Mastering Job Interviews: A Comprehensive Guide to Success

1. Personal Finance • Bell Ringer • Log on to your computer or move to a computer if you do not have one • Agenda • Discuss what you learned from creating a career portfolio • Presentation on how to prepare for a job interview

2. The Five Step Interview Process

3. Importance of Preparing for an Interview • Everyone will go on an interview • Opportunity to sell your strengths • Know what to expect • Know appropriate dress

4. 5 Steps in the Interview Process • Before the Interview • The Start of the Interview • The Interview • Closing the Interview • The Follow-up

5. Step 1: Before the Interview • Do research on the company • Learn as much as you can • It will show you are interested • Know where you are going • Do not be late! • Be prepared • Bring extra copies • Bring a note pad and pen • Bring a list of questions

6. Step1 Continued.. • Identify professional references • Create a list of references with contact information • Notify these references • Turn off cell phone! • Dress for success • Hair combed and clean • Perfume and cologne to a minimum • Fresh breath • No gum! • Look professional

7. Interview Attire

8. Step 2: Start of the Interview • Have a friendly greeting • Introduce yourself • Look straight into the interviewer’s eyes • Have a firm handshake • Smile • Wait to be offered a seat

9. Step 2 Continued.. • Be confident and friendly • Show interest in being there • Express thanks to have the opportunity • DO NOT • Smoke • Chew Gum • Curse • Slouch • Touch anything on the interviewer’s desk • Appear uninterested or tired

10. Step 3: The Interview • Face the interviewer and have good posture • Stay positive with your attitude and answers • Understand the company and specific job you are applying for • Be prepared to answer questions • About your resume • About your strengths, experience, etc.

11. Step 3 Continued.. • Listen to the questions asked • Give yourself time to gather your thoughts • Respond enthusiastically • If you don’t understand the question, ask to have it rephrased or explained • Be thorough with your answers • Provide explanations or use examples

12. Step 3 Continued.. • Be honest • Express your willingness to learn and grow with the job • Do not emphasize your weaknesses • Show you are highly motivated and enthusiastic

13. Step 4: Closing the Interview • Ask questions you have prepared • Make sure the interviewer knows the best way to contact you • Leave a positive, lasting impression • 30 second sales pitch • Thank the interviewer for their time and interest in you as a potential employee • Shake hands firmly on the way out

14. Step 5: The Follow Up • Send the interviewer a thank you letter • Send it immediately after the interview • After about a week call to find out if a decision was made • If not, find out when one is expected to be made • If you are not hired, remain positive • Be professional and thank them for their time

15. Always Remember Manners!