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Workplace SkillsInterviewing

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A common question in a job interview is:◦ Tell me about your weaknesses.◦ Now tell me about your strengths

Write down how you would answer this question.

Bellwork

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Describe details for a successful interview Prepare answers to common interview

questions Demonstrate interviewing skills in a mock

interview

Objectives

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Interviews are for◦ Employers to make hiring decisions◦ Potential employees to learn about a job and

company

The interview is your chance to “sell” yourself

Purpose

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Use a notes sheet to take notes

Fill in the tips for interviewing

Cornell Notes

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Know where you are going◦ Drive by the site a day or two ahead of time, find

parking, locate the office

Arrive 5-15 minutes early

Before: Getting There

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Learn about the company◦ What kind of business is it, do they have a good

reputation

Why is this important?

Before: Research Company

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Bring extra copies of your resume and portfolio

Bring a pen and notebook with questions that you have about the job and company

Before: Copies and Questions

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Grooming◦ Hair and nails should be clean without bright

colors◦ Keep perfume and cologne to a minimum

Women◦ Dress, skirt (length), or dress pants with nice

blouse or blazer◦ No excessive jewelry, make up, or big hair

Men◦ Pants (no jeans), collared shirt, tie, sport coat

Be conservative!

Before: Dress

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Tell receptionist ◦ who you are and that you are there for an

interview◦ whom the interview is with and what time

Be polite

Beginning: Arriving

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Introductions:◦ Look him/her in the eyes◦ Shake hands firmly◦ Smile◦ Introduce yourself◦ Wait to be seated◦ Be confident

Beginning: Meeting the Interviewer

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Sit up straight Try not to be too bold or too shy Express that you are happy to have the

interview Smile Don’t chew gum, fidget, curse or use slang

Beginning: Starting the Interview

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Be positive Answer questions honestly and completely

(give explanations not just yes or no) It’s ok not to know everything – express a

willingness to learn Pay close attention to the interviewer If you don’t understand something ask

Middle: Answering Questions

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Organize your thoughts before you answer, it is ok to be silent and think

You cannot be asked about:◦ Age, race, religion, ethnicity, marital status

Avoid criticizing former employers or coworkers

Middle: Answering Questions

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Ask your questions If offered the job ask about salary, benefits,

hours – you can ask for a day to think it over

If they say you will be contacted, ask when they expect to make a decision – offer to call in a few days

Make sure they have your contact information

Thank the interview and shake hands firmly

End: Finishing the Interview

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Send a thank you letter to the interviewer

Call about a week after the interview if they haven’t contacted you to find out if they made a decision

After: Follow Up

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Look over the list of questions asked by employers and applicants

Be prepared to answer all of the employer questions

Interview Questions

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Groups of three Roles:

◦ Evaluator – use rubric to evaluate person being interviewed

◦ Interviewer – asks the questions◦ Interviewee – person being interviewed

Switch roles so that everyone does each job once

Mock Interviews

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Pick a company for your group Use the Internet to look up information

about this company Choose questions to ask as an interviewer

and interviewee ◦ You may choose from the list or write your own

Mock Interviews

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Rate the following areas in order of importance in an interview◦ Job qualifications◦ Attitude ◦ Communication skills◦ Appearance

Interviews

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How are you rated?