job readiness program. h ow to p ut y our b est f oot f orward a pplications and i nterviews
TRANSCRIPT
TIPS TO HELP GET YOUR FOOT IN THE DOOR:
Your first impression will be your application!
Completion
Accuracy
Truthfulness
Grammar/Punctuation
Answers (i.e., answer the question asked)
FIRST IMPRESSIONS MATTER
Whether an employer believes you are a good fit for their organization is influenced by their perception of you as a professional
50% of the time, employers determine whether a candidate will be hired based on their initial impression
APPEARANCE How you look and what
you wear shape the interviewer’s perception of you
Research shows that 75% of a person’s perception is based on appearance
Dress in conservative clothing: nothing tight, low cut, short, oversized (baggy), torn, etc.
GUIDELINES FORMEN AND WOMEN
Athletic wear and shirts with logos should not be worn during any phase of the hiring process
This includes even when going to the company to complete an application or ask questions
MEN Dress slacks should be
worn with a belt and shoes
Dress suit should be navy, black or gray, preferably with one - five buttons
Wear long or short sleeved shirts with a tie
WOMEN Avoid capris or
cropped length pants as these are not appropriate for the interview
Shoes should be professional. That means: No tennis
shoes, sneakers, or flip flops
Heels should not be open-toed or exceed 3” inches in height
Avoid shoes that resemble evening wear
WOMENWear dress blouses or tops that are modest in appearance
Coordinating blazers or dress jackets lend a more professional look to sleeveless tops
Dresses and skirts should be of appropriate length with moderate splits and vents
.
SOCIAL MEDIA DO’S AND DON’TS
Do Google Your Name and Check What’s OnlineThere's a ton of information that can tell employers a lot about you online including tweets
Don't Forget Your Facebook Privacy SettingsYou don’t want a third party to be able to view your photos and posts.
YOU GOT THE INTERVIEW!
Getting the interview means you’ve passed the first hurdle
During this stage of the hiring process, it is extremely important that you make a good impression
Preparing for the interview will enable you to do just that!
PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW
Having a successful interview is a matter of preparation and knowing what is expected of you
Failure to prepare for the interview will adversely affect your opportunity to secure employment
BEFORE YOUR SCHEDULED INTERVIEW
Do your homework Research the company and position Know your skills and how they benefit the
employer Obtain the interviewer’s name and contact
number
Know where you are going Determine the length of time it will take to
get there Consider making a trial run before the
interview Take into consideration parking issues
and/or obstacles
BEFORE YOUR SCHEDULED INTERVIEW
Find at least 3 professional references
Identify former supervisors, colleagues and/or instructors
Obtain their permission beforehand Verify their names, addresses, job titles
and phone
Plan to go ALONE
INTERVIEW PREPARATION TIPS
BEFORE YOUR SCHEDULED INTERVIEW • Prepare responses to commonly
asked interview questions such as:What are your strengths and
weaknesses? Why do you want to work
here?Tell me about yourself.
• Conduct a mock interviewPractice answering difficult
questions
Discuss with one other person why it is important to be able to articulate your strengths and weakness.
Learning Task
3-STEP PROCESS FOR ANSWERING DIFFICULT QUESTIONS
• Understand what is really being asked
• Answer the question briefly, in a non-damaging way
• Address the real concern by presenting your skills
BEFORE YOU GO INTO SCHEDULED INTERVIEW
• Check your appearance before entering the building
• Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early
ONCE INSIDE THE LOCATION OF THE SCHEDULED INTERVIEW
Notify the receptionist of your arrival • In many cases the receptionist is your
first point of contact - your first opportunity to create a good first impression
Bring necessary documentation • Valid ID, social security card,
references, and extra copies of your resume
Bring a portfolio/folder and pen to the interview• The employer may require that you
complete additional paperwork
WHAT TO DO DURING THE INTERVIEW!• Be aware of your initial greeting
Introduce yourself and shake the interviewer’s hand
• Smile and maintain good eye contact • Be friendly and likable • Stay poised
watch your body language• Speak clearly and audibly
avoid slang and inappropriate language • Give the employer a reason to hire you
Know your key skills Show supporting documents
SELL YOURSELF!
WHAT NOT TO DO DURING THE INTERVIEW!
• Do not forget to turn off your cell phone
• Do not eat or drink during the interview avoid bringing coffee or
soda into the interview area
• Do not chew gum • Do not wear body piercings,
and cover any visible tattoos
SUCCESS DURING THE INTERVIEW • Prepare a set of questions to ask the
employer • Examples:
What are the job duties and responsibilities?
What are the most difficult aspects of the position?
What are my opportunities for advancement?
When do you anticipate making a final decision about this position?
CLOSING THE INTERVIEW
• Address any outstanding questions • Close the interview on a positive, upbeat
note • Recap your interest and desire for the
position • Thank the interviewer for his/her time and
indicate that you look forward to hearing from them
• Don’t leave the interview without asking the following questions:
If I have any additional questions, may I contact you?
What is the best method to contact you?
AFTER THE INTERVIEW
Don’t forget to send a friendly email thanking the interviewer for their time and consideration
Restate your interest, commitment and unique qualifications for the position
• Don’t delay, do this immediately following the interview!!!
LEAVE BEHIND
First impressions can be made when you complete the application!
Dress for Success for your interview - appearance is important!
Look good and sound informed! Study the organization - be prepared to ask questions
Be prepared to answer questions about yourself
You have impressed your interviewer… now provide the names of others that can provide good references
Send a thank you note or letter – within 24 hours