Searching for a job and preparing for interviews go hand in hand. This presentation suggests five key areas to focus on for your next job interview. Learn how to demonstrate your knowledge of the company and its products. Understand how being confident in your abilities and the value of being actively engaged in your profession is a must. Additional topics include proving you are a problem solver with solid work examples and closing the sale.

1. Bruce A. Bennett
Career Coach Corner
March 10, 2021 1

2. NTS
Resource for job seekers
Learn, inquire and advance
Support
Network
A group of individuals
Shared industry, position or interest
Informational interview – Chat about role
This is why you network
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3. Bruce A. Bennett
Career Coach Corner
March 10, 2021 3

4. http://www.illinoisworknet.com/

5. Introduction
MCWN Volunteer since 2010 & Contractor since 2018
Career Coach Corner Blogger, Podcaster & Presenter
General Notes for Today
My contact info is on last slide
Session is interactive
Presentation will be available on SlideShare
Networking session followed by presentation
Share experiences, ask questions, seek advice, etc.
Poll for what topics in the future
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6. 1. Interview Knowledge - Show him/her you know the
company, its products and customers.
2. Self Confidence - Be confident in your own skin /
abilities and value.
3. Up To Date - Keep pace with industry knowledge and
developments.
4. Portfolio - Prove you are a problem solver with solid
work examples.
5. Closing the Interview - Excitement with desire for the
job in your voice & demeanor.

8. Research the company and position
Company website: management team,
recent acquisitions, current news, new
products, stock price, etc.
LinkedIn: Company LinkedIn Page, Profiles
of people you are interviewing with,
connections who work at the company,
and people who left.

9. Have work history, reference details and several copies of
your resume.
Dress for interview and overdress rather than underdress.
Have your answers prepared for these most likely
opening interview questions:
1. What can you tell me about our company?
2. Tell Me About Yourself by Pamela Skillings
3. Tell Me About Yourself by Don Georgevich

10. Interview Knowledge

11. Self analysis
SWOT and positive thinking.
Set goals
Measure success in small steps.
Start Stretching
Increase goals as confidence builds.

13. Smile.
Posture and Body Language.
Speak confidently – slow it down.
Goal setting & achievement.
Do away with a bad habit.

14. Visualize yourself in a positive light.
Prepare mentally for situations.
Muscle and mind memory.
Laugh.
8 Proven Ways to Boost Your Self Confidence
How to be more confident

15. Up To Date
Staying current in your field.
Google yielded 1,060,000,000 results!
Are You Staying Current In Your Field?
Product/Services websites.
Company websites.
Posts, blogs and other on line activity.

16. Up To Date
LinkedIn activity is one way to demonstrate
you are current.
Read and discuss merits of books, seminars
or webinars in your industry.
Professional Association Membership
webinars, events and networking.
Being current yields currency.

17. Resume.
Examples of your work, e.g. Spreadsheets,
Memos, Proposals, Presentations.
List of accomplishments.
Letters of recommendation.
Military service.

18. Certificates, Degrees or Licenses.
Transcripts, continuing education classes
and/or seminars.
Volunteer activities.
Thank you notes from vendors/clients.
Recognition photos or completed team
projects.

19. Have questions prepared and printed out with
Company logo visible.
Express interest in the company and working for the
hiring manager.
Return to the beginning and tell them about yourself
and why you are a great candidate.
Ask about next steps in the candidate selection
process.
Enthusiastic handshake, fist bump or elbow at the
end.

20. McHenry County Workforce Network
March Calendar of Events & Services
Personalized Job Search Assistance Services
To sign up, request the professional directly by email
Resume Review, Mock Interview or LinkedIn Critique
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21. LinkedIn for Your Job Search
Monday March 15, 2021 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
LinkedIn Strategic Guidelines
Wednesday March 17, 2021 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Network to Success Job Club
Job Search for Over 50
Wednesday April 14, 2021 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Resumes, Cover Letters & Applying Online
Wednesday April 19, 2021 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Guide to a Winning Interview
Wednesday April 21, 2021 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
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22. Michele N. – Medical
Attended Resume & LinkedIn workshops and gained confidence
Mary M. – Educator
Changed her resume after Resume, CL & ATS workshop and got 9 interviews
Liz Z. – Graphics Designer
Attended workshops and was hired
Nick C. – Retail Loss Prevention
Attended all workshops and incorporated learnings to get hired
Val M. – Retail Supply Chain
Incorporated my recommendations from workshops & 1 on 1
Your Name Here!!
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23. Feel free to follow up or
connect with me on LinkedIn
Bruce A. Bennett
Mobile: 815-302-9552
Email: BABennett73@gmail.com
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/bruceabennett
Career Coach Corner Blog: http://bruce73.wordpress.com/
https://bruce73.wordpress.com/upcoming-presentations/
Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/b-squared-linkedin
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24. Whose job status was affected by Covid-19?
Who would like to share a target company?
Recent job applications?
Anyone have a prescreen phone call or
interview recently?
General Questions or comments
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