The Job Interview

1. The Job Interview

2. Before You Head Out The Door… • Never bring anyone with you to a job interview. Always go alone. • Bring several copies of your resume and carry them in a simple manila folder. • Bring a typed list with three personal references (Names, addresses, and telephone numbers). • Bring your Social Security Card. • Bring your work permits and visas. • Bring your work samples or your portfolio if needed. • Bring money for gas, tolls, public transportation, and telephone. • Write the manager’s name, department, address, and telephone number in a notebook in case you need directions. • Plan to arrive 10 minutes before the interview begins. • If something happens and you are going to be late, call the manager.

3. The Opening Deliver a 45 Second Opening Statement:When the manager says, “Relax and tell me about yourself”- • First- Talk about your training, skills, and accomplishments. • Second- Tell the manager that you are a hard worker and give a few examples from your past to prove it. • Third- Mention that you are friendly and helpful, that you are easily coached, and that you work well with practically everyone.

4. What The Manager Does Not Want To See: • That, if hired, you’ll need too much time to get your feet on the ground, become productive, and pull your own weight. • That you won’t put in an honest days work. • That you’re sloppy and you’ll constantly need someone to check your work. • That you’ll be lazy, give only the minimum effort, and have to be told when to do everything. • That you’ll frequently call in sick, arrive late, leave early, refuse overtime, and constantly ask for raises. • That you’re a quitter and you’ll walk out when they need you most. • That you’re a chronic complainer. • That you’re a braggart and you’d take credit for someone else's work. • That you would let others pay for your mistakes, blunders, sloppy work, or forgetfulness. • That you’re arrogant, conceited, rude, pushy, antagonistic, or moody. • That you’d show no pride in your work, appearance, or behavior. • That you’d steal, lie, or cheat. • That you’d disgrace the company, the department, the manager, or your fellow workers.

5. Sell Myself? Most people don’t get the job because they don’t sell themselves. • Most interviews begin with the question, “Tell me about yourself.” Talk about your accomplishments, skills, and abilities – NOT your childhood, family, hobbies, or interests • Show what you can do for the company. You know which skills and requirements the manager is looking for. So, explain what you can deliver. • Participate in the conversation. Use examples or stories to explain what you mean. Look the manager in the eye. Use your hands to illustrate what you mean. Smile. Add a little humor when you can. • Most people won’t say whether they want the job or not, so make sure you do. “Ms. Smith, I’m a fast learner. I try to give more than what’s expected. I’m easy to get along with. I like what I see here – and I want this job.”

6. Plan to arrive ten-minutes early. Hiring managers are clock watchers. Don’t be late. If something does happen and you’re going to be late – call and explain why you’ll be late. The average job interview lasts about 55 minutes. Interviews for management-level positions last 86 minutes. -Robert Half Recruitment