This document provides tips for surviving a job interview. It recommends researching the company and job beforehand to identify strengths related to the position. Appearance is important, so dress conservatively and make a good first impression. Be prepared to discuss qualifications, experiences, and why you are interested in the company. Bring copies of your resume and be aware of positive and negative body language signals. Thank the interviewer and follow up with a thank you note afterwards. Overall, the document outlines best practices for having a successful job interview.

1. How to survive
The Job Interview
Occupational Prep II
2012

2. Research the company
• Know the job duties
• Know the company
• Ask questions

3. Write down your strengths
• Identify your strengths
• Relate them to the job
• Give examples of where you have
demonstrated these

4. Appearance matters…a lot!
• If you don’t dress seriously, they can’t take
you seriously
• Make a good first impression
• Dress conservatively
• Be well groomed and clean
• Show your creativity in your work, not your
appearance

5. Details matter
• Nicely styled hair
• Natural clean looking makeup
• Clean your fingernails
• Skip the clunky jewelry
• Avoid strong perfumes

6. Greeting & Introduction
 Be on time!
 Use Mr. or Ms. Unless they ask you to
use first names.
 Give a firm handshake. Only 1 chance
 Don’t sit until you are invited to to make a good
impression!
 Always make eye contact
 Smile!!
 Remember “please” and “Thank you”
 Small talk is good!

7. What to bring to the interview
• Several copies of your resume
• Your portfolio, if applicable
• Notebook & pen
• Names, addresses and phone numbers for
references

8. Body Language: What signals are
you sending?
Positive signals:
Leaning forward = Interested
Smiling = friendly
Nodding = attentive &
alert
Eye contact = curious &
focused

9. Body Language
Negative signals:
 Crossed arms = defensive
 Fidgeting hands or tapping feet = nervous
or bored
 Lack of eye contact = untrustworthy
 Leaning back = discomfort

10. Types of Interview Questions
 Be prepared to talk about
yourself and your
experiences.
 Provide specific examples
of your experiences or
accomplishments.
 Remain positive,
enthusiastic and confident
throughout the interview.

11. Frequently asked questions
• Tell me about yourself
• How has your education prepared you for this
position?
• Who or what has had the greatest influence on the
development of your career interests?
• Why are you interested in this company?
• Tell me about your strengths.
• What are your weaknesses?
• Why should I hire you?

12. Frequently asked questions
• What has been your greatest challenge?
• What work experience has been the
most valuable to you and why.
• How do you solve conflicts?
• Give me an example of a problem you
solved.
• How do you motivate people?
• Do you consider yourself a “team
player”?
• What frustrates you the most?
• What can you contribute to our
company?

13. General Interview Strategies
 Avoid filler words such as “um”, “ah” and “you
know”.
 Avoid indecisive phrases such as: “I think”, “I
guess”, “probably”, “pretty good”.
 Think before speaking
 Avoid long answers
 If you did not hear or
understand the question,
ask them to repeat it for you.
 Remain calm, relaxed and
be yourself!

14. Make a solid Impression
• Ask good questions
• Thank the interviewer
• Extend a handshake
• Request a business card
• Inquire about next steps
in the process
• Let them know that you
want the job

15. Interview don’ts
 Don’t make negative comments
about previous employers or
supervisors
 Don’t treat the interview too casually
 Don’t give the impression you are
only interested about money
 Don’t chew gum or smell like smoke
 Don’t take cell phone calls during
the interview
 Don’t act desperate to take anything
 Don’t make excuses – take
responsibility for your actions
 Don’t lie

16. Follow up
• Send a thank you note within 24 hours
• Letter may be handwritten or typed; email
is also acceptable
• Tailor each one to the individual

17. Evaluate
After the interview, take some time to reflect.
 How did you do overall?
 What were your strengths?
 What needs improvement?
 What steps can I take next
time to improve?

18. THANK YOU!