Winning Interviewing Skills!!

1. Winning Interviewing Skills!!

2. A Guide to Successful Interviewing • So, you have landed an interview for a seemingly wonderful job! Now what? Successful interviewing will be essential in order for you get the job! • Here are some tips and strategies for effective interviewing from preparation through delivery.

3. A Guide to Successful Interviewing • Learn and Practice • Knowing as much as possible about the company can make your interview make you more interested in the company and make you more competitive • Today it is easy to gather information about a company or organization via their websites. • Know what the typical interview questions are and practice them. • Be aware of the office culture and dress for success at the interview. • Give yourself plenty of time so you can arrive on time for the interview. Be at least 15 minutes early.

4. A Guide to Successful Interviewing • Typical Interview questions –Work History • Name of company, position title and description, dates of employment. • What were your expectations for the job and to what extent were they met? • What were your starting and final salary? • What were your responsibilities? • What major challenges and problems did you face? How did you handle them? • Which was most / least rewarding? • What was the biggest accomplishment in this position? • What was it like working for your supervisor? • Why are you leaving your job? • Why were you fired? • Sample Interview Questions and Answers; Pp. 1,2. [Available On the Internet at http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewquestionsanswers/a/interviewquest.htm] Retrieved August 1, 2007

5. A Guide to Successful Interviewing • Typical Interview Questions About You. • Describe a typical work week. • How many hours do you normally work? • How would you describe the pace at which you work? • How do you handle stress and pressure? • What motivates you? • What are your salary expectations? • What do you find are the most difficult decisions to make? • Do you prefer to work independently or on a team? • Give some examples of team work. • What type of work environment do you prefer? • Describe a difficult work situation / project and how you overcame it. • How do you evaluate success? • Sample Interview Questions and Answers; Pp. 1,2. [Available On the Internet at http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewquestionsanswers/a/interviewquest.htm] Retrieved August 1, 2007

6. A Guide to Successful Interviewing • Job Interview Questions About the New Job and Company • What interests you about this job? • Why do you want this job? • What experience do you have? • Why are you the best person for the job? • Why should we hire you? • What do you know about this company? • Why do you want to work for this organization? • What challenges are you looking for in a position? • What can you contribute to this company? • Are you willing to travel? • Is there anything I haven't told you about the job or company that you would like to know? • Sample Interview Questions and Answers; Pp. 1,2. [Available On the Internet at http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewquestionsanswers/a/interviewquest.htm] Retrieved August 1, 2007

7. What Ladies Should Wear To An Interview Solid color, conservative suit Coordinated blouse Moderate shoes Limited jewelry Neat, professional hairstyle Tan or light hosiery Sparse make-up & perfume Manicured nails Portfolio, briefcase, purse How To Dress For An Interview; Pp. 1,2. [Available On the Internet at http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewattire/a/interviewdress.htm] Retrieved August 1, 2007 A Guide to Successful Interviewing

8. A Guide to Successful Interviewing • What Men Should Wear To An Interview • Solid color, conservative suit • White long sleeve shirt • Conservative tie • Dark socks, professional shoes • Very limited jewelry • Neat, professional hairstyle • Go easy on the aftershave • Neatly trimmed nails • Portfolio or briefcase • How To Dress For An Interview; Pp. 1,2. [Available On the Internet at http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewattire/a/interviewdress.htm] Retrieved August 1, 2007

9. A Guide to Successful Interviewing • Top 10 Interview Blunders • Don't PrepareNot being able to answer the question "What do you know about this company?" might just end your quest for employment, at least with this employer. Research and review it ahead of time, then print it out and read it over just before your interview to refresh your memory. Arrive late for the interview. • Dress InappropriatelyDressing inappropriately can work both ways. You will certainly want to wear a suit if you are interviewing for professional position. If you aren't sure what to wear, visit the organization and watch employees coming in and out of the office to see what they are wearing. • Poor Communication SkillsIt's important to communicate well with everyone you meet in your search for employment. It is, however, most important to positively connect with the person who might hire you. Shake hands, make eye contact, engage the person you are speaking with, and you will let the interviewer know that you are an excellent candidate for this position - before you even answer an interview question. • Inappropriate Behavior/BelongingsDon’t answer your cell phone when it rings during an interview. Leave the phone behind or at least turn it off before you enter the building. Same goes for coffee, food and anything else other than you, your resume, your job application, and your list of references. They don't belong at an interview. • Talk Too MuchThere is nothing much worse than interviewing someone who goes on and on and on... The interviewer really doesn't need to know your whole life story. Keep your answers concise, to-the-point and focused and don't ramble - simply answer the question. • Top Ten Interview Blunders; Pp. 1,2. [Available On the Internet at http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewsnetworking/a/interviewblund.htm] Retrieved August 1, 2007

10. A Guide to Successful Interviewing • Top 10 Interview Blunders • 6. Don't Talk EnoughIt's really hard to communicate with someone who answers a question with a word or two. So, even though you shouldn't talk too much, you do want to be responsive and fully answer the question as best you can. • 7. Need the FactsEven if you have submitted a resume when you applied for the job, you may also be asked to fill out a job application. Make sure you know the information you will need to complete an application including dates of prior employment, graduation dates, and employer contact information. • 8. Give the Wrong AnswerMake sure you listen to the question and take a moment to gather your thoughts before you respond. Don’t be in a hurry to respond. • 9. Badmouthing Past EmployersYour last boss was an idiot? Everyone in the company was a jerk? You hated your job and couldn't wait to leave? Even if it's true don't say so. It's sometimes a smaller world than you think and you don't know who your interviewer might know. • 10. Forget to Follow UpAfraid you didn't make the best impression? Are you sure that you aced the interviewed? Either way, be sure to follow up with a thank you note reiterating your interest in the position and the company. • Top Ten Interview Blunders; Pp. 1,2. [Available On the Internet at http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewsnetworking/a/interviewblund.htm] Retrieved August 1, 2007

11. A Guide to Successful Interviewing • Resources here on campus • DSC Career Services (Bldg. 100/Rm. 205) • DSC Career Connection • http://www.daytonastate.edu/career_services/ • Take an online career interest survey • Post your resume • Develop a career portfolio • Create personalized video of a job interview-”Perfect Interview” (interactive, interview coach) • Search for employers who are looking to fill jobs with DSC students, and much more.

12. Quiz Questions(Please answer the quiz questions and give a copy of the answers to a SSS staff member) • How can you find information about a company before the interview? • When should you arrive for an interview? • List five (5) typical interview questions about your work history. • List five (5) typical interview questions about you. • List five (5) typical interview questions about the company. • What should women wear to an interview? • What should men wear to an interview? • List five (5) interview blunders. • Where can you go at DSC for assistance with your resume, interviewing skills, and search for jobs? • List five (5) strategies you can use to prepare for an interview.