Prepare for the Job Interview

PREPARE FOR THE JOB INTERVIEW

Are you prepared for the interview? Are you able to articulate your skills and show how they can benefit the employer? Are you able to identify and solve a problem and get the desire results?

Important Information to Know

 If you have FACE BOOK, make sure it is good and clean; employers look at them.  Have good eye contact, smile, and nice, firm handshake; do not look down at the floor.  Dress appropriately; the first impression the employer has about you is when you walk in the door.  If you smoke, smoke BEFORE the bath/shower. Do not smoke in the car as the employer can smell it.  Do not put perfume or cologne on as one does not know if the employer is allergic.  Arrive 15 minutes early and be kind to the receptionist, say ‘Hello.’  Arrive alone. If you have a ride, please let the driver stay in the car or leave the parking lot. Prior to the job interview, make sure your vehicle works.  LEAVE YOUR CELL PHONE IN YOUR VEHICLE GLOVE COMPARTMENT.  Prior to the job interview, if you have children, make sure that in addition to your child care provider, have a backup provider.

Before the Interview

 Dress for Success: Be sure to have appropriate, professional looking clothes.  Have a well written resume, reference list, and if needed, portfolio.  Research the company; write questions to ask the employer.  Prepare and practice, practice, practice the interview questions and responses.  Know the road directions to the interview so you will not get lost and be late.

During the Interview

 Show interest, always ask questions, especially when asked, ‘Do you have questions for me?’  Be aware of the types of questions you will be asked: INFORMATIONAL: The interviewer wants to get information about your skills and how they can benefit the company. They want to know the type of professional or person you are.  Tell me about yourself.  Why should I hire you?  Why do you want to work for us?

SITUATIONAL: The employer wants to know if you can solve problems and be able to act upon a situation rather quickly. When you have a situation, share an example. Use the STAR method: (S) Situation (T) Task (A) Action (R) Result  (Business): Sell me this pen that I am holding.  (Teacher): What would you do if Suzie will not stay in her seat during class?  (Graphic Arts): The customer is not pleased with the book design. What would you do in this situation?

ILLEGAL: Make sure you know the difference between legal and illegal questions. When the employer asks, Do you speak French?” this is legal. If the employer asks, “I notice your accent, where are you from?” this is illegal . The following questions are illegal:  Are you married?  Do you have children?  Do you have a medical condition or disability? NOTE: It is legal for employers to ask if you have been convicted (they usually know ahead of time). It is suggested for you to bring this information out first. Do not act like you have anything to hide. Developed by Rita Freeborough, M.Ed., CGCDF (Certified Global Career Development Facilitator)