Interviewing 101

1. Interviewing 101 Ms. Corbett School-to-Work Coordinator, Career Center corbettji@edmonds.wednet.eduhttp://staff.edmonds.wednet.edu/ewhs/index.php/collegecareer

2. So you have an interview… • This means the employer is considering hiring you! • They wouldn’t spend time meeting people they don’t think could do the job. • You’ve successfully shown them you can do the job.

3. What’s important about an interview • It’s an exchange of information. • It is a mutual decision – it’s your responsibility to find out if this is the right job for you – not just the employer deciding if you’re right for them. • This is your one shot to sell yourself to your employer. • Bring your materials – cover letter, resume, reference page, job application!

4. Three important questions the employer must answer • Can you do the job? Do you have the skills to do the job? If you have an interview, you’ve successfully shown them that you do have the skills. • Will you do the job? This is a question of initiative and reliability. The interview is a prime opportunity to highlight these qualities.

5. Three important questions the employer must answer 3.Are you a good fit? Employers want employees who “fit” well with their company. That means, you share the same values and have the same work ethic and style. If it’s a poor fit, both you and the employer probably won’t be very happy. • Fit is the most important factor in a hiring decision • It’s important for both you and the employer to explore whether it’s a good fit

6. The Ready, Set, Go of Interviewing • Get Ready • Do your research before your interview! • Research the company. This shows them that you’re interested in working for them – not just in doing a job. Read their website, see if they’ve been in the news. What do you know about them? • Research the job description. You will be asked why you’re a good match for the job. Match your skills and experience to what they are looking for!

7. The Ready, Set, Go of Interviewing • Get Set • You will likely be asked these questions during an interview. It’s important to practice them before you meet with the employer. Practicing your answers will show that you are well thought-out and prepared! • Tell me about yourself. • Why are you interested in working for our company? • What makes you qualified for this job? • What are your strengths / weaknesses? • What do you want to know about us?

8. The Ready, Set, Go of Interviewing • Have an example or “evidence” for questions that the interviewer asks of you. People trust experiences more than skills. • Prove to them you’re reliable with a brief story about your great attendance. • Come prepared with accomplishments stories. Provide context to the situation, the skills you used, and the results of your achievements.

9. The Ready, Set, Go of Interviewing • Go • The impressions you make on your interview day will be influential on your hiring decision. • Dress / Appearance • Don’t wear jeans! Wear clean, business-appropriate clothes. Slacks, skirts, collared shirts, etc. No flip-flops! • Make sure your hair is well groomed. Don’t roll out of bed and go to your interview with bed-head. Use a comb! • Be aware of your fragrance. Make sure to wash with soap the day of your interview, and don’t over do it with cologne or perfume. • Cover tattoos and remove piercings!

10. The Ready, Set, Go of Interviewing • Arrive on time! • Arrive about 10-15 minutes before your interview. That will give you enough time to relax in the lobby or fill out any additional paperwork they give you. • Know your route! If the interview is in a place you’ve never been, drive there before the interview so that you know the route. Consider possible traffic problems you might encounter. • Treat everyone with respect • The receptionist has a huge influence on your hiring decision. If you are rude to the person who greets you, your hiring manager will hear about it. • Shake hands with people you are introduced to, and remember PLEASE and THANK YOU

11. The Ready, Set, Go of Interviewing • Answering questions – how to ace the interview • Be prepared for the common interview questions • Answer the questions briefly yet succinctly. The moment you ramble, you will lose them! • Have your evidence ready! People remember stories!

12. The Ready, Set, Go of Interviewing • Body language speaks volumes • Shake hands with people you meet • Make and keep good eye contact • Have good posture – don’t lean back in your chair or put your elbows on the table. An upright posture will show you’re interested and engaged • Don’t fidget your hands. If you get shaky when you’re nervous, hold your hands in your lap. • Know your nervous habits! Try not to giggle, or say umm too much! Use appropriate English. • Do you have questions for me/us? • Come prepared with questions to ask your interviewer. This shows that you are thoughtful and interested.

13. After the interview • Thank the interviewer for their time, shake their hand, and get a business card if you haven’t already. • Follow up with a thank you note or email. This is essential! It shows that you are thoughtful, interested, professional and mature! • Reflect on what went well and what didn’t go well. There will be another chance to interview in the future and a chance for improvement!

14. Questions??? • Visit Ms. Corbett in the Career Center! • One-on-one interview prep • Work through sample interview questions • Get feedback on your resume!