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Effective Interviewing Skills and Preparation. YOUNG ADULT BOROUCH CENTER (YABC). Preparing for the Interview. Key Things to Perform Research the companies and organizations. Practice a series of questions that you might be asked and questions you should ask an employer (examples attached).
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Effective Interviewing Skills and Preparation YOUNG ADULT BOROUCH CENTER (YABC)
Preparing for the Interview Key Things to Perform • Research the companies and organizations. • Practice a series of questions that you might be asked and questions you should ask an employer (examples attached). • Finalize your resume (must come to the Center for Career Development for assistance) and print several copies on bond paper.
Professional attire, What does this mean? • Confirm the date, time, and location of interview or Career Fair • Arrive at least 15 minutes before the time scheduled. • Remember to smile, make eye contact, give a firm handshake and be friendly and professional to everyone. • Have a set of pens, pencils, a note pad, and portfolio
Believe in yourself! Interviewers are often trained to read people’s emotions! During the Interview/Career Fair: • Stand up, make eye contact, give a firm handshake and smile when the recruiter greets you. Do not forget to do the same at the end! • Be positive and convey positive responses to questions asked. • Remember to use proper English language vocabulary and speak clearly and in full sentences.
During the Interview/Career Fair: • Complete the employment application completely (if applicable; screening). • Think before you speak and listen carefully to the questions asked. • Be honest. • Use real-life, examples to back-up your responses. • Do not forget to get recruiter’s business cards, at the end of the interview, and ask when he/she will follow-up with you. • Always address the recruiter by their last name.
During the Interview/Career Fair: • Thank the recruiter for their time and attention. After the Interview/Career Fair: • Send a thank you letter (sample attached). • Assess how you felt you did and work on areas you feel you need improvement. Come to the Center for Career Development for assistance. • Follow-up with the employer if you have not heard from him/her (a week after the fair, if applicable).
After the Interview/Career Fair: • Practice your interviewing skills. Remember, practice makes perfect! Common Interview Questions: • Tell me about yourself,Why should I hire you?, What are your major strengths and weaknesses?, How does your previous experience relate to the job you are applying for?, What did you like most/least in your previous jobs?, What will your former employers (or teachers, if you are a recent student) say about you?,
Common Interview Questions: Tell me about a stressful situation you encountered and how did you handle it? (handout attached) Common Interview Questions (to ask an employer): • What kind of employee are you looking to fill this position?, If I am offered this position, will I receive training? If so, what does the training involve?, Will I work in a team or independently or both? Will I be evaluated? If so, when and how often?
Important Things to Also Remember • Grooming • Fashionable Attire Vs. Professional Attire; set aside attire at least a day before the interview • Definite “don’ts” include: Chewing gum, listening to your I Pod, talking on the phone , too much cologne, showing tattoos and/or body piercing, bringing people to apply for your same position
Sample Thank You Letter July 10th, 2007 Mr. James N. Ortiz Hiring Manager Goya Foods 3333 Liberty Avenue, Building 445 Jersey City, New Jersey 11765 Dear Mr. Ortiz Thank you very much for interviewing me for the Network Technician position. It was a pleasure meeting with you and learning about your company and the position. My enthusiasm for the position and my interest in working for Goya Foods were strengthened as a result of the interview. I believe my education and experience meet the job requirements, and I know that I could make a significant contribution to the firm, over time, if given the chance. I am strongly interested in the position and working with you and your staff. You provide the opportunity that I am currently seeking in my career. Thank you once again for the opportunity to interview with you. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Sincerely, Tiffany K. Acosta Tiffany K. Acosta
Interview Formats • Screening interview- Usually handled by a recruiter or a representative by Human Resources (in-person or over the telephone). • One-on-One Interview- Most common type of interview. Focus is on assessing skills, knowledge and abilities. • Panel Interview- Group interview format usually conducted by three or more people. Questions usually asked to assess interest/expertise.
Interview Formats • Peer-Group Interviews- This type of group interview will introduce you to your potential co-workers. • Luncheon Interview- This type of interview is used to assess how well candidates handle themselves in social situations. • Second Interview- Similar to first interviews except they may be longer (in time) and involve more people. Some are held at company/organization headquarters.