jcep

1. Interviews www.jcep.info

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3. Interviews can be conducted in a variety of ways • Individual Interviews – more of a conversation • Panel Interview – three or more doing the interviewing • Phone Interview – screening technique www.jcep.info

4. The Four Stages of an Interview • Introduction – Interviewer will form an initial impression • Employer Questions – Interviewer trying to determine how well you’ll fit the position • Applicant Questions – Applicant making sure they’ll fit the company and the position • Closing – Interviewer will draw the interview to a close, applicant should make Interviewer knows if they are truly interested in the position www.jcep.info

5. 30 Second Commercial: • What To Include • • Who am I? • • Why am I talking to you? • • What is my objective? • • What are my strengths? • • How did I achieve those strengths? • • What are my passions? • • How do these apply to your company? www.jcep.info

6. 30 Second Commercial: • Putting it all together • • Use crisp, concise, and memorable language. • • Emphasize strengths and link to needs of employer. • • Be descriptive of your acquired skills and abilities. • • Make it sound natural/conversational. • • Be sincere and show your true personality. • • Keep it current. • • Project passion for what you (want to) do. • • Include competitive advantage. www.jcep.info

7. 30 Second Commercial: • Putting it all together • Don’t: • • Leave them asking “so what?” • • Let it sound canned or memorized. • • Ramble. • • Try to sound too self-important. • • Get bogged down with details, industry jargon or slang. www.jcep.info

8. 30 Second Commercial: • Putting it all together • Practice! • • Keep it at 30 seconds or less. • • Use only relevant information. • • Practice saying it out loud. • • Share with others and get feedback. • • Rewrite and revise to suit each interview, meeting or professional contact. www.jcep.info

9. Getting Ready for the Interview • Anticipate possible questions and practice answers. • Research the company before the interview. • Prepare questions to ask in the interview. • Do a dry run going to the interview location before the day of your interview. • Get a good night’s sleep before the interview. • Review your research. • Get up in time to shower and dress carefully. • Leave for the interview with plenty of time to spare. • Make sure you know how to get there, where to park, and how much time to allow for traffic. www.jcep.info

10. Getting Ready for the Interview Look Good • Go to the interview neat and clean. • Dress conservatively and comfortably. • Avoid heavy makeup and trendy or flashy clothes or jewelry. Be Punctual • Arrive 15 minutes ahead of schedule. www.jcep.info

11. Getting Ready for the Interview Be Aware of Body Language • Turn off electronic devices (cell phone, pager, etc.). • Offer a firm handshake. • Stand or sit erect but comfortably. • Sit down only after offered a chair. • Lean forward in your chair and relax. • Don’t fidget. • Use eye contact, but don’t stare. www.jcep.info

12. Getting Ready for the Interview • Carry a Portfolio • • Show the interviewer that you planned ahead. • • Bring all necessary information: • – pad and pen and a calendar • – samples of work (if appropriate) • – your notes on the company • – your questions to ask the interviewer • – several copies of your resume • – any correspondence from the company • – a copy of the application form • – reference list/letters of recommendation www.jcep.info

13. Getting Ready for the Interview Be Enthusiastic • Have a positive attitude in the interview. • Be friendly, but not casual. • Be professional and courteous to everyone. • Don’t be negative about anything! • Sell yourself – the difference between bragging and self-confidence is enthusiasm. • Use eye contact and voice expression to your benefit. Smile • Do not grin, but smile as you would in any conversation www.jcep.info

14. Sample Interview Questions Tell me about yourself. Why did you leave your current/previous position? What do you consider your most significant accomplishment? Why do you believe you are qualified for this position? Have you ever accomplished something you didn’t think you could? How do you handle pressure? What is the most embarrassing aspect about your career? What would you have done differently? What do you consider your most significant strength? What do you consider your most significant weakness? www.jcep.info

15. Sample Interview Questions Situational questions are often asked and can be difficult to answer… “What would you do if your supervisor told you to do something illegal?” “How would you deal with a difficult supervisor or co-worker?” www.jcep.info

16. Questions to Ask the Employer How would you describe the responsibilities of the position? How would you describe a typical week/day in the position? Who does this position report to? How many people work in this office/department? How much travel is expected? Is overtime expected, weekend work? If I’m extended a job offer, how soon would you like me to start? Are there any other questions I can answer for you? www.jcep.info

17. Research the Company The research can of course start with their web site, but their annual report, and people you know who work for the company can also be good resources. “Your company literature indicated that the company actively encourages continuing education. What opportunities are there?” www.jcep.info

18. Don’t forget to say Thank You! Thank you for the opportunity to interview yesterday. The information you shared with me about the Washington National Bank was most interesting, and I am excited about the possibility of applying my education and experience in the position of loan officer for your bank. The expansion and public lending plans are especially intriguing, and I look forward to helping the bank enter the new market. If I can provide you with any additional information, please let me know. I look forward to hearing from you soon. www.jcep.info