The Interview “Putting your best face forward”

The Interview“Putting your best face forward” Eaglevision Ministries, Inc. Pat Cross

Do Your Homework! • What does the company do? • Where is the business located? • Clothing ready • Transportation • Child Care • Resume on hand • Practice

What and Where? • What does the company do? • Internet Research • Phone Call • Library • Where are they located? • Verify Address by phone • Mapquest, Yahoo or Google Maps • City or County Map

Pick out your clothes the day before. Make certain they are clean and PRESSED. Clean and polish your shoes. Have a back up plan in case you spill your breakfast coffee on yourself!

HOW WILL YOU GET THERE? If going by bus, make certain you call and get the schedules and routes. Take an earlier bus and wait – don’t take a chance on being late! • If you plan to drive: • Make sure you have the directions! Double check! • Take a practice run the day before. • Make certain you have enough gas. ALWAYS HAVE A BACK-UP PLAN!

Arrange for Child Care • DON’T Take you children with you! • Don’t leave them in the car to wait. • Don’t leave them home alone. • Do arrange for a friend or relative to watch them. • Work first or DHS have services available to provide you with childcare while you look for and are working. DO HAVE A BACK UP PLAN!

Resume and Practice Take at least two (2) fresh copies of your resume with you. • Dress for your interview the day before and sit down and practice answering questions with a friend, or even to a mirror. • Situational questions • Behavioral questions • Tough questions

ARRIVE EARLY • Arrive at least 10 minutes early. • You may be asked to fill out an application while waiting for your interview. • Take a deep breath and relax. • Make sure you have a least 2 hours free for any onsite testing they may have • Don’t have someone sitting outside waiting

THE GREETING • Eye contact • Smile • Firm handshake • Follow their lead • Sit when asked • Face your interviewer (It’s ok if you are nervous)

INTERVIEW DO’S • Make certain you know the interviewers name and title • Maintain eye contact • Treat the interview seriously • Answer questions truthfully and specifically • Sit still in your seat • Ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question

More Interview Do’s • Be aware of what your body language is saying • Have a positive attitude • Have intelligent questions to ask the interviewer • Thank your interviewer at the end • Send a thank you note within 24 hours

Interview Don’ts • Answer your cell phone – Turn it off before your interview! • Slouch • Chew gum • Have a large stack of papers with you to fumble through • Look at your watch or the clock • Smell like smoke • Take a friend, parents or pet!

MORE INTERVIEW DON’TS • Make excuses • Make negative comments about previous employers or co-workers • Ask about salary and benefits • Lie or give false information • Act desperate for any employment • Be unprepared for questions for typical interview questions.

SAFETY IN INTERVIEWS • Location • Make certain it’s in a public place • Even if employer works out of his/her home, interview should be arranged at restaurant or other public location • Don’t interview in a parking lot or private hotel room • Identity • if uncertain ask for a business card

Typical Stages in Interview • Introductions • Review of your background and interests • Matching begins • process of determining whether the employer's job opening(s) match your interests and qualifications. If there seems to be a match, the interviewer will probably explain job details to see how interested you are in the position. • Conclusion

Typical Interview Questions • Long and short range goals? • Why did you choose this career? • What are your strengths, weaknesses and interests? • How would a friend or co-worker describe you? • Describe a situation….. • What motivates you? • How could you contribute to this company?

Answering Difficult Questions in a Job Interview! • The Truth, the Whole Truth and nothing but the Truth • Basic Principles • Honesty without too many details • Understand your strong points • Know what the employer is looking for • Have answers rehearsed and be ready for the hard ones

Why Did You Leave Your Last Job? • Do not “bad mouth” your last employer • It was not a good “Fit” • There were some scheduling issues • Wanted to make a career change • The company downsized • Lay-off • Lack of funding • Company buyout • Position eliminated due to new corporate direction • Change of management

Why do you have gaps in your employment history? • Substance Abuse Issues • Addiction is considered a health issue • Answer as such, assuring that you are now healthy after treatment • Looking for Employment • School or Training • Health – now resolved • Caring for a relative • Children at home

Ever Been Convicted of a Misdemeanor or Felony? • Be honest but avoid too much detail • Do not write “will explain at interview” on application • Take full responsibility • Do not blame others • State it will never happen again • Then list the steps you have taken to prevent it from ever happening again! • Do not lie on application or at interview about having a conviction

Difficult Questions • Explain how you have turned “lemons to lemonade” • Explain how you have made real efforts to make positive changes in your life!

Questions to ask the interviewer • Could you explain your organizational structure? • What are the day to day responsibilities for this job? • What is the company policy on providing training and seminars to keep or upgrade skills? • Can you describe an ideal employee? • What type of computers and software will I be working with (or tools and equipment)?

Thank you Letters – Follow-up • Thank you letter • Shows appreciation for company interest • Re-states your interest in the position • Reviews your qualifications for the job • Demonstrates good manners • Handwritten or typed and MAILED • Follow up call • After 7 days, a telephone call regarding position is appropriate

Congratulations on a successful interview!

The Interview “Putting your best face forward”