INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES AND HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF Della M. Eiche, SNS Harford County Public Schools Forest Hill, Maryland Della.Eiche@hcps.org facebook.com/schoolnutritionassociation @SchoolLunch #ANC15
Ice-Breaker
COVER LETTERS A cover letter should be a brief overview of you Keep it short, simple and sweet Note the position you are applying for How you can contribute to the position List Qualifications Close by Thank You
WHAT WRITING STYLE IS APPROPRIATE? Be polite and be confident Always show respect for the employer Be clear and objective Think of how you would sell yourself at the interview Be consistent
Do: COVER LETTER DO S: Include your phone number and address on the letter Keep your letter brief and concise State what you can offer the company Be error free, spell check Sign the letter with black or blue ink
THINGS TO AVOID ON A COVER LETTER: Don t: Handwrite Overuse I Send a generic cover letter
LETTER OF INTENT OR INTEREST Some schools systems require a letter of intent or a letter of interest before you intend to apply for a position Include all jobs that you may be interested in and qualified for
REFLECTION Write a few things you would include about yourself on the cover letter. 1. 2. 3. 4. What are some ideas you could put in your letter of interest? 1. 2. 3. 4.
CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME Chronological Most common format List places of employment and job titles
EXPERIENCE-BASED RESUME Experience Prepare deposits, handle petty cash Create food orders and manage inventory Handle personnel issues Cross-train as regional manager
FUNCTIONAL RESUME A functional resume focuses on skills and strengths Summarizes your qualifications
MARKET YOURSELF Sell your skills and accomplishments Use short phrases that begin with action verbs Make sure you include membership in professional organizations
PREPARING A PORTFOLIO Showcases who you are Takes a snapshot of your professional work What to include Pictures Evaluations Special Events
REFLECTION Write some selling points about YOU that you would include on your resume 1. 2. 3. What are some things you can put in your portfolio? 1. 2. 3. 4.
PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW Do your research! Visit the school cafeteria or job location prior to your interview Introduce yourself to the staff Get a feel for the location Drive to the location of the interview
Practice Makes Perfect Copyright 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org Practice interviewing yourself in front of a mirror
THE DAY OF THE INTERVIEW Your Attire Matters! Dress the part Avoid casual clothing and shoes Wear professional clothing OR wear a clean work uniform Be appropriately dressed Personal Hygiene is Important Take a shower before the interview Men should be clean shaven Women should wear light make-up or no make up Avoid cologne and perfume Be conservative
WHAT TO BRING TO THE INTERVIEW A watch A pen A notepad A notebook that includes extra copies of the resume A calculator Your portfolio Notes.jot down some key things you want to remember to say at the interview A list of questions that you will ask at the end of the interview
JUST BEFORE THE INTERVIEW How to Handle the JITTERS Arrive early Drink plenty of water (keeps you cool) Use the bathroom before your interview Look at yourself in the mirror, smile and be confident Take a few deep breaths and relax Spit out any gum/mints
WALKING INTO THE INTERVIEW Your posture sets the tone, stand up straight Make eye contact, smile Shake hands and introduce yourself Say hello Remember, make a good first impression!
REFLECTION What are some things you would ask about the job you are interviewing for? What are some techniques you could use to relax for your interview?
THE QUESTIONS Most interviews involve a panel Take your time answering the questions It s ok to ask them to repeat the question
SETTING THE RIGHT TONE The interviewers decision is based on your answers as well as your qualifications Focus on your tone and choice of words Appropriate posture Have positive body language
STANDARD INTERVIEW QUESTIONS Tell me about yourself? Why did you leave your last job? What excites you about your current job? What would your employer say about you? Why should we hire you (above all other candidates)?
EMPHASIZE THE POSITIVE Keep a positive tone Turn negative experiences into positive experiences Don t speak negatively about previous management, workers etc.
HOW TO HANDLE TOUGH QUESTIONS It s ok to ask for time to think about that question Ask to come back to that question Give the best answer possible If all else fails, it s ok to say I don t know the answer to that question
AT THE END The interviewers will most likely ask you if you have any questions Have a list of questions prepared to ask Refer to your list for questions
THE DAY AFTER THE INTERVIEW Call, write or e-mail the panel and Thank them for the opportunity to interview Include any information you may have forgotten to mention in the interview Breathe and relax it s over!
CONTACT INFORMATION: Feel free to grab one of my business cards and contact me with questions. I will happily review any materials you are preparing for an interview Stay confident, you CAN do this!