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INTERVIEWING. Before the Interview During the Interview After the Interview. Modified by the Ag Ed Leadership Revision Committee May 2007. BEFORE THE INTERVIEW. Job Interview Purpose.
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INTERVIEWING Before the Interview During the Interview After the Interview Modified by the Ag Ed Leadership Revision Committee May 2007
Job Interview Purpose • It provides an opportunity for you to sell yourself verbally to the employer on why you are the best applicant for the job.
Research -- Be able to ask ??? • Research -- Be able to ask intelligent ?? • Library books • Newspaper articles • Talk to people who work for the company • Visit their internet site • Check Human Resource Department for press kit about company history The more information you know, the better you can showcase yourself!!!
Sources of Information About Company • Newspaper or Magazines • Brochures • Chamber of Commerce • Internet Website of Company • Employees • Customers • Position Announcements
Rehearsal Time • Interview with a friend • Practice typical questions using a mirror and tape recorder • Create a 30-second “commercial” that highlights your unique talents and skills
Practice Interview Questions • What is your experience? • What activities did you participate in school, community, etc.? • What are your career goals? • Why do you want this job? • What are your major strengths? • What are your major weaknesses? • How well do you get along with others? • Are you willing to work overtime? • When can you begin work? • Tell me about yourself.
General tips on Interviewing • Be neat and be well groomed • Dress appropriate for type of job applied for • Go to interview alone • Be on time • Use good manners and appropriate gestures • Pay attention to interviewer • Ask appropriate questions about the job • Have necessary personal reference information with you • Smile and Relax • Ask some opening questions • Have good posture • Sound enthusiastic • Make eye contact • Avoid distracting habits (rocking, etc.) • Videotape yourself for practice
Remember -- You make your first impression on the telephone!!!!! Telephone Skills • Speak clearly • Say it with a SMILE • Repeat time and location of the interview
Dress For Success • Be conservative in dress • Dress one step above what employees are wearing • Shower and shave • Use cologne and perfume sparingly • Avoid extra jewelry
A business suit-blue, gray, black Keep skirt length appropriate: hemline no shorter than the bottom of the knee Wear quality fabrics Shoes that match Solid colors One ring per hand One set of earrings Professional Dress for Women
Conservative color for suit, ex. Blue, gray, black A white collared shirt with a conservative tie, no wild patterns (cartoon characters) Socks needed to match suit Don’t wear athletic socks Shoes need to be shined Don’t wear accessories (a watch is fine) Avoid wearing a suit that you can tell is from an expensive designer Professional Dress for Men
Hair should be trimmed, neatly arranged, and clean Fingernails should be neat, clean, and trimmed Avoid using colognes, scented powders, and perfumes Keep pockets empty of tinkling coins No gum, candy, or cigarettes Women: Don’t wear too much makeup Keep hair pulled back and out of face Be conservative: earrings, piercing, etc Tips for Men and Women
Do’s • Act Natural • Be Prompt • Carry out Promises • Ask Questions • Allow Employer to Express Ideas • Read Company Literature • Follow Procedures • Be Clear and Precise • Listen Effectively to Interviewer
Don’ts Be Late Present an Extreme Appearance Come unprepared Oversell Yourself Become Impatient Try to be Funny Put Emphasis on Salary Criticize Yourself Talk Too Much and Control Interview
AT THE INTERVIEW It’s Showtime
What makes a good first impression? • Proper handshake • Proper introduction • Good posture • Neat appearance: attire grooming personal hygiene
Body Language • Good Posture • Sit up straight, Sit on the edge of chair, Avoid crossing legs and arms • Inviting Gestures • Firm handshake • Nod your head -- indicates you are listening • Eye Contact • Indicates confidence • Speak Clearly • Standard English, not slang • Not only what you say, but how you say it
Typical Questions • Tell me about yourself. • What are your strengths? • What are your weaknesses? • What are some of your goals? • Do you like working with others or on your own? ???Honesty is the best policy???
Typical Tough Questions??? • What qualities do you have that offset your lack of experience? • Are you going to move to a better job as soon as you gain experience here? • If you are faced with a deadline you can’t meet, what will you do? Stay Calm, Don’t be Defensive, Focus on your Skills
Employee Questions • What services or products does the company provide? • Who are the company’s customers? • Who are the key personnel? • Where are company headquarters, plants, etc? • What are the specific duties of the job applied for? • What is the name of the interviewer? • How profitable is the company? Annual revenue? Number of employees, etc?
Questions to Avoid • Salary • Research other companies, give a range • Vacations • Benefits • Sick leave
Final Comments • Thank the interviewer for the interview • Decide a convenient time you can call on the hiring status
After an Interview Following Up
Evaluate the Interview • Did you speak clearly? • Did you forget important information? • Will you accept or reject the job offer?
Thank You Letter • Reinforce your skills and abilities • Insert added information you may have forgotten • Restate your continued interest in the company Remember to call back at appointed time!!!!!
Accepting the Job Offer • Ask for a day to think about the job offer • List pro and cons before you accept the job • Ask for a formal offer letter for your files • Send and keep a copy of your acceptance letter
Rejecting the Job Offer • You are offered the job, but the salary is too low. Negotiate your salary. • The job isn’t what you expected: Be tactful in your response…
If you are not hired… • Consider it a learning experience • Ask why you were not hired • Do you need more training? • How can you improve in your interview? Feedback will help you in future interviews