Interviewing Tips
- 1. InterviewingInterviewing Tips and TricksTips and Tricks
- 2. PreparingPreparing • Research the companyResearch the company • Review the job descriptionReview the job description • Prepare a summary (1-2 min) of your chief qualifications forPrepare a summary (1-2 min) of your chief qualifications for the job descriptionthe job description • Take a portfolio and an extra copy of your resumeTake a portfolio and an extra copy of your resume • Bring your photo ID and social security cardBring your photo ID and social security card
- 3. How to Prepare for QuestionsHow to Prepare for Questions • Practice with a friend or job counselorPractice with a friend or job counselor • Be enthusiasticBe enthusiastic • Brush up on business etiquetteBrush up on business etiquette
- 4. Expect to be asked theExpect to be asked the following…following…
- 5. Questions to Expect:Questions to Expect: Related to the JobRelated to the Job • Why do you want to work for us?Why do you want to work for us? • What qualifications do you have for the job?What qualifications do you have for the job? • What can you offer that other candidates cannot?What can you offer that other candidates cannot?
- 6. Questions to Expect:Questions to Expect: About Courses & CollegeAbout Courses & College • Why did you attend (blank) school?Why did you attend (blank) school? • Why did you major inWhy did you major in xx?? • Why did you get a C in this course?Why did you get a C in this course? • What extracurricular activities did you participate in?What extracurricular activities did you participate in? • Did you learn as much as you wanted from your course work?Did you learn as much as you wanted from your course work?
- 7. Questions to Expect:Questions to Expect: PersonalityPersonality • What is your greatest strength?What is your greatest strength? • What is your greatest weakness?What is your greatest weakness? • How would you handle a conflict with a co-worker, boss, orHow would you handle a conflict with a co-worker, boss, or customer?customer?
- 8. Other Things to ExpectOther Things to Expect • Tell me about a time you…Tell me about a time you… • Failed at somethingFailed at something • Had to make an unpopular standHad to make an unpopular stand • Really had to go way above and beyondReally had to go way above and beyond • Had to show exceptional attention to detailHad to show exceptional attention to detail • Dealt with a difficult colleague/co-workerDealt with a difficult colleague/co-worker • Showed that you can multi-task under pressureShowed that you can multi-task under pressure
- 9. You can ask about…You can ask about…
- 10. You may ask things like…You may ask things like… • Will there be any safety, security, proficiency requirements I willWill there be any safety, security, proficiency requirements I will need to meet?need to meet? • When is the starting date?When is the starting date? • Is there a probationary period? If so, how long?Is there a probationary period? If so, how long? • How will my work be evaluated? (Monthly, quarterly, etc.)How will my work be evaluated? (Monthly, quarterly, etc.) • What types of on-the-job training are offered?What types of on-the-job training are offered? • Are there mentoring programs available?Are there mentoring programs available? • Is there support for continuing my education?Is there support for continuing my education?
- 11. NEVER Ask…NEVER Ask… • What does your company do?What does your company do? • Are you going to do a background check?Are you going to do a background check? • When will I be eligible for a raise?When will I be eligible for a raise? • Do you have any other jobs available?Do you have any other jobs available? • Do you drug test?Do you drug test? • If you hire me can I waitIf you hire me can I wait xx weeks to start the job?weeks to start the job? • What are the hours?What are the hours? • How many sick days do I get? / How much time do I get off?How many sick days do I get? / How much time do I get off?
- 12. Dos and DonDos and Don’’ts of Interviewingts of Interviewing
- 13. Do:Do: • Be on time. Show up 15 minutes early if possibleBe on time. Show up 15 minutes early if possible • Turn off your cell phone!Turn off your cell phone! • Dress appropriatelyDress appropriately • TattoosTattoos • Greet the interviewer with a friendly and firm handshakeGreet the interviewer with a friendly and firm handshake • Speak slowly and distinctlySpeak slowly and distinctly • Maintain eye contactMaintain eye contact • Thank the interviewer for considering youThank the interviewer for considering you
- 14. DonDon’’t:t: • Be a wimp with a fishy handshakeBe a wimp with a fishy handshake • DonDon’’t sit down before the interviewer(s)t sit down before the interviewer(s) • DonDon’’t use slangt use slang • DonDon’’t chew gum, clicking a ballpoint pen, fidgetingt chew gum, clicking a ballpoint pen, fidgeting
- 15. More Tips toMore Tips to ““OwnOwn”” thethe InterviewInterview According to Yahoo! Hot JobsAccording to Yahoo! Hot Jobs
- 16. • Identify their pain.Identify their pain. • What is one of the biggest problems that someone with my backgroundWhat is one of the biggest problems that someone with my background could help alleviate?could help alleviate? • If I started the job tomorrow, what would be my most pressing priorities?If I started the job tomorrow, what would be my most pressing priorities? • Find out where the company is going.Find out where the company is going. • What are long-term/short-term goals?What are long-term/short-term goals? • Determine whether youDetermine whether you’’d fit in.d fit in. • Show youShow you’’re really interested.re really interested. • What additional information can I provide about my qualifications?What additional information can I provide about my qualifications? • What are the next steps in the selection process?What are the next steps in the selection process? • Ask follow-ups.Ask follow-ups. • Can you clarify what you said about…?Can you clarify what you said about…? • Can you give me some examples of…?Can you give me some examples of…?