What is an interview? An interview is a way of finding out information. You re being tested to see if you will be a good fit for the company.

Transcription

1 INTERVIEWING

2 What is an interview? An interview is a way of finding out information. You re being tested to see if you will be a good fit for the company.

3 take extra copies of your résumé and cover letter dress appropriately (requirements vary by position) hairstyle and jewelry should be conservative arrive early (at least 15 minutes)

4 many decisions are based on impressions and performance during the interview you only have one chance to make a good 1st impression know about the company (policies, work environment, etc.), ask around, check news articles, etc.

5 you should ask questions during the interview to show you're interested speak clearly and use good grammar body language is important, sit up straight, make eye contact taking notes may be wise (depending on the type of job and interview)--shows you are serious about the position

6 point out what you can do for the employer (sell yourself) employers look for what is best for the company at the end of the interview ask when a hiring decision will be made

7 Be careful not to talk too much. Some give an answer to a question that is too long. Remember, the person(s) interviewing maybe on a tight schedule.

8 generally don't discuss salary until the end of the interview or the 2nd interview when offering a salary, most companies leave themselves room to negotiate when they make you an offer. the salary represents your value as an employee

9 TWELVE POPULAR INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

10 What can you tell me about yourself? Usually the first question an interviewer will ask. Prepare to answer in about seconds. Summarize your experience, skills, and personality relating to your job. Avoid speaking about your personal situation, such as family or marital status.

11 Why do you want to work here? Do your homework on your prospective employer. BE prepared to tell the interviewer what you have learned about the company. Tell what you can do for the company. Perhaps connect something from your past work to the company. Do not mention that you hear they have great benefits or your best friend works there.

12 What training and experience have prepared you for this job? Your response shall be the proof of your experience that is written on your resume. When asked what training and experience you have had, give specific examples of work or projects.

13 What are your weaknesses? What are your strengths? Be prepared to talk briefly about ONE of your work-related weaknesses. Spin your weakness into how you handle it in a positive way. It is more important to build positively on your strengths.

14 What can you bring to this company? The interviewer wants to know what sets you apart from others being interviewed. It is important to focus on YOUR skills and abilities that you can bring to the position. Appearing cocky or over-confident is negative.

15 What do you plan to be doing five years from now? Often asked to see if you have goals for the future. Do not say that in five to ten years you want to be president of your own company. Saying that you want to own your company someday means that they are training you to leave and become a competitor. Do give general information about future career goals. Discuss your goals relating to the job.

16 How well do you work with other people? The interviewer wants to know if you are a team player and can get along well with different types of people. Keep any unpleasant encounters you have had with co-workers to yourself. Focus on the positive team experiences, giving examples you can.

17 How well do you work under pressure? Many jobs require you to handle multiple tasks. If you can handle deadline-stress, you may want to pursue the position. If deadlines cause you a great deal of stress you may want to reconsider whether or not you really want the job. If you dislike deadlines, but still want the job, then DO give an example of how well you worked under pressure.

18 What are your hobbies? Designed to find out how well-rounded you are your interests other than work. The interviewer wants to know that you love your work, but also that you can relate to others in the company because of your other interests.

19 Why are you leaving your present company? One more opportunity to sell your skills and abilities to the interviewer. Tell only positive points about yourself and why you are leaving.

20 What would you like to ask me? Asking good questions is an important part of the interview. Presents another way to sell yourself. Ask what their expectations are for someone in this position over the next few months. You might ask about special projects they expect to have. If the job is sales-related, ask about sales projections for someone new to the position.

21 Why should I hire you? Your opportunity to make the interviewer want to hire YOU. Do not say you are the best qualified candidate for the job. You actually won t know about the qualifications of other applicants. Instead, emphasize your skills, motivation, and enthusiasm. Give examples relating to your past work. What makes you stand out above the others?