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Ace the interview 2012
This document provides tips for successfully preparing for and completing a job interview. It recommends researching the company, practicing common interview questions, focusing on verbal and nonverbal communication skills, sending a thank you note after the interview, and following up with the employer. Key areas of focus include dressing professionally, maintaining good hygiene, researching the employer, practicing answers to common questions, asking questions of the interviewer, and following up after the interview.
Ace the interview 2012
- 1. Successful Interview Strategies Acethe Interview
- 2. Career and StudentEmployment Counselors Karen Steeno van Staveren Chris Augustine Our Ace Advisors…
- 3. Content Audience Participation Well Before/JustBefore/Day of/ During/After the Interview Rap Up
- 4. Neighbor Nudge Hi, myname is… What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? What are two things you are good at? What is one people skill you have?
- 5. Neighbor Nudge Hi, myname is… What is your favorite class? What are two things you are good at? What is one people skill you have?
- 6. Neighbor Nudge Hi, myname is… What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? What are two things you are good at? What is one people skill you have?
- 7. Well Before theInterview Employers want you to know how you will contribute to their organization.
- 8. Well Before theInterview: It Takes Work to Get Work Job searches can take time Know yourself: key skills, values, organizational fit RESEARCH the company Be purposeful: Why do you want this job? How and when will you contribute? What does the organization care about? Who(m) do they serve? There may be: an application; a pre-test; a phone interview
- 9. 1. VerbalCommunication 2. Problem-solving ability 3. Ability to obtain/process information 4. Can plan, organize and prioritize work 5. Analyzes data 6. Possess technical knowledge related to job 7. Computer software proficiency 8. Ability to create/edit written reports 9. Can sell or influence others Source: NACE Research: Job Outlook 2012 Spring Update Well Before the Interview Key Skills for New Hires Skills Employers Want
- 10. Why senda resume? What resume style is best? No templates REMEMBER THE JOB POSTING Use a proofreader Do I need a cover letter? Do I need references? If so, when? Well Before the Interview Written Communication Cater to the Employer
- 11. Well Before theInterview: Make lists of who you know Act “as if” in the classroom every day Get involved and expand your world Job fairs, internships, informational interviews The 30-second commercial can help http://www.careerspots.com/vidplay_links_ext.as px?aid=505&apass=3BjDw0e+18Cf09hoUHQZe A==&vidnum=1 Networking
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- 13. Post andfriend wisely; information is out there Employers are using LinkedIN.com, FB, Twitter and GOOGLE Use your security settings and/or “The Grandma Rule” Well Before the Interview Social Networking
- 14. Start witha clear subject Include a formal greeting: “Good Afternoon Mr. Smith,” Be mindful of tone – avoid sarcasm and humor “THX 4 teh interview ” is for casual text messages only Explain attachments (resume/cover letter) Use spell check, watch grammar Choose a professional address: carbuff@gmail.com or chris_augustine@engineer.com Well Before the Interview Professional Email Etiquette
- 15. Voicemail Clear,professional message including your name Eliminate music and other voices Leaving messages Identify yourself and the purpose of your call Use a friendly closing and leave your phone number Speak slowly Smile; it will come through in your voice Well Before the Interview Other Professional Phone Use
- 16. Clothes Fit,wash, press Tailor to the job Write down questions for the interviewer Get organized Portfolio: paper, pen, questions Extra resumes and references Do a dry run Time it; go there; account for traffic Practice Answers Nonverbals Just Before the Interview
- 17. When shouldI expect to hear about this position? What is your preferred method of contact? What would be a typical day’s assignment? What do you like about your job? What is the training schedule like for this job? How much money can I expect to make in a year? NO!!! What are the skills and attributes most needed to advance in this company? Just Before the Interview Questions for the Interviewer
- 18. Clothes Fit,wash, press Tailor to the job Write down questions for the interviewer Get organized Portfolio: paper, pen, questions Extra resumes and references Do a dry run Time it; go there; account for traffic Practice Answers Nonverbals Just Before the Interview
