Resume Writing

INDIANA COUNTYInterview GuidelinesInterview Tips, Trends and Techniques

1Interview Guidelines

EtiquetteQuestion/ResponseLagniappeGet the InterviewPreparationTips, Trends, Techniques2

Get the interviewInformational interview is conducted to collect information about a job, career field, industry or company., it is not a job interview.. At the very least it is a contact to use in the future. The applicant interviews an individual working in a career you would like to learn more about. You will be asking questions about a career field or specific company. See handout for a list of questions.3Interview preparation

4Interview tips

Interview tipsInterview etiquette

Company culture: Defined by Merriam-Webster as "the set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterizes a company or corporation," combination of physical working environment and tone of companyPrim and Proper vs. Were All a Happy FamilyThe office where the interview will take place may offer keys to culture and tone of company. The dcor style, formal (looks like a magazine picture) or informal (more like a hangout) can offer clues. But, where you are interviewed may not be where you work, for instance field work as opposed to office work.

Dress for Success: reference pictures on following slides and Do/Do NotFemales: monitor cleavage, none is best, nail polish natural tones, or clear, hair pulled back is best, or as neat and simple as possible, no excessive styling products, no dangle earrings, no trendy clothing style, Males: clean, trimmed fingernails, clean shaven or neatly trimmed facial hair, if hair is long, pulled back, if hair is short, trimmed and styled neatlyOverall male and female: military regulation is a safe appearance, clean and/or shined shoes, no strings, lint or stray hair, subdued clothing colors, black, navy, dark grey, even if the work environment is not in an office, no perfume/cologne or strong smelling deodarant

Body Language: Non-intimidating eye contact, do not stare down the interviewerHands on table, if you talk with your hands naturally, continue to do so, but be aware of excessive gestures, gestures should always be above the table/desk level 7

Business Dress

Business Casual

Business DO NOTDress for success

Dress for success

Females Monitor cleavage, none is bestMake-up and nail polish natural colorsHair pulled back or neatly styled with no excessive productsNo dangle earrings or trendy clothesLow heels or flatsMales Clean, trimmed fingernailsNeatly trimmed facial hair or clean shavenLong hair pulled back Short hair neatly styled with no excessive productsNo earringsWhite collared shirtEveryoneMilitary regulations are safe Clean and/or shined shoesNo strings, lint or hairSubdued, solid colored clothing: black, navy blue or dark grey No perfume/cologne or strong scented deodorantNo visible tattoos or excessive piercingsDress for success

Field Trip! to Attire to Aspire shop

Body LanguageDO

Body Language

Do NOTBody Language

Pick out elements of positive and negative Appearance and Body LanguageInterview etiquette

Interview etiquette

Practice! Introduce yourself to instructor and 3 classmatesConclude the interviewEveryone will observe and write down observations

Interview trends

New FormatsPhone interviews: courtesies and etiquette just as important as in-personmake sure the phone you are using has good reception, best to use a landlinedress as if you were going to an interview in-person, you may be asked for an immediate in-person interview with no time to get dressedno background noise or distractions, no cell phones, computers, or other people

Public Dining: employers are looking closely at social skills , interpersonal skills and mannerskeep hands off table, all portfolios, handbags etcat your feet unless being usedno alcohol or expensive dishesunless otherwise instructed, prospective employer pays

Candidate group interviews: grouped with other applicantsseveral applicants interviewed for the same position are interviewed at one timeuse same etiquette rules as any other interview formatdo not fall into the one-upmanship behaviorbe prepared to participate in a group exercisegage presentation, communication , leadership ability to handle stress as well as teamwork

16

Interview trends Panelquestion and answer session from multiple peoplegage your reaction in a more intense situation (similar to the board promotions in the military)greet each interviewer individually, shake each handfocus on individuals only when asked a questions, address the answer to the group, making eye contact with each individual if possiblethank each person and ask for business cards or write down all names

Unstructuredless formal formantflow of interview is more like a conversation, less an question/answer format

Secondreview notes from first interview, you may be asked the same questionsappropriate to ask about organizational structuredining with members of the company may occur if scheduled it is appropriate to inquire if it is an all-day interview

17

Interview techniques

Interview techniques

Interview Questions Tell me a little about yourself.What are your strengths/ weaknesses?What problem have you had on your last job and how did you work through it?What are your goals?Where do you want to be in 5 years?Honesty!Rule of 3 is enough detailWeaknesses should also include how you overcome themThoughtful, not rehearsed answersRelate skills, accomplishments and goals to potential companyHow to Respond Questions/answers Lagniappe (pronounced with a silent g and rhymes with cap: laap) means a little something extra, a Louisiana French termSimilar to saying miscellaneous, but more attention getting20

Why are you relocating?Why did you leave your last job?Explain your gaps in employment.If I asked you to move the Rocky Mountains, how would you do it?If you could be any animal, what would it be?

Do not volunteer personal informationSpeak only positively about gaps in employment, relocating and previous jobs and relate skills learned Some answers reveal how a person thinks through a problem or views him/herself

Difficult Questions How to Respond Questions/answers Questions/answers Illegal Questions Age, race, color, gender, national origin, birthplace, marital/parental/family status, religion or disabilityThats a beautiful ring-are you engaged?What are your childcare arrangements?Are you a citizen of the United States?How to RespondAnswer the intent of the question: I can work 9-5, I am eligible to work in the US.Politely state you do not understand how the question relates to the jobIf interviewer presses with inappropriate questions, you may not want to work for that company

LangniappeUse the internet for interview tips, techniques, questionsSchedule a mock interviewTake notes during the interview, the interviewer will be as wellCall 1 business day prior to confirm time/place of interview, ask the name of the interviewerWhen introducing yourself to anyone at anytime, give your first and last nameBe willing and able to explain anything on your cover letter or resumeAlways leave the best impression when concluding the interview, even if you were uncomfortable during the interview or do not think it went well