The document provides tips and advice for interview success. It discusses the main types of interviews, how to prepare, what to expect, and best practices during and after the interview. Specifically, it recommends dressing professionally, researching the company and position, preparing answers to common questions, knowing your strengths and how they fit the role, maintaining confidence without arrogance, having a clear message about your value, asking questions of the interviewer, and following up with a thank you after the interview.

1. Interview Basics By Mike Rasmussen Dry Creek Ward Employment Specialist

2. Interviewing As A Selection Tool Allows candidate and decision maker to interact. Allows decision maker to judge mannerisms and personality traits that cannot be observed from resume. Helps decision maker to determine total “fit” for certain types of jobs.

3. Common Types Of Interviews Panel Interviews -Where a group of interviewers ask questions related to job. Structured Interview -Interviewer uses a form for asking questions. Behavioral Interview -Type of Interview where questions are related to “what if” scenarios where the common belief is that past performance determines future performance. Stress Interview -Type of interview where the interviewer tries to “stress” you out in order to see how you handle stress. Traditional Interview -Type of interview where the interviewer is the decision maker with final hiring authority. Typically asks questions that are open ended. This interview type may include parts of the other styles.

4. Success In Interviews Dressing Well Knowing Who Your Audience Is Prepare for different kinds of questions Know Yourself Be Confident but Not Cocky Have A Message Ask Questions Follow Up & Thank You

5. Dressing Well For any type of interview it is imperative to dress well. Business attire is always appropriate: For Men: Shirt & Tie, Suit, Breif Case or Portfolio, Dress Shoes For Women: Pant Suits or Dresses, No High Heels, No Excessive Makeup, When in doubt conservative attire is always best. Try on your interview attire to make sure it fits well and is comfortable.

6. Knowing Who Your Audience Is If you are applying for a certain job the following will help you to know what to “study” Research company website and know basic company financials. Have a good idea of why you would like to work in the organization. Study organization history and culture from website. Basic information is sufficient. Know why the job is open and what need it meets.

7. Preparing For Different Types Of Questions Practice responses to common questions: Tell Me About Yourself? What do you offer? What is your experience? How would you react in this situation? Why did you leave your last job? Questions will often relate to a job description. Whenever possible research job description in its entirety to know more about the position you are applying for. Although there may be different positions open, the particular position for which you are interviewing will require specific tailoring of your message.

8. Know Yourself Know your resume inside and out. Know your qualifications and create a message for your target audience. Use power words that create a picture of value. Use Can, Lead, Created, Managed, Cut Costs, Generated Revenue, etc. vs. I think, I feel, I don’t know, etc. Tell a story about what you offer and why your experience is directly connected to job in question. Offer solutions to issues the employer may see in the job. Use job description to find what issues need to be addressed and how your skills meet the need. You are a salesperson for yourself.

9. Be Confident But Not Cocky Be confident and prepare well. Practice interviewing with a friend and research questions that may be asked on the web. With great practice you can deliver your message well and be able to “sell” the decision maker on hiring you. Be polite and don’t hog the conversation. Let the process be a dialogue.

10. Having A Message A message is the core reason for hiring you. You need to communicate your value add to the organization. Know what it is you want in a job opportunity. Research different opportunities and take stock of your skills so you can communicate how your background can create a mutually beneficial situation.

11. Ask Questions It’s your turn to ask questions. Ask about the organization and it’s values. Why is position open? What kinds of opportunities for growth are there? What characteristics does a successful candidate have in this role? What are the next steps after this one?

12. Follow Up & Thank You If given a business card follow up with a thank you and express your gratitude either by email or formal letter. Say that you appreciate the time and opportunity to explore career options. Ask for a follow up time frame if appropriate-Note company culture is critical here.

13. Conclusion Good interviewing is a conversation not a one way road. Ask good questions and answer well to maximize dialogue. Interviewing can be a great experience that does not need to be intimidating.