Interviewing Workshop
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This document provides guidance on preparing for and dressing for a job interview. It discusses confirming interview details, reviewing the job posting and company information, personal presentation including attire, common interview questions and how to answer "Tell me about yourself." It also offers tips on asking questions and dos and don'ts for interviewing as well as guidelines on business professional and business casual attire for interviews.
Interviewing Workshop
- 1. Interviewing Best Practices & Dressing for the Workplace Facilitator: Nena B. Abdul-Wakeel, Corporate Leader & Entrepreneur Montgomery County Commission For Women Career Re-Entry Series Tuesday, September 26, 2017, Rockville Library, Rockville, MD Interview Best Practices Workshop-Handouts, N. Abdul-Wakeel, 2017 1
- 2. About Nena B. Abdul-Wakeel Motivational speaker, coach, actress, entrepreneur, software engineer, technology consultant, facilitator, corporate leader, community volunteer and mother. Over 20 years of leadership experience in the corporate world, most recently with CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield. Recent adventures include Podcasting, Blogging – “Ms. Nena B. Show” and Acting. Contact: nabdulwa@gmail.com or host@msnenabshow.com Interview Best Practices Workshop-Handouts, N. Abdul-Wakeel, 2017 2
- 3. Preparing for the Interview Confirming Interview Confirming Interview Details - Date, Time (length of time), Place, who are the interviewers Review Job Posting Review the Job Posting/Description (Helpful hint: Save the job posting when applying for the job.) Know about the Company Know basic information about the company. Check Website and Social Media Pages Interview Best Practices Workshop-Handouts, N. Abdul-Wakeel, 2017 3
- 4. Your Personal Presentation Preparation You personal appearance makes the first impression. Be well rested Plan your attire; cleaned and ironed Eat and drink before; avoid foods that you may be sensitive to. Be well groomed Personal Hygiene Clean/shined shoes Avoid strong perfumes/colognes Interview Best Practices Workshop, N. Abdul-Wakeel, 2017 4
- 5. Tell me about yourself Be brief ( 1-2 minutes) What should you include? Make sure it’s relevant: Highlight number of years experience. Recent accomplishments Share three or four of the personal qualities, skills and/or areas of expertise which would help you to excel in the job End with a personal piece of information, like a hobby or interest. Relate it to a skill or trait you would use on the job. Interview Best Practices Workshop-Handouts, N. Abdul-Wakeel, 2017 5
- 6. Tell me about yourself. Write it down. I am a _______________________________________. I have over __ years experience in __________________________. I excel at ________________. I recently ______________________ that required (what skills) . I also enjoy (personal hobby or interest) which has helped to gain (skill or knowledge) . Interview Best Practices Workshop-Handouts, N. Abdul-Wakeel, 2017 6
- 7. Common Interview Questions 1. Can you tell me about yourself? 2. What interest you about this job opening? 3. What do you know about our company? 4. Why are you no longer with your last job? 5. Why should we hire you for this job? 6. What are you greatest strengths/weaknesses? 7. What is your greatest achievement? 8. Where do you see yourself in five years 9. What salary range are you looking for? 10. What questions do you have for me? Be prepared to answer. Be Confident. This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND Interview Best Practices Workshop-Handouts, N. Abdul-Wakeel, 2017 7
- 8. Do you have any questions? Asking questions indicate interest and that you are not just desperate for any job. Suggested questions: Typical work hours; Is there a ever a need for weekend or holiday work. Size of Team; Is the team all located together; How do they typically communication Is this a new position or a replacement; What is the typical workday for a person in this role. How to you on-board someone in this role, and orient them to your systems and processes? This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND Interview Best Practices Workshop-Handouts, N. Abdul-Wakeel, 2017 8
- 9. Interviewing Do’s and Don’ts Do’s Be prepared. Come prepared with as much information about the company and industry as possible. Prepare questions of your own. Good job candidates want to know that the company to which they are applying is a good personal fit as well. Be confident. Begin introductions with a firm but not overpowering handshake. No one likes having their hand put in a vice. Be engaging. Make eye contact often—a must. It shows confidence and connects you with the interview. Remember the interviewer's name, and use it during the interview to stay engaged. Be careful. Think before you speak! This might be the only chance you get to convince a prospective employer that you are the right person for the job. Your answers during the interview are as important as the image you cast. Be outgoing. Don't underestimate the power of a personal connection. If you can connect with your interviewer in a personal way, they may think you would be an enjoyable person to have in the office or on the team. Don’ts Don't be late. Arrive 15 minutes early to allow time for possible delay and use the extra time to freshen up for the interview if you have arrived early. Don't be pushy about salary. Don't place a large emphasis on salary. The salary will only be discussed if and when the employer is sold on you as a candidate. Don't talk too much. Answer questions fluently and concisely, but give interviewers the opportunity to interrupt as needed. Don't exaggerate. Stick to the abilities you have, not those you wish you had. Be honest about your experience, emphasizing the positive, yet sticking with the truth. Don't over or underdress. You should determine beforehand if you should wear a business suit, or if a more business casual look is appropriate. Excerpt from Ace the Interview: Top 5 Do’s and Don’ts, CollegeGrad.com Interview Best Practices Workshop-Handouts, N. Abdul-Wakeel, 2017 9
- 10. Business Professional Do’s & Don’ts Ladies Do wear … Business suits Skirts: the length should hit just above the knee or below Slacks: neatly pressed, nothing too tight Blouses: Dressy styles or button-down shirts paired with a cardigan Dresses: worn alone, or with a suit jacket or blazer Shoes: closed-toe, polished, scuff-free Jewelry: tasteful, not overdone Don’t wear … Anything too short, too revealing, too tight or too sheer Blouses that are sleeveless or low-cut Casual khaki pants (neutral or khaki-colored dress slacks are OK) Open-toed or overly casual shoes, or those with extremely high heels Men Do wear … Button-up dress shirt (always well-pressed) Neck-tie of the appropriate length (tie should touch the top of your belt) Tasteful suit jacket Dress slacks (clean and pressed) Polished dress shoes Don’t wear … Short-sleeve button-up shirts with a tie Casual pants (cargos, Dockers) Casual leather shoes Wrinkled or soiled clothing White socks Interview Best Practices Workshop-Handouts, N. Abdul-Wakeel, 2017 10
- 11. Business Casual Do’s & Don’ts Ladies Do wear … Casual pants, including cropped pants and capris that hit around mid-calf Skirts and dresses in more casual styles in an appropriate length Button-up shirts, blouses or sweaters Open-toed shoes, including dress sandals Don’t wear … T-shirts Jeans, including colored styles Shorts, even longer styles that hit right at the knee Beach wear or street wear shoes, like flip-flops or sneakers Casual sundresses (a light cardigan or jacket over a sleeveless piece is an easy fix) Men Do wear … Button-up or polo-style dress shirts Casual pants (clean and neatly pressed) Sweaters Casual (and clean) leather shoes Don’t wear … T-shirts Jeans or cargo pants Tennis shoes or sandals Soiled or wrinkled clothes Pants without a belt Untucked shirts Interview Best Practices Workshop-Handouts, N. Abdul-Wakeel, 2017 11