Interview Guidelines

1. Interview Guidelines Before, During, & After The Job Interview (Much of this information is taken from Sherry Maysonave, President of Empowerment Enterprises and from http://www.job-interview.net/)

2. Before the Interview • Learn all you can about the company or organization • Prepare sophisticated and knowledgeable questions • Know why you would like to work for that employer • Be prepared to answer and ask questions

3. Before the Interview • Prepare papers for your interview • Extra copies of your resume • Job reference lists • Reference letters • Legal pad for taking notes • Prepare your clothes for your interview

4. Communication statisticsreveal that in only five to thirty seconds, three things are determined about you, whether accurate or false: • Your IQ • Your Socioeconomic Status • Your Marital Status • Your Sense of Style • Your Educational Level • Your Age • Your Desirability

5. In only five to thirty seconds, the following three things are determined about you: • Your Socioeconomic Status • Your Educational Level • Your Desirability (are you worth hiring?)

6. How To Dress: Men and Women • Conservative two-piece business suit (solid dark blue or grey is best) • Conservative long-sleeved shirt/blouse (white is best, pastel is next best) • Clean, polished conservative shoes • Well-groomed hairstyle

7. How To Dress: Men and Women • Clean, trimmed fingernails • Empty pockets--no bulges or tinkling coins • Light briefcase or portfolio case • No visible body piercing (nose rings, eyebrow rings, etc.) • Minimal cologne or perfume

8. How to Dress: Men Only • Necktie should be silk with a conservative pattern • Dark shoes (black lace-ups are best) • Dark socks (black is best) • Get a haircut; short hair always fares best in interviews

9. How to Dress: Men Only • Make sure beard and mustache are neat and trimmed • No rings other than wedding ring or college ring • No earrings (if you normally wear one, take it out)

10. How to Dress: Women Only • Always wear a suit with a jacket - no dresses • Shoes with closed toes and heels • Conservative hosiery at or near skin color • Carry a briefcase OR conservative colored purse

11. How to Dress: Women Only • If you wear nail polish use clear or a conservative color • Minimal use of makeup • Minimal jewelry: this includes rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings

12. You Must Dress Accordingly For Your Interview • You don’t have to wear a suit! • Nice pants/skirt and shirt (no tie required but it would be nice) • If you do not have anything to wear, please speak with me after class

13. Beginning the Interview • Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early • Allow time for traffic • Allow time to get lost • Treat all people you encounter with professionalism and kindness. • Receptionist or secretary • Maintenance man • Turn cell phone off • Don't chew gum, eat candy or smell like smoke

14. Beginning the Interview • Greet the Interviewer • Shake Interviewers Hand

15. The Handshake • Truly effective handshake is going to be a "mirror" of the handshake being offered • Use a medium grip handshake, placing your hand so that the soft skin between your thumb and forefinger comes in contact with the same location on the recipient's hand. • Be prepared to squeeze down on the gorilla or lighten up on the softie • Make Eye Contact

16. Practice Your Handshake

17. During the Interview • Don’t let the employer’s casual approach cause you to drop your manners or professionalism. • No First Names • No Slang • No Curse Words • Don't interrupt the interviewer, even if you are anxious and enthusiastic about answering the question.

18. During the Interview • Be aware of your non-verbal behaviors • sit straight – avoid slouching • smile as often as you can • maintain eye contact but don't stare the interviewer down • lean forward but not invading the interviewer's space • Sit still in your seat – avoid fidgeting • Don't be shy or reluctant to talk about yourself

19. During the Interview • Don't make negative comments about previous employers or professors (or others) • Listen very carefully to each question you are asked • Give thoughtful, to-the-point and honest answers • Ask for clarification if you don't understand a question. It is OK to take a few moments of silence to gather your thoughts before answering. • Take notes

20. Of the following five behaviors candidates exhibit in job interviews, what behavior do you think recruiters find most unforgivable? • Poor personal appearance • Overemphasis on money  • Failure to look at interviewer while interviewing • Doesn’t ask questions  • Late to interview 

21. #4 – Doesn’t Ask QuestionsThoughtful questions emphasize that you are taking an active role in the job selection process, not leaving the interviewer to do all the work. Active is good. Great questions demonstrate that, far from being a passive participant, you are action-oriented and engaged, reinforcing your interest in the job.

22. Great Questions To Ask • Can you tell me about the position and the type of person you are seeking? • What does this company value the most and how do you think my work for you will further these values? • What can I bring Company XYZ to round out the team?

23. More Great Questions To Ask • What’s the most important thing I can do to help within the first 90 days of my employment? • Do you have any questions or concerns about my ability to perform this job?  • What do you see in me? What are my strongest assets and possible weaknesses? Do you have any concerns that I need to clear up in order to be the top candidate?

24. Questions Not to Ask • Is it possible for me to get a small loan? • What is it that your company does? • Can I see the break room? • What are your psychiatric benefits? • How many warnings do you get before you are fired? • Can you guarantee me that I will still have a job here a year from now?

25. More Questions Not to Ask • Would anyone notice if I came in late and left early? • What does this company consider a good absenteeism record? • The job description mentions weekend work. Are you serious? • What is the zodiac sign of the company president? • How do you define sexual harassment? • Will my office be near an ice machine?

26. The Close of the Interview • Make sure you understand the employer's next step in the hiring process; know when and from whom you should expect to hear next. • Thank the interviewer for his or her time • Establish a follow-up plan • Offer a firm handshake and make eye contact

27. After the Interview • Make notes right away so you don't forget critical details • Don't call the employer back immediately. • Senda follow up letter to all interviewers immediately • Thank him or her for the opportunity to interview • Let him or her know that should another or similar position open in the future, you would love to have the opportunity to interview again • Email thank you notes are acceptable

28. Positive attitude toward work Proficiency in field of study Communication skills (oral and written) Interpersonal skills Confidence Critical thinking and problem solving skills Flexibility Self-motivation Leadership Teamwork Top Ten Critical Success Factors

29. Doesn’t ask questions  Condemnation of past employer  Inability to take criticism  Poor personal appearance Indecisive, cynical, lazy Overbearing, over aggressive, “know it all”  Late to interview  Failure to look at interviewer while interviewing Unable to express self clearly Overemphasis on money Top Ten Strikeouts that Condemn Job Candidates

30. Will be THIS Friday, Nov 13 You are interviewing for the job you found on snagajob.com Dress Professionally Follow these guidelines we have discussed If you are absent, be dressed appropriately the next class you are present Your Mock Interview