InterviewsWhat not to do and what may be okay.

Preparing for Job InterviewsAccepting an Interview

• Congratulations! Your application, resume, cover letter, and multimedia portfolio have grabbed the attention of a potential employer!

• They have selected you for an interview!

• Next steps:• Schedule interview by phone or email• Make sure you are in a quiet place when returning a call; be serious!• Avoid interruptions and background noises whenever possible

Show up unprepared

• Your thoughts

Show up unprepared

• No copies of your resume/cover letter/application• Nothing to take notes with• No knowledge of what you are interviewing for• Money for parking

Preparing for Job InterviewsPreparing for the Interview

• Often, qualified people fail to get the job they want because their interview skills are lacking; this is why knowing how to interview is important

• Before interviewing, you should practice how you will answer interview questions

Preparing for Job InterviewsThe Day of the Interview

• Other things to consider…

• There’s no better way to prepare for a job interview than to talk to a professional in your chosen field

• If you do not know what a career is all about, or at least the position you’re interviewing for, ask someone who knows or do your own research

Preparing for Job InterviewsThe Day of the Interview

• Other things to consider…

• Scan the company’s website before your interview

• Try to anticipate the skills, talents, or attitudes the company values then try to anticipate questions you may be asked

Preparing for Job InterviewsGeneral Categories of Interview Questions

• Category 1: Questions relating to specific skills listed in the job description• To anticipate these questions, you must

review the job description carefully to be prepared to explain how you fulfill the job requirements

Preparing for Job InterviewsGeneral Categories of Interview Questions

• Category 2: Questions that deal with general work habits• Problem-solving skills• Technical communication skills• Flexibility• Drive/ambition• Interpersonal skills• Project management skills• Teamwork skills

Leaving your house without looking in a mirror

• What is Mr. Guren talking about?

Leaving your house without looking in a mirror

• This seems obvious, dumb, whatever.• Make sure your tie is straight• Your hair is brushed• Makeup is good• No food in teeth• Clothes are clean/organized

Have nothing prepared to say.

• What should you have?

Have nothing prepared to say.

• They will probably ask you for questions• You should look up example interview questions for

similar positions and prepare answers

Don’t say too much.

• Your thoughts?

Don’t say too much.

• My biggest issue• You need to talk but they don’t need to hear a life story• There is such thing as too personal, too many details.

Lie

• Are there okay lies (of omission)?• What is a bad lie?

Lie

• Be honest, eventually they will catch you in a lie• Don’t tell them you can do/learn something you can’t

Tell Cheesy Jokes

• Make sure your jokes are good• Time and Place

Do NOT Talk Trash

• Give examples

Do NOT Talk Trash

• Don’t trash a former employee• Don’t trash a former employer • Don’t blame others for anything• Don’t be disrespectful, you may not like what they say to

you or how they say but you still want something from them.

Be aware of what your body is doing

• Your thoughts?

Be aware of what your body is doing

• Don’t bite your nails• Don’t Fidget• Don’t act nervous (you can be nervous, but don’t show it)• Don’t chew gum• Don’t eat – unprofessional and risky (spilling)

Getting There

• Plan ahead• The receptionist is watching you, don’t hit on her or him.

Starting of the interview

• What do you do when you walk in?

Starting of the interview

• Shake Hands• Get names• Don’t sit until told to.

End of the Interview

• What do you do when you leave?

End of the Interview

• Shake hands• Use names• Ask questions (should be pre-prepared and thought of

during interview).• Discuss follow up

Maybe???

• Discuss money, time off, benefits (if they don’t ask, you don’t ask)• If there is something coming up (vacation planned) be

honest and mention it.

After you leave

• Say good bye to people on the way out• Write down important info you don’t want to forget• Send thank you letter/email

After you leave

• Say good bye to people on the way out• Write down important info you don’t want to forget• Send thank you lettter/email