Interviewing Strategies

Anchorage School District Presentation

2012-2013 School Year

Funding for the Youth First Career Guides program is provided by the Division of Business Partnerships, Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development. We are an equal opportunity employer/program.

Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

Interviewing StrategiesInterviewing Strategies

Youth Job Center – Career Guides

Tammy Williamson;James Harris;Michelle Moncovich

ObjectiveObjectiveTo provide the job seeker with basic knowledge of the interviewing process.

•Before the Interview

•During the Interview

•After the Interview

INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION TO TO

INTERVIEWINGINTERVIEWING

•Before the Interview

BeBe PreparedPrepared

•Have 3-5 copies of your resume and references available

•Have questions ready for the Interviewer

•Show up to the interview early

•Have a sample of your work to show the Interviewer

RESEARCH THE COMPANYRESEARCH THE COMPANY

Start by researching the general company background information

•Find out what the company makes or the services offered

•Research the occupation you are targeting

PRACTICAL EXERCISEPRACTICAL EXERCISE

1 Minute 1 Minute IntroductionIntroduction

Job DescriptionJob Description Job Title: Office Manager City: KENAI Months of Experience: 60   Job Description: Office manager position available within aSeafood processing and distribution company. Applicantsmust have a minimum of 5 years office managerial experience, an understanding of accounts payable andreceivable methods, excellent customer service skills, and H/R experience. Must be able to type 50 words per minute, have exceptional computer skills and demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.Knowledge of the seafood industry is desirable. Responsibilities include: Employee scheduling, payroll, management of all accounts payable and receivable, management of office staff and daily operations, answering phones, receiving and sending mail, ordering office supplies, preparing bank deposits, and customer sales.

Dress to ImpressDress to ImpressTo do or not to do?To do or not to do?That is the question!

1. Wear a hat

5. Wear only a T-shirt

4. Perfume or cologne3. Show Tattoos

2. Wear earrings anywhere but the ear

Do notDo notDoDo

5. Clean Nails, Ladiespolish should be subtle

4. Wear conservative colors3. Wear clean clothes & shoes

2. Style hair neatly1. Create a good 1st impression

The GatekeeperThe GatekeeperThe person at the front desk. i.e., secretary, office clerk, receptionist, or the person who greets you at the time of your interview is known as the gatekeeper, who should be treated with the utmost respect.

While Waiting to be CalledWhile Waiting to be Called

• Turn off your cell Phone• Remove: hat, gloves, coat• Avoid being overly chatty• Try to read any type of company literature

Types of InterviewsTypes of Interviews

Behavioraland/or

Traditional and/or

Serial Interview/Panel or Groupand/or

Stress

DidDid YouYou Know……?Know……?

Over 80% of

all job seekers

are unable to

describe their

skills in an

interview?

SKILLS PYRAMIDSKILLS PYRAMID

Specific Content Skills (Hard)

Includes: Examples:Specific knowledge Using a microcomputerSpecial vocabulary Cobol, psychology termsTechnical ability Repairing carsLearned formally or AA or BAOn-the-job certificates

Transferable Skills (Soft)

Includes working with: Examples:People Serving, tact, advisingThings operating, adjustingData reading, counting

Self Management Skills (Soft)Includes: Examples:Traits that help you manage time DependabilityTraits that enable you to adapt FlexibilityPersonality traits developed throughout life Drive, Efficiency

IntervieInterviewsws

Non-verbal behavior can be more powerful than anything you say or put on your resume. Interviews have been determined to be judged as follows:

7 % Words 38% Tone of Voice

55% Body Language

PRACTICE YOUR PRACTICE YOUR INTERVIEWINTERVIEW

WHAT WOULD YOUR ANSWERS BE TO THE

TOP 50 QUESTIONS?

REMEMBER, INTERVIEWING IS A SKILL

LEARN HOW TO SELL YOUR SKILLS

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

PRACTICE WITH A ????????

INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION TO TO

INTERVIEWINGINTERVIEWING

During the Interview

Create a Good Create a Good ImpressionImpression

There are 2 basic things that

mold an impression

AttitudeManners

AttitudeAttitude•It separates - winners from the losers

•Look - bright, alert and alive

•Wear - confident smile

•Be motivated - enthusiastic about working

•Someone who will look them in the eye

•Ask questions - say you want the job

MannersManners•Be punctual

•Extend a friendly greeting

•Have a firm handshake

•Call the person by Mr. Or Ms. Unless they state you can call them by their 1st name

The Interview - Sales The Interview - Sales PresentationPresentationNEEDS

Identify the needs of the employerSKILLS

Name the skills you have that will speak to

those needsEXPERIENCES

Cite the experiences in which you have used these skills

Qualities Employers Love!! (top 10) Why People get Fired (top 10) 1. A good attitude 1. Unable to get along with others 2. Team spirit 2. Dishonesty (lying/stealing) 3. Initiative 3. Poor dress or grooming 4. Going the extra mile 4. Unreliable (late, absent, etc.) 5. Imagination 5. Used work time for personal business 6. Honesty 6. Could not do the work 7. Looking the part 7. Worked too slowly/made mistakes 8. Punctuality 8. Would not follow orders 9. Loyalty 9. Abused alcohol or drugs10. A sense of humor 10. Misrepresented skills/experience

Do you see any correlation or similarities?

According to Department of According to Department of Labor Nationwide Employer Labor Nationwide Employer

SurveysSurveys

Types of Interview Types of Interview QuestionsQuestions

Relax and tell me a little about yourself?

Tell me what you know about our company?

What are your biggest weaknesses?

Why should I hire you instead of the other

applicants?

SELL YOURSELFSELL YOURSELF

Your resume or application are designed to get you the interview.

The interview gets you the job.

• Talk about your accomplishments, skills and

abilities

• Use examples or stories that explain what you

mean

• Explain to the manager what you can do for

their company

• Show that you’re a team player

• Turn trick questions into a positive

• Put together a closing statement - Summarize

your

strengths

Follow up After the InterviewFollow up After the Interview

Send a Thank You Noteand make

a follow-up phone call

Some Final AdviceSome Final Advice

• Research the company

• Wait to be seated, only when asked

• Shake each of the interviewers hands when

greeting

• Have questions ready for the interviewer

• Take 3-5 copies of your resume

• Have 3-5 references available

• Thank the interviewers for their time

• Make follow up calls

•Mock interviews at Job Center

Thank You!!!Thank You!!!

Funding for the Youth First Career Guides program is provided by the Division of Business Partnerships, Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development. We are an equal opportunity employer/program.

Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.