JOB SEARCH SUCCESS: STEPS TO GET THE JOB YOU WANT

1. JOB SEARCH SUCCESS:STEPS TO GETTHE JOB YOU WANT SkillsUSA University Kansas City, Missouri June 2011

2. DEBBIE PEABODY • Union Grove High School, McDonough • Architectural and Engineering Drawing and Design Instructor • UGHS Job Interview Fair • Helped an average of 1300 students per year for ten years • Business and industry representatives • Professional recruiters • Dress for success

3. STEPS TO SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING • Preparation • THE INTERVIEW • The day of….. • What to wear • Questions from the interviewer • Questions to ask the interviewer • Follow up tips

4. BEGINNING YOUR SEARCH • Research the company and the job • Literature from the company’s public relations department • Annual reports • Current and former employees • Rehearse your presentation • Know what you have to offer • Answer potential interview questions • Practice with family or friends • Relax • Who knows you better than yourself?

5. THE POWER OF NETWORKING 75 to 80% of all job seekers find a job through people they know. “You can get anything you want in life, if you help enough other people get what they want.” Zig Ziglar

6. BEFORE THE INTERVIEW • Visit the office • Practice the drive • Look at employees’ dress • Talk to receptionist • Decide what to wear • Make copies of resume and references on conservative stationary • Gather all items to take to the interview • Review interview questions and your presentation

7. DRESS FOR SUCCESS • Wear your best • Dress one step above the position • Be conservative • Dark colors are best • Clean clothes • Shower Perfume or cologne should be a surprise, not a warning.

8. DRESS FOR SUCCESS - FEMALES • Suits are best • If you don’t have a suit: • Conservative long sleeve blouse • Conservative skirt or pants • Be modest • Jewelry kept to a minimum • Only one pair of EARRINGS • Closed toe shoes • Conservative hair styles • Long hair should be worn up • No bare legs or feet

9. DRESS FOR SUCCESS - MALES • Suits with shirt and tie are best • If you don’t have a suit: • Long sleeve shirt and tie • Clean and neat pants with a belt • No jewelry - except • Class ring or wedding ring • Watch • No earrings or any other type • Conservative hair cut • No bare feet or sandals • Wear socks • Dress shoes

10. INTERVIEW DAY • Eat a good breakfast • Wear your best • Get there early • Use the restroom before arriving • First impressions are most important • Complete the application in detail • Have a positive attitude • Review your resume

11. THINGS TO TAKE TO THE INTERVIEW • Portfolio • Three copies of your resume • Three copies of your references • Small purse or wallet • Social security number • Thin notebook • Black or blue ball point pen • Money for parking • Name of the interviewer • Directions to the office • Address and telephone number of office

12. THINGS NOT TO TAKE • Cell phone • Sunglasses • Hat • Gum • Tobacco products

13. INTERVIEW TIPS • Presence • Shake hands • Don’t appear rushed/frustrated • Remain confident • Be aware of your nonverbal clues • Use people’s names • Use Ma’am and Sir • Pay attention • Listen carefully • Think: a short pause is alright • Respond clearly • Know your answers to typical questions • Have a salary in mind • Know your goals • Be able to talk about yourself • Realize the difference between skills and attributes • Watch out for tricky questions

14. TYPICAL QUESTIONS“Why should we hire you?” • Tell me about yourself. • Why do you want to work for our company? • What are your short and long term goals? • What are your strengths and weaknesses? • What type of position are you most interested? • Why do you think we should hire you for this job? • What pay do you expect? Confidence is when you are sure of yourself. Conceit is when you assure everyone else of yourself.

15. TRICKY QUESTIONS • Would you rather be a big fish in a small pond, or a small fish in a big pond? • Give me an example in a previous job where you have shown initiative. • How long do you expect to work for this company? • Do you prefer working with others or alone? • How would you handle a rude customer? • What do you do when you have trouble solving a problem? • Why should I hire you rather than another applicant?

16. QUESTIONS YOU CAN ASK • What would my duties and responsibilities be? • What would I do during a typical workday? • For whom will I be working? • What are my opportunities for advancement? To what positions? • What kind of additional training and/or education are available in this job? • How is performance evaluated? How often? • What are typical office or shift hours? • If hired, would I be filling a newly created position, or replacing someone?

17. AT THE CLOSE OF THE INTERVIEW • If you want the job, ask for it. • Ask when a decision will be made about the position? • Thank the interviewer (by name) for taking the time to interview you • Compliment the office/facility if applicable • Shake hands and leave

18. HOW TO ENSURE YOU DON’T GET THE JOB • Spam your resume • Ask, “What does your company do?” • Bring the family • Use your cell phone • Smile or laugh too much (or cry) • Come with your own beverages • Send a follow-up “thx 4 mtg” text

19. FOLLOW UP • Thank you letter • Send promptly • Keep it short and to the point • State why you would be an asset to the company • Express your interest in the position • Use the same stationary as your resume and references • Follow up phone call

20. REMEMBER… • Stay calm • Be honest • Stay positive mentally and physically • Good luck “Life will judge you according to how well you handle failures…..you will need to learn how to bounce back. Never, ever, ever give up.” Dr. Suttles