Mastering Interview Techniques: Elevate Your Presentation Skills Today!

1. Interview T.I.P.S. Training to Improve Presentation Skills

2. Objectives of Program • The goal is to teach you how to present yourself better before, during and after interviews, so you can get the job you want. • We’ll be discussing applications, resumes and interviews throughout this module.

3. Job Applications

4. Ask for a job description Make a copy Pay attention to directions Type if possible Use black or blue ink Don’t exaggerate Fill in all blanks Print Proofread carefully Sign Attach resume Application Guidelines

5. Legal or Illegal Questions Legal: • Personal Information • Desired Position • Past Experience • Educational Background • Special Skills Illegal: • Social Security Number • DOB, Age, Race, Marital Status… • Disabilities • Convictions • Credit Rating

6. Personal Information • Name (not nickname) • Address (use permanent one) • Phone Numbers (home & cell, not work) • E-Mail Address (make sure it’s appropriate)

7. Position Desired • Title • Status (part-time, full-time, etc.) • Date you can start

8. Education and Training • Academic • Career and Technical or Vocational School • Military • Schools attended • Dates attended • Degrees/Certificates

9. Job Related Skills, etc. • Types of equipment • Computer skills • Special training • Certifications • Licenses (CDL, etc.)

10. Employment History • Begin with most recent job • Employer’s name, address, phone • Supervisor’s name • Job title • Salary • Reason for leaving

11. References • People who can speak positively about you, never list relatives • Have their permission before listing • Have current contact information • Have several to choose from

12. Appearance Writing Style Personal information Position desired Education and Training Special job-related skills Employment history References Signature Date Application Checklist

13. Sample Application • Complete the sample application in your student handbook • Use checklist • Proofread

14. Application Summary • Gathering and recording accurate information for completing a job application is important. • Be honest, prepared, and thorough. • The application makes a first impression, make it a good one.

15. Resumes

16. Brainstorming Activity • What would you look for in a resume if you were an employer?

17. Types of Resumes • Chronological-Job history, job titles and employers are emphasized. • Functional- Skills and accomplishments are highlighted. • Combination- Presents patterns of accomplishments and skills in categorical sections.

18. Chronological good to use when… Recent employers are impressive Job history shows progress Staying in same career field Bad to use when... Changed employers frequently Have gaps in work history Changing career field Functional good to use when… Focus is on skills, not work experience There is a variety of unrelated experience Re-entering the work force Bad to use when… Emphasizing promotions and growth Which One to Use?

19. Which One to Use? • Combination good to use when… • Desire to change to a job in a related career field • Desire to promote the most marketable skills • Desire to acknowledge skills that are complimentary but not necessarily required (i.e. leadership coursework through military, etc.) • Bad to use when… • Trying to circumvent specific job requirements as outlined on job advertisements (i.e. requirement for unbroken work history, etc.)

20. Contact Information • Name • Use bold type • Address • Phone Number • Email Address • Keep it professional

21. Objective • Include in this section • Type of position wanted • Level of responsibility desired • Should be specific and employer centered • Should include how you can “add value” in the company

22. Education • What should be included in this section? • Degrees and GPA • Name of institutions attended • Dates attended/graduated • Special workshops/seminars attended

23. Work Experience • What should be emphasized in this section? • Responsibilities • Achievements • Name of organization • Title • Dates

24. Additional Information • What things could be listed here? • Interests • Computer skills • Recent civic activities • Hobbies • Awards/Honors (most global listed first)

25. Writing Tips • What do you think are the most important writing rules for writing resumes? • Spelling • Grammar • Punctuation

26. Cover Letters • Cover letters introduce your resume and should always be used. • Three main topics: • Why you are interested in the company • Why the employer should be interested in you • The possibility of meeting to discuss

27. Resume Summary • Do not be bashful or embarrassed about selling yourself. • Prepare specific resumes, each focused on a specific job or field. • Remember that employers use resumes to screen applicants, make yours the best! • Cover letters are essential components that grab the attention of the resume rater.

28. Interviews

29. Brainstorming Activity • “The best or worst thing about an interview is…”

30. Steps in an Interview • Preparation • Presentation • Follow-up

31. Prepare: Before the Interview • Learn about the company/position • Review your resume • Double-check time and location • Prepare what you want to say • Rehearse with mock interviews

32. Interviewers look for... • General personality • Personal appearance • Work experience • Verbal communication skills • Work skills • Goals/Motivation • Knowledge of company/industry

33. Clothes Clean, conservative Pressed Hair Clean Conservative style Nails Clean and trimmed Clear polish Jewelry Not flashy Conservative Cologne/Perfume None Make-up Light, natural Appearance

34. Openness Open hands/arms Relaxed posture (but not slumped) Confidence “Steeple” hands Good eye contact Cooperation Head tilted Sitting on chair edge Positive Body Language

35. Defensiveness Crossed arms/legs Pointing/Fists Suspicion Sideways glance Rubbing nose Nervousness Throat clearing Fidgeting Sweating palms Frustration Short breaths Hand through hair Insecurity Chewed pen Fingernail biting Hands in pockets No eye contact Negative Body Language

36. Lack of enthusiasm Sloppy appearance Know-it-all Lack of courtesy Limp handshake Late to interview Criticizing previous employer Nervous Inability to express ideas clearly Money focused No eye contact Asks no questions about the job Why didn’t they hire me?

37. Be natural Be confident, not cocky Don’t exaggerate your experience Don’t interrupt Be attentive Don’t lounge Don’t wisecrack Don’t dominate Make sure you understand questions Points to Remember

38. Tell me about yourself What are your greatest strengths? Why do you want to work here? What does teamwork mean to you? What is your greatest weakness? Why are you the best candidate? How do you handle problems with people? Common Questions

39. Illegal Questions • Sex, race, religion or ethnic background • Age, unless there are legal restrictions about age related to the job • Marital status, children or other family members • A non-work related disability • An arrest record • Details of a military discharge

40. Questions to Ask • Job focused • “What do you see as the most interesting part of this position?” • Open-ended • “What types of training are offered for this position?”

41. Follow-up Letters • Thank the person for the interview • Keep it short and friendly • Use quality paper • Good grammar • No typos

42. Interview Summary • Three parts of an interview • Preparation • Presentation • Follow up

43. Conclusion • First impressions are lasting ones. • Put your best foot forward in all areas: applications, resumes and interviews. • Practice makes perfect. • Attitude is altitude.