CHAPTER 5 reparing for Pthe Interview Introduction Your rsum and cover letter got the attention of the potential employer. Your job interview will get you the job. continued 1 CHAPTER 5 reparing for Pthe Interview Introduction By preparing, getting organized, and learning verbal and nonverbal communication skills, you will stand out from the crowd. You can turn an interview into a job offer. 2 CHAPTER 5 reparing for Pthe Interview The Importance and Purpose of the Interview A successful interview can help you command a higher salary, create higher expectations, and determine how well you will fit into the organization. continued 3 CHAPTER 5 reparing for Pthe Interview The Importance and Purpose of the Interview The interviewer wants to determine if you have the skills for the job and figure out what kind of person you are. continued 4 CHAPTER 5 reparing for Pthe Interview The Importance and Purpose of the Interview An equally important purpose of the interview is to determine if the job is right for you. 5 CHAPTER 5 reparing for Pthe Interview Step 1. Research Research the Company Research companies before your interview. You can't ask good questions or give good answers if you don't have the necessary information. continued 6 CHAPTER 5 reparing for Pthe Interview Step 1. Research Research the Company People at the company The company's Web site The Library The chamber of commerce Annual reports Sources Of Information Catalogs, flyers, newsletters Business Periodicals Index Standard and Poor's 7 CHAPTER 5 reparing for Pthe Interview Step 1. Research Research the Company Company name Sales Job position Profits Plant size and location Create a Company Profile Concerns Number of employees Future plans Products Job description 8 CHAPTER 5 reparing for Pthe Interview Step 1. Research Research the Industry Research the industry before your interview. Put your network to use and talk with people in the field. continued 9 CHAPTER 5 reparing for Pthe Interview Step 1. Research Research Details Time of interview Directions Place of interview Length of interview Parking Details Material needed People present List of possible questions Phone numbers Questions to ask 10 CHAPTER 5 reparing for Pthe Interview Step 1. Research Research Details Several copies of your rsum A pad of paper and two good pens Briefcase Contents Research on the company Reference letters 11 CHAPTER 5 reparing for Pthe Interview Step 1. Research Research Yourself Outline what you most want to stress in the interview. What life experiences did you have that demonstrated positive qualities? 12 CHAPTER 5 reparing for Pthe Interview Step 1. Research Research Questions Prepare questions that you think the interviewer will ask based upon the job description and your research about the company. 13 CHAPTER 5 reparing for Pthe Interview Step 1. Research Research Questions Decision-making and problem-solving abilities Work experience Educational background and training Character and personality traits Question Categories Career goals Teamwork 14 CHAPTER 5 reparing for Pthe Interview Tell Me About Yourself Ice breaker Intended to get you talking Don't ramble. Outline the main areas of your life that are most relevant to the job. 15 CHAPTER 5 reparing for Pthe Interview Why Do You Want to Leave Your Current Job? Standard answer: You are ready for a new job, or you want to develop your skills and use all your capabilities. Expand your answer to include your present situation. 16 CHAPTER 5 reparing for Pthe Interview What Kind of People Annoy You Most? Designed to determine if you are a team player Don't reveal your personal life or make a confession. Focus on how you handle different people, tension, or conflict. 17 CHAPTER 5 reparing for Pthe Interview I See You Have Worked With Tom Smith? Did You Enjoy This Experience? Never criticize anyone during an interview. 18 CHAPTER 5 reparing for Pthe Interview How Have You Handled a Major Disappointment in Your Life? First tell the process and then give an example. 19 CHAPTER 5 reparing for Pthe Interview When Was the Last Time You Worked on a Team Project? Employers want self-starters who are team players. Answer should include knowledge of other departments and how you have produced results in a team. 20 CHAPTER 5 reparing for Pthe Interview What Was the Worst Job You've Ever Had? The interviewer is trying to get a sense of your values. Assure the interviewer that even part-time, low-level jobs have been valuable. 21 CHAPTER 5 reparing for Pthe Interview Describe a Difficult Problem You Have Had to Solve Focus on the process more than the problem. Describe your problem-solving and critical thinking skills. 22 CHAPTER 5 reparing for Pthe Interview How Do You Handle Stress? Rather than react to stress, you work to eliminate the causes of stress. You plan to solve problems before they become a crisis. 23 CHAPTER 5 reparing for Pthe Interview Plan Ahead and Relax Take these steps Stress Savers during your so you can focus interview: Drive by the office the day before and arrive 15 minutes early. Find out the name and pronunciation of the interviewer by calling the receptionist. Plan your wardrobe in advance with traditional business attire. continued 24 CHAPTER 5 reparing for Pthe Interview Plan Ahead and Relax Take these steps Stress Savers during your so you can focus interview: Check the company's Web site or local library for background information. Have 2-3 questions prepared in advance. 25 CHAPTER 5 reparing for Pthe Interview Step 2. Remember Image Men Conservative, dark blue, gray Suit White, pale blue, button-down, fits Shirt Conservative, matches suit Tie Calf-length, matches suit Socks Polished, laced, or slip-on in black or brown Shoes Watch, jewelry Conservative watch, no jewelry except ring Hair Neatly styled Grooming Nails clean and trimmed, no cologne Briefcase Good quality attach case or portfolio 26 CHAPTER 5 reparing for Pthe Interview Step 2. Remember Image Women Conservative, dark, at or below knee Suit Simple, not tight or low-cut Blouse Beige, tan, or neutral hose Stockings Polished, dark, two-inch or less closed heels Shoes Conservative watch, small earrings Watch, jewelry Simple and becoming style, clean and neat Hair No heavy makeup, no perfume, Grooming clear nail polish Briefcase Good quality attach case or portfolio 27 CHAPTER 5 reparing for Pthe Interview Step 3. Rehearse Rehearse an interview on a tape recorder or on video tape and with one of your networking contacts. Critique yourself and seek feedback. continued 28