (see handout on disclosing)

If your disability is not readily apparent No need to disclose Accommodations may be simple and can be requested

without disclosure Steven Shore and baseball hat

PREPARE YOUR OWN QUESTIONS

Write Out Questions for the Interviewer Your questions show your interest in the

position and the company Examples:

What do you consider the most important qualities for someone to have in this job?

Why is this position available now? What do you like about working here? What are the opportunities for advancement? When do you plan on filling this position?

PRACTICE

PRACTICE

Ask friends, parents, teachers to spend 30 minutes doing this

Divide the Practice Interview into 3 Parts First Impression Questions & Answers Closing

How did you do? What do you need to do better?

See Practice Interview Rating Sheet

Make a Practice Trip to the Interview Location

Check out the route Travel at the same time of day as your

interview Allow extra time for traffic or delays Observe the business environment

How are people dressed

APPEARANCE & IMPRESSIONS

Appearance Matters. . .A Lot!

If you don’t dress seriously, they can’t take you seriously!!

Make a good first impression Pride in yourself implies pride in your work Show your creativity in your work, not your

appearance Dress conservatively Be well groomed and clean

Don’t Forget the Details

Conservatively styled hair Clean and neatly trimmed

beard Clean fingernails No large or distracting

accessories Clean & well-pressed

clothes No perfume or cologne No smoking or gum

chewing Brush your teeth and use

mouthwash

Tips for Women Good Outfits

Dark colored skirt or pants suit with a blouse or sweater

Fit should be comfortable….not tight or very loose

No Cleavage! Nothing transparent Skirt still at knees when sitting Wear polished, low heeled shoes

Small, neat accessories Might be a good time to remove nose and

tongue rings Wear clean, matching panty hose or

socks

Tips for Men

Good Outfits Depends on position

Dark colored business suit with solid shirt Tie with a neat knot Shirt, tie and slacks

Keep jacket buttoned when standing Shoes shined and in good condition Socks same color as shoes or pants Pants should be long enough to

cover legs when sitting

Making A Good Impression

Firm handshake Stand up when the interviewer comes to

greet you and any time you are introduced to someone

Repeat the interviewer’s name, with their proper form of address: Mr., Mrs., Dr.

Be on time for the interview (5-10 minutes early)

Be polite and respectful to the receptionist

Impressions Don’t sit until you’re invited to, and sit up

straight Practice good eye contact

Look at one eye, shoulder or forehead Walk next to or behind interviewer and at

same pace Say something nice about the office, brief

small talk Nod your head in agreement or

understanding Say please and thank you

Impressions

You may be invited to lunch or offered coffee Practice your table manners Use a napkin Don’t talk with your mouth full If you’re not confident in ability to interview

and drink coffee at same time say no thank you

WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU

What to Bring to an Interview Several copies of your resume Examples of your work if appropriate New notebook (with your notes in it) and a

nice pen Briefcase or folder Names, addresses, and phone numbers of

references Social Security Card Photo I.D.

Other things to bring with you

Comb Dental Floss Mouth Freshener Tissues

Take a few minutes to go to the bathroom and check out your appearance when you arrive

WHAT TO DO AT THE END OF THE INTERVIEW

At the End of the Interview

Ask for the interviewer’s business card Use the interviewer’s name as you thank

him/her for taking the time to meet with you Mention some topics from the interview that

you appreciated learning about State your interest in the job and belief in

your ability to perform well

After the Interview

Send a short thank you note within 24 hours Neatly typed, spell checked

Summarize a few key points from the interview

Clearly state your interest in the position

You may phone to check on the decision making process after 10 days – 2 weeks

HOW DID YOU DO?

Use Your Rating Sheet

How did you do overall? What were your strengths? What needs improvement? Call and ask the interviewer for feedback

New On-Line Resource

Hownottotalk.com

Job Interview Role Plays for individuals with Asperger Syndrome