Ace Your Interview: Preparing, Executing, and Following Up

1. INTERVIEWING Before the Interview During the Interview After the Interview

2. BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

3. 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!!!

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. Do’s • Do arrive on time -- Make a trial run before • Do act enthusiastic • Do have a positive attitude • Do be aware of current events

8. Don’t be late • Don’t make yourself comfortable in their • office until you have been invited to do so Don’ts • Don’t chew gum • Don’t give one-word, yes or no, answers • Don’t appear desperate

9. AT THE INTERVIEW It’s Showtime

10. 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

11. 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???

12. 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

13. Employee Questions • Whom would I be working with most closely? • How many people have held this job in the last 10 years? Where did they go? • What advancement do you see for me in five years if I have proven myself?

14. Questions to Avoid • Salary • Research other companies, give a range • Vacations • Benefits • Sick leave

15. Final Comments • Thank the interviewer for the interview • Decide a convenient time you can call on the hiring status

16. After an Interview Following Up

17. Evaluate the Interview • Did you speak clearly? • Did you forget important information? • Will you accept of reject the job offer?

18. 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!!!!!

19. 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

20. 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…

21. Rejection of a Job • Consider it a learning experience • Ask why you weren’t hired • Do you need more training? • How can you improve in your interview? Feedback will help you in future interviews

22. HAPPY HUNTING