interview guidelines

Interview GuidelinesInterview Guidelines

Before, During, & AfterThe Job Interview

(Much of this information is taken from Sherry Maysonave, President of Empowerment Enterprises and from

http://www.job-interview.net/)

Before the InterviewBefore the Interview

Learn all you can about the company or organization

Prepare sophisticated and knowledgeable questions

Know why you would like to work for that employer

Be prepared to answer and ask questions

Before the InterviewBefore the Interview

Prepare papers for your interviewExtra copies of your resumeJob reference listsReference lettersLegal pad for taking notes

Prepare your clothes for your interview

Communication statistics reveal that in only five to thirty seconds, three things

are determined about you, whether accurate or false:

Communication statistics reveal that in only five to thirty seconds, three things

are determined about you, whether accurate or false:

Your IQYour Socioeconomic StatusYour Marital StatusYour Sense of StyleYour Educational LevelYour AgeYour Desirability

In only five to thirty seconds, the following three things are determined about you:

In only five to thirty seconds, the following three things are determined about you:

Your Socioeconomic StatusYour Educational LevelYour Desirability (are you worth hiring?)

How To Dress: Men and Women


Conservative two-piece business suit (solid dark blue or grey is best)

Conservative long-sleeved shirt/blouse (white is best, pastel is next best)

Clean, polished conservative shoes Well-groomed hairstyle



Clean, trimmed fingernails Empty pockets--no bulges or tinkling

coins Light briefcase or portfolio case No visible body piercing (nose rings,

eyebrow rings, etc.) Minimal cologne or perfume

How to Dress: Men OnlyHow to Dress: Men OnlyNecktie should be silk with a conservative

pattern Dark shoes (black lace-ups are best) Dark socks (black is best) Get a haircut; short hair always fares best in

interviews

How to Dress: Men OnlyHow to Dress: Men Only

Make sure beard and mustache are neat and trimmed

No rings other than wedding ring or college ring

No earrings (if you normally wear one, take it out)

How to Dress: Women Only


Always wear a suit with a jacket - no dresses

Shoes with closed toes and heels Conservative hosiery at or near skin color Carry a briefcase OR conservative colored

purse



If you wear nail polish use clear or a conservative color

Minimal use of makeup Minimal jewelry: this includes rings,

bracelets, necklaces, earrings

You Must Dress Accordingly

For Your Interview

You Must Dress Accordingly

For Your Interview•You don’t have to wear a suit!•Nice pants/skirt and shirt (no tie required but it would be nice)•If you do not have anything to wear, please speak with me after class

Beginning the InterviewBeginning the InterviewArrive 10 to 15 minutes early

Allow time for trafficAllow time to get lost

Treat all people you encounter with professionalism and kindness.

Receptionist or secretaryMaintenance man

Turn cell phone offDon't chew gum, eat candy or smell like

smoke

Beginning the InterviewBeginning the Interview

Greet the InterviewerShake Interviewers Hand

The HandshakeThe HandshakeTruly effective handshake is going to be a

"mirror" of the handshake being offeredUse a medium grip handshake, placing

your hand so that the soft skin between your thumb and forefinger comes in contact with the same location on the recipient's hand.

Be prepared to squeeze down on the gorilla or lighten up on the softie

Make Eye Contact

Practice Your HandshakePractice Your Handshake

During the InterviewDuring the InterviewDon’t let the employer’s casual

approach cause you to drop your manners or professionalism.

No First NamesNo Slang No Curse Words

Don't interrupt the interviewer, even if you are anxious and enthusiastic about answering the question.

During the InterviewDuring the InterviewBe aware of your non-verbal behaviors

sit straight – avoid slouchingsmile as often as you canmaintain eye contact but don't stare the interviewer

downlean forward but not invading the interviewer's

spaceSit still in your seat – avoid fidgeting

Don't be shy or reluctant to talk about yourself

During the InterviewDuring the InterviewDon't make negative comments about

previous employers or professors (or others)Listen very carefully to each question you are

askedGive thoughtful, to-the-point and honest

answersAsk for clarification if you don't understand a

question. It is OK to take a few moments of silence to gather your thoughts before answering.

Take notes

Of the following five behaviors candidates exhibit in job interviews, what behavior do you think

recruiters find most unforgivable?

Of the following five behaviors candidates exhibit in job interviews, what behavior do you think

recruiters find most unforgivable?

Poor personal appearance Overemphasis on money Failure to look at interviewer while interviewing

Doesn’t ask questions Late to interview

#4 – Doesn’t Ask Questions

Thoughtful questions emphasize that you are taking an active role in the job selection process, not leaving the

interviewer to do all the work. Active is good. Great questions demonstrate that, far from being a passive participant, you

are action-oriented and engaged, reinforcing your interest in the job.

#4 – Doesn’t Ask Questions

Thoughtful questions emphasize that you are taking an active role in the job selection process, not leaving the

interviewer to do all the work. Active is good. Great questions demonstrate that, far from being a passive participant, you

are action-oriented and engaged, reinforcing your interest in the job.

Great Questions To AskGreat Questions To Ask

Can you tell me about the position and the type of person you are seeking?

What does this company value the most and how do you think my work for you will further these values?

What can I bring Company XYZ to round out the team?

More Great Questions To Ask

More Great Questions To Ask

What’s the most important thing I can do to help within the first 90 days of my employment?

Do you have any questions or concerns about my ability to perform this job?

What do you see in me? What are my strongest assets and possible weaknesses? Do you have any concerns that I need to clear up in order to be the top candidate?

Questions Not to AskQuestions Not to AskIs it possible for me to get a small loan?What is it that your company does? Can I see the break room? What are your psychiatric benefits? How many warnings do you get before

you are fired? Can you guarantee me that I will still

have a job here a year from now?

More Questions Not to AskMore Questions Not to AskWould anyone notice if I came in late

and left early? What does this company consider a

good absenteeism record? The job description mentions weekend

work. Are you serious? What is the zodiac sign of the company

president? How do you define sexual harassment? Will my office be near an ice machine?

The Close of the InterviewThe Close of the Interview

Make sure you understand the employer's next step in the hiring process; know when and from whom you should expect to hear next.

Thank the interviewer for his or her time Establish a follow-up planOffer a firm handshake and make eye

contact

After the InterviewAfter the InterviewMake notes right away so you don't forget

critical details Don't call the employer back immediately. Send a follow up letter to all interviewers

immediatelyThank him or her for the opportunity to interview Let him or her know that should another or similar

position open in the future, you would love to have the opportunity to interview again

Email thank you notes are acceptable

Top Ten Critical Success Factors

Top Ten Critical Success Factors

Positive attitude toward work

Proficiency in field of study

Communication skills (oral and written)

Interpersonal skills Confidence

Critical thinking and problem solving skills

Flexibility Self-motivation Leadership Teamwork

Top Ten Strikeouts that Condemn Job CandidatesTop Ten Strikeouts that Condemn Job Candidates

Doesn’t ask questions

Condemnation of past employer

Inability to take criticism

Poor personal appearance

Indecisive, cynical, lazy

Overbearing, over aggressive, “know it all”

Late to interview Failure to look at

interviewer while interviewing

Unable to express self clearly

Overemphasis on money

Your Mock InterviewYour Mock Interview

Will be THIS Friday, Nov 13 You are interviewing for the job you found

on snagajob.comDress ProfessionallyFollow these guidelines we have discussedIf you are absent, be dressed appropriately

the next class you are present

interview guidelines

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