Interviewing blueprint on how to ace your next interview and land that dream job. An overview of interviewing tips, preparation, sample interview questions for the interviewer and interviewee, formulating an elevator speech, common interview mistakes, and how to close.

1. INTERVIEWING BLUEPRINTINTERVIEWING BLUEPRINT
by Linda D. Greenby Linda D. Green
L Green Job Readiness TrainingL Green Job Readiness Training
https://greenjobreadiness.comhttps://greenjobreadiness.com

2. Lights, Camera, ActionLights, Camera, Action
 Be Prepared
 Be Confident
 Be Focused
 Be Brief
 Be polite to
EVERYONE
It only takes people 3 seconds to know
where you are coming from. An interview,
business meeting, a social event – each is kind
of a theater. You are an actor playing your
part as convincingly as possible in an effort
to get the job…..by Camille Lavington
(“You’ve Only Got Three Seconds”)

3. Interviewing Tips - A
 Do your homework – Research
the company and know the
specifics of the job.
 Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse
beforehand
 Identify who are you meeting.
Obtain their titles, relationship
to job.
 Secure your references (Provide
each reference with a current copy of
your resume and description of the job
you are interviewing for.)
 The clothes make the job
seeker. Make sure you are
polished. (Per Kim Zoller at Image
Dynamics, 55% of a person's perception
based on how they look.)

4. InterviewingInterviewing Tips BTips B
 Know where you are going.
Determine an alternate route.
 Arrive early
 Bring Your Resumes (bring extra copies).
 Bring required documents
 Be POLITE to EVERYONE
 Ask questions (Write them down.)
 Sell yourself
 Exude CONFIDENCE
 Be POSITIVE and ENTHUSIASTIC
 Send a Thank You Note/Email and
Follow-up

5. When Answering a QuestionWhen Answering a Question
1. It is ok to ask interviewer to
clarify/repeat a question.
2. Think about what the interviewer
wants to know. Why did he/she ask
the question?
3. Answer in a way that shows you meet
the employer’s needs.
4. Answer directly and briefly – no more
than 60 seconds.
5. If possible, include a concrete example.
6. Answer with confidence….In your
voice and body language.
7. DON’T RAMBLE!

6. Common Interview QuestionsCommon Interview Questions
1. Why did you leave your last job?
2. Why are you interested in our company?
3. What are your salary requirements?
4. Why should we hire you?
5. What are your strengths/weaknesses?
6. How would your peers/manager describe
you?
7. Where do you see yourself in five years?
8. What is your greatest career
accomplishment?
9. What would you like to achieve in this
company?
10. Do you consider yourself a team player?
11. Do you have any questions?
12. Tell me about yourself (Considered one of
the most difficult to answer.)

7. ““Tell me about yourself…”Tell me about yourself…”
Employers are really asking you ….
Tell me about yourself as a professional.
What do YOU think is important for the job?
How are you going to fit in with the company and provide value?
Can you answer an “unstructured” question on the fly?
https://zety.com/blog/tell-me-about-yourself

8. Elevator Speech…….Elevator Speech…….
Your elevator speech should not exceed
30 seconds. It should include…
 Your Name
 Your most recent position
 Your major responsibilities
 An accomplishment you are
proud and relevant to the
position
 Your career goals

9. Sample Questions Interviewees Should Ask (A)Sample Questions Interviewees Should Ask (A)
1. Why is this a great place to work and what
do you think distinguishes this company
from some of your competitors? (List
competitors for bonus points)
2. What significant changes has the company
recently experienced?
3. How would you describe the most
successful employees in your company?
4. What is the largest challenge facing your
department? If hired, how could I help
solve this problem?
5. Why is the position available?
6. What are the initial priorities of the
position?
7. What skills are needed to succeed?

10. Sample Questions Interviewees Should Ask (B)Sample Questions Interviewees Should Ask (B)
1. What is the company’s managerial
style/culture?
2. Does the company support training and
development of its employees?
3. What are the companies
strengths/weaknesses?
4. What are the biggest challenges of this
job?
5. Do you have any reservations about my
qualifications?
6. When can I expect to hear from you?

11. Common Interview MistakesCommon Interview Mistakes
 Failure to research the company
 Not taking the interview seriously
 Dressing too casual
 Being too modest
 Not showing why you’re the best choice
 Talking too much
 Focusing on the benefits (salary, fringe)
 Discussing salary prior to an offer
 Trash talking prior
employer/colleagues
 Failing to ask questions
 Poor body language/No eye to eye
contact
 Forgetting the follow-up

12.  Ask important unanswered questions.
 Discuss next steps.
 Obtain business cards from each interviewer.
 Send Thank You Note/Email within 24 hours (Tip: You may also
send a “Thank You” to an employee who was extremely helpful (i.e.,
Interview Coordinator, Administrative Assistant)
 Follow-up with the hiring manager to determine your status.
Closing and Follow-upClosing and Follow-up

13. Q & AQ & A