The Job Interview

LOHS Mock Interview Program Interviewing Overview Presentation (approx 25 mins) PRACTICE Interview Skills in small groups (approx 50 mins) Final Q&A and What to expect in YOUR Mock Interview (approx 5 mins) Hint: Get out a pen & paper to take notes… The Job Interview

Interviews are used for more than just jobs…think college admissions, scholarships, internships…. The Interview • Interview: Two-way exchange, a conversation, in which both participants have goals • Interviewer: • Sees you in action (dress, body language, conversation) • Learns about your personality, skills & experience • Assesses the fit between you and the requirements • Interviewee: • Learns about the specific opportunity (internship, job, college, scholarship) • Assess the fit between you and the requirements Source: US Department of State, Department of Human Resources

Places to look for a job • Walk-in’s / Window Postings • Merchants around LO are often hiring; dress well and prepare before you walk in, take paperwork home to complete • Online • Craigslist, placement sites, corporate sites , indeed.com • Networking • Your neighborhood and friends are full of people “in the know” • Send out job-wanted emails with resume attached

Showstopper = a bad thing! If you resume or application has a typo chances are you will NOT get called for an interview. Applications and Resumes • These will dictate your chances of getting an interview • They must be neat, concise and accurate • Don’t embellish, be honest • Typos and errors are showstoppers – have someone proofread everything • References and cover letters are encouraged

Practice Interviewing… An ounce of practice is worth more than tons of preaching. ~ Mahatma Gandhi Practice is the best of all instructors. ~ Pubilius Syrus (Roman author, 1st century B.C.E.) When you are not practicing, remember, someone somewhere is practicing, and when you meet him he will win. ~ Ed Macauley, Basketball player 1928

Get to the Interview on Time • Know where you are going; print out directions if needed • Know how long it will take to get to the interview • Make a practice run prior to your interview if you are not familiar with the location • Arrive 10 – 15 minutes early • Turn off your cell phone or don’t bring it!

What to Bring to an Interview • The help-wanted ad from the newspaper or from the internet • A copy of your resume • A pen and small notebook to take notes • Prepared questions (do your research!!) • ID (i.e., drivers license for real interviews); you may need to provide your social security number if you get the job This advise is for a “real” interview. We will talk later about what you should bring to your ACS MOCK interview.

Practice, practice, practice…it takes practice to be comfortable. Make a Good First Impression • Shake the interviewer’s hand; Use a firm, confident grip • Make your first 10 words count • Be assertive, but not aggressive • Make eye contact and smile • Be vibrant and positive • Learn the interviewer’s name and use it during the greeting

Create a Professional Image • Appearance • Hair neat and clean • No aftershave or perfume • No chewing gum • Light makeup and nails of appropriate length • Small earrings, no other piercings • Reputation • Maintain a good reputation within your community • Clean up your Facebook account Based on a survey conducted by Careerbuilder.com approximately 30% of hiring managers use Facebook to find candidates and do background checks.

Clothes • What to wear? Boys: collared shirt, khaki pants or other nice slacks, dress shoes or best pair of athletic shoes, a tie is good Girls: blouse or nice shirt, conservative skirt, dress or slacks, flats or low heels • Generally speaking for an interview, dress-up one level from what is required to fit the job • Wear conservative clothes that are stain free, clean and not wrinkled

Clothes • What not to wear? Boys: No sagging pants, no jeans, no shorts, no hats, no hooded sweatshirts Girls: No exposed shoulders or midriff, no cleavage, no short skirts or dresses, no flip-flops

And save the skin for the beach…better to err on the conservative side. Appearance Matters: You never get a second chance to make a first impression

Which hand shake will impress a prospective boss?

Be Aware of Your Body Language • Walk with purpose • Sit up straight – be alert • Make eye contact • Keep your hands calm • Try to relax • Be yourself

Which posture suggests a better worker?

When You Answer • Speak distinctly and loud enough so the interviewer can easily hear you • Use crisp, complete sentences and good grammar • Answer the question that is asked, use specific examples more than generalities • Avoid slang - “stuff”, “uh”, “like”, “yea” • Don’t repeat yourself

Later today each student will receive a sample list of questions to help prepare for your ACS practice interview. Be Prepared to Answer These Questions • Why do you want this job? • Do you have any helpful experiences that would assist you in doing this job better? • What would your teachers say about you? • Why should we hire you?

Things NOT to Say in a Job Interview • “I’m not sure I want this job, I have others I am applying for.” • If asked “What is a weakness you have?,” don’t tell all. • “I’m very busy with sports and friends, so can I have time off whenever I need it?” Remember: You are being hired to help the employer, not the other way around.

Bring Prepared Questions Sample Questions to ask an Interviewer: • How long have you been with the company? • Did you start at this position? • What do you enjoy about your job? • When will you be making your decision? • May I contact you later this week?

This is often referred to as ASKING FOR THE JOB. You need to communicate that you are interested in the job after all you have heard! Make a Good Exit • At the end, if you still want the job, tell the interviewer: • I would love to work for your company and hope you'll give me the chance. • I know I could add a lot to your store/theater/business, and I would love to work for you. • It would be great for me to work for you, and I'd really appreciate filling this position for you. • I hope you'll give me an opportunity to work here; I think I'd be a great fit. • Shake hands. • Thank the interviewer by name. “Thank you Mr. Smith. It was a pleasure meeting you. When will you be making your decision? May I contact you…?”

After the Interview • Send a thank you note the next day (Email or voicemail may also be appropriate) • Make notes for yourself (names, important facts from the interviewer, what you did well and what you would do differently) • Call back on the day they said they would decide • Maintain a good relationship even if you don’t get the job. You may encounter this person later • Call them if you take another job prior to hearing from them

Now we are talking about YOUR practice interview for this class… ACS Mock Interview • Your preparedness and professionalism are most critical for the mock interview – not your availability • If an interviewer asks about your availability, you can say that you are available on weekends & weeknights even if you have extra-curricular activities (just for this interview!)

ACS Mock Interview • Bring a copy of your resume and hand it to the interviewer • Bring a pen and paper to take notes • Dress appropriately (you can change afterwards) • Shake hands when greeted with eye contact • Give concise, relevant answers • Ask at least one intelligent question about the job or company • Ask for the job! • Thank the interviewer and shake hands when exiting

ACS Mock Interview:Who Will Get The Job? • Decision will be based on: • Thoughtful responses • Appropriate level of detail • Strong nonverbal communication skills • Student must do the following to get the job: • Dress appropriately • Have a resume • Ask for the job • NOTE: you can still score highly without a resume or appropriate dress but you will not be selected for the job • Content of resume is not a deciding factor

Final Reminders • Review your packet • Dress “one step up” • Practice, practice, practice • Greeting with handshake • 2-3 “Hard” Questions • Closing including “asking” for the job

The Job Interview