Preparing for an interview
What are interview appropriate clothes?
Professional attire: knee-length skirt, dress pants, button up, shirts, blouses, clean shoes
What should you take with you to an interview
A copy of your resume
A copy of your cover letter
A notebook and pen
A positive attitude
What should you do following an interview with a potential employer?
Send a thank you note or an email within 24 hours of the interview.
If an employer asked why they should hire you, what important information should you include in your response?
Your skills and what you will bring to the company
What can you do to make sure you are prepared to interview?
Research the company, identify strengths or aspects of the company that interest you so you can discuss them during the interview
How should you wear your hair?
Is facial hair allowed?
Clean and combed
Facial hair depends on the job you are applying for
How should you greet the interviewer?
A smile
Eye contact
A firm handshake
Gratitude for the interviewer's time
The interviewer's name
Why you are qualified for the position
Your interest in the position
If an employer asks you to tell them about yourself, what should you include?
Information regarding previous employment
What made you interested in applying for the position you are interviewing for
Educational background
Goals and aspirations related to the position
Should you be prepared to ask the interviewer questions? If so, why?
Yes, it shows you are engaged in the interview
You have the opportunity to interview the potential employer to see if they are a good fit for you
When should you arrive for an interview?
15 minutes before
What should you do not do while waiting in a waiting room for an interview?
Use you cell phone
Chew gum
Talk on the phone
What should you do at the end of an interview before you leave the room?
Stand and the thank the interviewer by shaking their hand
If an employer asks about your weaknesses, how should you respond?
Identify your weaknesses and explain how you are working to improve them
What are 3 questions you could ask an employer?
Specific job requirements
Attire
If there are opportunities to grow
What you can expect on day to day basis
What their favorite thing about the company is
When does an interview begin?
The second you walk through the door
What should you do if you don't understand what the interviewer is asking you?
Stay calm,
Ask them to clarify the question
Ask questions to be sure you understand
If you do not know the answer, be honest and express willingness to learn
What can you do if it has been 1 week or more and you still have not heard from the interviewer?
Call or send an email
How should you answer this question:
Do you prefer working independent or on a team?
Do research on the company to ensure your answer fits what you and the employer are looking for
Let the employer know you appreciate their time but you have decided to purse other opportunities
What else should you do to improve your appearance?
Iron/steam clothes
Wear minimal to no cologne or perfume
Brush teeth
Name 3 questions you should be prepared to answer during an interview.
1.) Tell me about yourself.
2.) Why do you want this position/why do you want to work for this company?
3.) Tell me about a stressful situation you have experienced at your previous job and how you managed it.
Besides the potential employer, who should you contact after an interview and why (if you have not done so already)?
Your references to inform them that they may be getting a call from the employer
If you were asked to tell about a stressful situation you have experienced in the past and how you managed it, how should you respond?
Be honest about a situation that has occurred and if you did not handle it how you wished, say what you would do if the situation would occur again
What's an example of an illegal interview question?
What is your age
Where you were born
If you have a disability
What is your gender
What is your sexual orientation
What is your marital status
Are you pregnant