Preparing for an Interview

1. Preparing for an Interview Activity 5: Careers, Training, and Specialization in Louisiana

2. How To Find A Job • Finding a Local Job • Help Wanted Ads in Local Newspapers • Finding a job that requires relocating • Help Wanted Ads in Area Newspapers • Online access to Newspapers • Example New York Times -Job Site • Online Search Engines • Local or relocating jobs • Example www.monster.com

3. Research the Job • It is a good idea to know detailed information about a certain job before deciding to apply • Go to a search engine and research the job title • Go to the company’s website and find information on the job you may want to apply for • Make sure you know exactly what is expected a job • Is the job something you would like • Talk to others who have worked in a similar position

4. Researching A Company • Research its financials • How strong is this company • Is growth forecasted • Check reputation • Are there any complains against the company • Check the company website • Do they offer benefits • Can I advance in my career here • Search for recent news • Search engines like Yahoo can keep you up to date with this company both the good and the bad

5. Homework • Find four jobs you are interested in • The website below has a list of links you can use to research jobs. • http://www.vrml.k12.la.us/curriculum/ms/8th_grade/ss/unit2/Un2Act5/act_5.htm • Complete the Finding a Job form

6. Set up groups • Each group will have 4 to 5 people • Groups will become an Interview Committee • The people in a committee cannot apply for the job in which the committee is interviewing for

7. Group Activity • You have time to discuss the jobs on the Finding A Job form • Choose 3 jobs from these forms • The job you choose will be the job this committee will interview five other classmates for • Complete the Interview Committee Job Decision Form and turn in to teacher • Teacher will write the jobs that will be available to apply for on the board

8. What Happens Next • DO NOT begin research until your teacher tells you which job your committee will interview for • Your teacher will look over the forms you have given her and tell you which of the three jobs listings turned in will your group research. Your group will not research all jobs.

9. Homework • Remember you are now an employee for the company the teacher has assigned your group • Research the job the teacher has assigned your group. Create five questions that you find appropriate to ask during the interview. Come to class ready to discuss the questions with your group • Write down the questions and the answers to the questions if you were interviewed. This paper has to be turned in at the end of class tomorrow.

10. Group Activity • Discuss homework assignment and complete the Interview Questions Template • Give the completed Interview Questions Template and the Questions and Answers created for homework to your teacher. • These questions must be approved before the interviews – each group may want to write down additional questions in case the teacher does not approve all questions • A copy of the Interview Sign-Up Sheet should be posted in the classroom • Sign-up for a job interview – only 5 people per job.

11. Creating A Resume • The resume you are going to create is not a factual resume • Examples of Resume Steps to getting a better job • You will have to complete the resumes according to the following guideline • Names can be fictional for schools and work history • References are required – names can be fictional • Educational and Experience have to follow the guidelines on the next page

12. What to put on the resume • If your last name begins with A-H you have • Associates Degree • 5 years experience • If your last name begins with I-P you have • High School Diploma • 10 years experience • If your last name begins with Q-Z you have • Masters Degree • 2 years experience

13. Writing a Cover Letter • The purpose of the cover letter and resume should be one thing – it should demonstrate that you meet or exceed the requirements listed in the job description • should be brief and to the point • avoid negatives • Sample Cover Letters How to write a Cover Letter for a resume

14. Homework • Research the job and company you are going to be interviewed for • Write a Cover Letter and Resumes for the job you are applying for • Think of some questions that you may hear at your interview and try to prepare yourself to answer them

15. Interview Committee should have • Interview Questions • One copy for each committee member • One copy for applicant to read – (stays with the • Folder for each applicant containing • An Interview Committee Form from each committee member • Applicants Cover Letter and Resume if they have one • All must be given to the teacher before the end of the day