- 19. Just Before theInterview Verbal Communication Speak clearly Use proper grammar Avoid filler words and phrases Inflection Volume Concise
- 20. Slouching Just Before theInterview Distracting Interacting Twisting hair t a p p i n gs w i n g i n g l e g s *rocking* fussing with pens accessories Crossing ARMS Finger-pointing Expressionless looking around
- 21. Tell meabout yourself. What do you know about our company/this position? What are your hobbies, interests? Future plans? Why should I hire you? Prepare what, how and proof stories: Tell me about a time when: You solved a conflict with a coworker? You made some one laugh at work? Persuaded a team member to do things your way? You failed and how you handled it? Just Before the Interview Practice Interview Questions
- 22. Day of theInterview
- 23. Sleep welland eat a healthy breakfast Bathe, shampoo hair, deodorize Avoid cologne/perfume Brush or comb your hair Brush/floss teeth and use mouthwash But NO gum!!! Hands and lips moisturized Check for cigarette smell or other odors Day of the Interview Personal Hygiene
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- 25. Prepare aheadof time Ask a trusted friend to help Professional/appropriate clothing for the job Shoes – clean & polished Make sure your clothes fit Cover tattoos, if possible (no duct tape) Take out body piercing – brow, tongue, lip Day of the Interview Personal Appearance
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- 27. Trim facialhair Consider nose and ear hair Neat and clean fingernails Take out earrings or put in small studs Crisp white or blue Oxford shirt with neutral tie Suits and the button rule Pants must fit, use a belt (no sagging) No hats or sunglasses Men
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- 29. Hair shouldbe brushed and styled away from your face; check your color Make-up should be minimal, blended Fingernail polish - light not chipped Wear neutral or dark colors Shirts should not be revealing Skirts should be at or below knees Shoes – heels less than 3” Jewelry, not distracting – minimal Women
- 30. Arrive tothe lot early (30 minutes or so) Walk to location 10 minutes beforehand Check yourself Breathe Think about the organization Use specific examples but answers should be concise During the Interview
- 31. Hair Handshake Eye Contact Smile Posture Attitude During the Interview People will remember
- 32. Prepare Speak clearly, smile Stayfocused Eliminate distractions Dress for it During the Interview The Phone Interview
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- 34. •Greeting •Handshake •Resume ready •First question:“Tell me about yourself” •Have a question or two at the end •Ask for preferred method of contact •Get a business card •Thank the employer for their time Debrief
- 35. Hand-written oremail? Reinforce contributions you will make Include any additional information or thoughts you have had since the interview Thank the interviewer by name and express your desire to get the job Follow Up After the Interview
- 36. Chris Augustine,Career and Student Employment Advisor AKA Rev. Aug Rappin it UP
- 37. Thank youfor attending our workshop! For an appointment with a Career and Employment Counselor, call: 488-4123 RESOURCES, SURVEYS AND PRIZES
- 38. Take 20 minutesand invest in your future by practicing some common interview questions… Speed Interviewing
- 39. Go tothe Career Fair website: http://kalamazoocareerfair.com/ Make a list of the organizations attending that interest you Prioritize that list Research their websites for: size, location, products or services, partnerships, and industry ranking Create a plan of action for the career fair (first, others, first) Do a mock interview Check your attire Create/review your elevator speech Career Fair Preparation: Before the Career Fair
- 40. Find thecompanies on your prioritized list Smile, handshake, elevator speech with each recruiter Take freebies, do not be greedy Ask them questions and share your knowledge Find out recruiting process (timeline, next steps) Be mindful of recruiter’s time and thank them Get a business card Network with others Career Fair Preparation: During the Career Fair
- 41. Send thank-younotes to each recruiter Thank them for their time, interest, and help in your job-search Evaluate your plan of action What worked? What could be improved? Plan to follow up with each recruiter after 2 weeks Emphasize your interest and how you would contribute Create a system for organizing job leads Company Name: Hiring Manager Name: Phone/E-mail: Position Applied for: Date Applied: Position Requirements: Career Fair Preparation: After the Career Fair