Job Interviewing Techniques

1. Job Interviewing Techniques

2. How to Prepare for the Interview • Do a little homework! • Research the company and the position itself. • For example: products and services, customers, competitors, history, recent news, financial-related information

3. Research the Company and the Position

4. Prepare for the Actual Interview • Practice answers to common questions. • Prepare a list of questions to ask the employer. • Make a list of your experience and qualifications. • Rehearse your interview with a friend. • Check your diction, speed, and body language.http://takeyourtips.com/6-tips-on-how-to-presenting-the-best-body-language/ • Take your resume and a list of references to the interview.

5. Dressing for Success • clean and polished conservative dress shoes • well-groomed hairstyle • cleaned and trimmed fingernails • minimal cologne or perfume • no visible body piercing beyond conservative ear piercings for women • well-brushed teeth and fresh breath • no gum, candy, or other objects in your mouth • minimal jewelry • no body odor

6. Dressing for Success for Women • Wear a conservative dark navy or gray skirted suit. • A blazer with blouse and skirt is a possible second choice to a suit. • Skirt length should be a little below the knee and never shorter than above the knee. • Blouses should be cotton or silk and should be white, or some other light color. • Shoes should be low-heeled. • Make-up should be minimal, with lipstick and nail polish conservative tones. • Pantyhose should be flawless (no runs) and conservative in color. • Opt for a briefcase rather than a purse.

7. Dressing for Success for Men • Conservative dark navy or gray two-piece business • White long-sleeved button-down dress shirt • Conservative silk tie (that matches the colors in your suit) • If the company is a bit more informal, then you should wear a conservative sports coat, nicely pressed dress slacks, a white long-sleeved button-down shirt, a conservative silk tie, and nicely polished dress shoes. • Belt should match your shoes. • Beard and mustache should be neatly trimmed. • If you have visible body parts pierced, most experts recommend removing all jewelry, including earrings.

8. Before the Interview • Be on time. • Greet interviewer with a smile and firm handshake. • Don’t make negative comments about former employers. • Relax!

9. During the Interview • Show self-confidence. Make eye contact. • Reflect before answering a difficult question. • Ask the questions you prepared before the interview. • Do not ask questions that raise “red flags.” Example: “Is relocation a requirement?” • Show you are the best candidate for the job. Relate your previous experience with the qualifications for the job in which you are applying. • Avoid negative body language. (avoiding eye contact, gnawing on your lip, slouching, swinging your leg, etc.)

10. Common Interview Questions

11. Tell me about yourself. • Discuss your education, professional achievements and professional goals. • Describe your qualifications for the job, and how you could help the company if hired.

12. "Why do you want to work here?" • Show the interviewer your interest in the company. • Share what you learned about the job, the company and the industry through your own research. • Talk about how your professional skills will benefit the company.

13. "Why did you leave your last job?” • Interviewer is looking for problems in your last job. • Possible reasons; relocated, laid off, company closed, temporary job, no room for advancement, returned to school, etc.

14. What are your major strengths? (skills) • Answer with the skills that would be most valuable to the company.

15. What are your major weaknesses? • Turn a weakness into a strength. • For example, I am a perfectionist. I go over and over things until they are perfect. I cannot walk away until they are right.

16. Do you prefer to work by yourself or with others? • Looking for a team player. Answer should be with others.

17. What are your career goals? • Discuss your educational goals. • Describe your career aspirations.

18. Do you play sports? • Yes, and make it a team sport. (basketball, football, volleyball, etc.)

19. Questions that You Might Ask during the Interview • If I work hard and prove to be a good employee, where might I be in five years? • Does your company provide future training opportunities for your employees?

20. Questions You Should Not Ask • Do not ask questions about salary or potential benefits the company may or may not offer.

21. Things Not to Do in an Interview • Arrive late for the interview. • Look disheveled and inappropriately dressed. • Slouch in your seat. • Don't maintain good eye-contact with the interviewer. • Do your company research at the interview by asking, "What do you guys do here?" • Don't make a connection between your skills and the needs of the employer. • Brag about how great you are, but neglect to cite evidence of your accomplishments. • Respond in an unfocused, disorganized, and rambling manner. • Remain low-key and display no enthusiasm for the job. • Answer most questions with simple "yes" and "no" answers. • Appear desperate for a job--any job. • Call the interviewer by his or her first name, or use the wrong name. • Give memorized responses, forgetting parts in the process. • Badmouth your current or former employer. • Ask "How am I doing? Are you going to hire me?" • Blurt out, "I need to make at least $35,000. I hope this job pays at least that much," near the beginning of the interview. • When asked "Do you have any questions?", reply "No."

22. Exiting the Interview • End the interview with a handshake and thank the interviewer for his or her time. • Reiterate your interest in the job. • You might ask when you might learn whether or not you have the position.

23. After the Interview