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The InterviewWhat not to do
What to doAnd how to do it
Tools you will need for this workshop:
Pen or PencilA pad of paper, spiral
notebook, 3 ring binder or journal of some sort – your Job Search Journal
The purpose of the Job Search Journal is to have one place where all your job search tools are located. This will make it easier for you to develop your résumé, prepare for interviews and keep track of your job searching efforts.
Congratulations! You’ve got an
interview!
The Dawn of the Interview
(Armstrong and Miller, 2009)
Click here to view on the web
Company & Position ResearchResearch the Company
Internet presenceCompany philosophyTarget marketDetails about the company you’re applying toLocal, Corporate, Franchise
Know the job you’re applying forJob titleWhere does it fitHow do you fit within the companyKnow your strengths & weaknesses in relation
to the position
Interview PreparationReview typical interview questions
What do you know about our company?What motivates you to do a good job?Tell me about a problem and how you solved it.What is your biggest weakness/strength?What was your greatest accomplishment/failure and what
did you learn from it?You have one minute to convince me you’re the best
candidate – begin.Prepare your “elevator speech” – the 30-90 second
response to “Tell me about yourself”.The elevator speech is a succinct way to impart your most
desirable skills Don’t go into your life history, instead focus on the unique
skills you have that will benefit the company
ReflectionTake a few moments and write down three questions that might be the hardest for you to answer in your Job Search Journal. Highlight or put stars by them. These willbe the first questions you work on for your interview.
These questions may be from the list on the previous slide or from your own research.
It’s Interview Day!Do Don’tDress AppropriatelyKnow where you’re goingArrive no more than 15
minutes earlyMaintain a friendly
rapport with front office staff
Review your notes while waiting
Make eye contact and smile
Arrive late Forget to bring extra
copies of your résumé Forget to turn off your
cell phoneIgnore front office staff
or othersFidget
(Carpenter, n.d.) (Huhman, 2011)
HOW TO DRESS
What to do in an interviewGive the information asked
for – no more, no lessMaintain eye contactDon’t fidgetTalk briefly about what
you have learned from your mistakes if asked – acknowledge and take responsibility
Know what position you’re applying for
Ask for clarification when needed
Know what the company does
Do not introduce potential “red flags” at the beginning or end of your interview
Do not bad mouth a former employer or company
Turn negatives into positives
Be brief and positiveDo ask questionsDo not lie
Journal Time!Prepare your Elevator speech. Pick out three of your most important attributes and highlight them in a 60 second response to “Tell me about yourself”.
Remember, this is not set in stone – merely a stepping off point to get you thinking.
It’s your turn now…When the interviewer is done asking his questions, you will be
given an opportunity to ask your own. Use this opportunity to get some answers of your own. An interview is a 2-way street in which both parties are determining their “fit”. Do not walk out of there without asking at least two thoughtful questions such as:
What is a typical work week like?What is the chain of command?Can you give me an example of a typical project?How quickly are you hoping to fill the position?When can I expect to hear back?
Do NOT ask about salary or benefits – this is not the time
Follow Up• When you get home, write a hand-written thank you
note to the interviewer• Sum up the highlights from the interview• Reaffirm your interest in the position and the unique
skills you will bring to the company• Thank the interviewer for their time• Let them know that you are looking forward to the
next step in the process• Mail your thank you letter via the Postal Service - this
personalization will put you ahead of those who may email or not send a letter at all
Use your Journal to:• Answer three tough interview questions that you may be
asked• List your major accomplishments• Develop your Elevator Speech• Write down interview dates, who you spoke with, how you
felt during and after• Keep all pertinent information together, in one place• Anything that will help you prepare for your job search
References
Armstrong, A., & Miller, B. (Creators). BBC (Poster) (2009, November 16). The origins of
job interviews. [Video].
Carpenter, D. (n.d.). Dressing for the interview. [Cartoon]. Retrieved from www.cartoonstock.com. Search id: dcr0197.
Huhman, H. (2011, January 7). Picking clothes for an interview. Come Recommended. [Web Blog Post]. Retrieved from http://comerecommended.com.
Khall. (Poster). Howcast.com. (Editor).(2008, February 28). How to ace a job interview. [Video]. Retrieved from http://howcast.com/videos/2055-How-To-Ace-a-Job-Interview.
King, C. (n.d.). How to craft an effective elevator speech. Powerful Presentations. Retrieved from http://www/creativekeys.net.
