The document provides guidance on various aspects of preparing for and excelling in a job interview. It discusses preparing for different types of interviews, researching the company, having answers prepared for common questions, dressing appropriately, making a strong first impression, demonstrating skills through examples and stories, overcoming potential objections, and following up after the interview.

1. Interview Skills

2. Agenda Introduction. What type will the interview be ? What to prepare ? What should you wear ? Answering difficult interview questions. Worst Case Scenarios. Ways to rescue a dying interview. Follow-Up. Agenda

3. How to Get your Target Job!!! Introduction Relevant Skills Organized Job Search Prepare for the Interview Attitude Target Job

4. Got The Job Your resume has put you at the first stage It is your chance to do yourself a favor Introduction

5. LAND TO THE POSITION YOU ARE LOOKING FOR Introduction

6. Interview What is an interview ? What can the process create ? Introduction

7. What is an Interview Two way process. Argumentative issue. Gather and clarify information. The most important stage of job search. Introduction What can the process create? Simply, A decision to be hired or not ! Hiring decisions are made on emotion and justified with logic You like things first and then justifies it. Get the employer to like u

8. The Art Of Interviewing Can you sell / Market yourself? Can you impress? It is not just answering questions. Introduction

9. Market / Sell Yourself Suppose you are a product Know your product (SWOT) Know your customer’s needs Demonstrate how you can satisfy him Introduction

10. Sections of Interviews Preparation Preparation The Big Day Big Day Follow-up Follow Up

11. Be Prepared for the Journey Once you have the Interview secured Don’t walk-in without keys … PREPARATION IS THE KEY! Preparation Big Day Follow Up

12. Ask your Self Preparation Big Day Follow Up Which Schedule? What is your goal? Which environment?

13. Example سورة طه Preparation Big Day Follow Up Prepare/ Rehearse to impress Objective إستعن بالله Team environment Long term goals

14. Know the Type Telephone screening. Screening. Second or third interview Headhunting. One to one interview. Group interviews. Panel Interviews. Free Form / Un-structured. Psychometrics. Presentations. Preparation Big Day Follow Up

15. Panel Interview Two or three interviewers ask set of questions for every candidate. The atmosphere can be formal. S T A R . Preparation Big Day Follow Up S - T A R What and How Done Effect of Action Circumstances

16. Free Form A loosely- framed, few topics Could be away from normal working hours. Unstructured, informal and can be perceived as a chat. It can be difficult to sell yourself without being prompted by relevant questions. Preparation Big Day Follow Up

17. Presentation Prepare well Practice Preparation Big Day Follow Up

18. Psychometric You will be asked a series of questions to: Discover self-observation. Reactions ? Psychometric tests are becoming popular. Mainly supporting role. Preparation Big Day Follow Up

19. Answers to prepare Why can you do the job? Situational questioning. Behavioral questioning. What’s your great weakness? Why you change job’s so frequently? What is your biggest mistake in career? How would your supervisor / friends describe you? Tell me a story? Tell me a joke? What can you offer that others don’t? What is your major accomplishments? Preparation Big Day Follow Up

20. Answers to prepare Preparation Big Day Follow Up 1- Situational Questioning: You might be asked how you would cope in a hypothetical situation. For example, how you have dealt with a difficult user at the issue desk in your current job. 2- Behavioral Questioning: You may be asked about your behavior or reaction to a certain situation.. For example, how would you deal with a difficult user at the issue desk ?

21. Expectations General information about the position. Articulate your qualifications and interests. Understand the nature of the organization Preparation Big Day Follow Up

22. The Matching Process / Self Assessment Technical skills that match this job. Will your personality match your job? Preparation Big Day Follow Up

23. R U the right one ? Prepare your matching sheet Excellent interpersonal skills Ran team of 3 people for 18 months. Experience of handling mgmt accounts Four years of relevant experience How will your teamwork and leadership spirit help you match with the job? Preparation Big Day Follow Up

24. Team Work Are you more comfortable working as a part of a team or individually ? Be honest If you are a person who would rather work alone, please say it. What is the job necessitates? If you have not stated this, you may have the shock of being one of the team and you may hate your job. Preparation Big Day Follow Up

25. Analyze your strengths / weakness Strengths: Think about how you have used your strongest skills. Keep all your achievements at your fingertips For example, you may have decided to rearrange the filing system to help your colleagues to find documents more easily. State the skill & example it. State the skill & show how you use it. Don’t just say it, show it. Weaknesses: Be ready to explain any inconsistencies or breaks in your career. Think creatively and remember transferable skills. Preparation Big Day Follow Up

26. Dress For Success Professional business wear is a must in most of the organizations It is a part of the first impression taken about the candidate There is no perfect dressing but try to select what suits you Preparation Big Day Follow Up

27. Dress for Success Dress appropriate to the Organization. Comfortable clothes to you. Show you have made effort. Shows that you are serious about the job. Distract the interviewer. Bright colors. Preparation Big Day Follow Up

28. What you should know about an organization Potential advancements. Atmosphere. Benefits. Bonuses. Dress code. Ethics and integrity. Owners. Flexible / rigid structure. Org. goals. Growth potential. Training. Turnover. Company type Main customers. Company history. Location. Management philosophy. Management structure. Office politics. Previous problems faced. Product / services. Profit / sales volume. Reputation. Research. Relocation potential. Size. Stability. Preparation Follow Up Big Day Keep them In your heart

29. Ready to go to the BIG DAY !

30. The Big Day Preparation Big Day Follow Up

31. Big Day Objectives Going to the interview. Interview Principles , skills & tips Playing the game First Impression Verbal communication The interview questions Gesture and body language Worst Case Scenarios Preparation Big Day Follow Up

32. Going to the interview Your route: PLACE Know how to get there. How long it will take. Always allow for extra time. Arrival: TIME Five minutes early is about right. Always be polite and friendly to everybody Preparation Big Day Follow Up

33. Interview principles; Opportunity for two people to meet. Its two way street (Not begging, you’re equal). The employer is on your side (He wants to hire you). Objection is not a rejection. Let the employer talk and you listen. Increase your chance for second interview (dress , time..etc). Hiring decision is based on emotions. Focus on your accomplishments examples. Be yourself and be the best in it. Use examples to back up statements (STAR). Be prepared to elaborate the CV details. Project confidence all over. Send thank you note. Relax and enjoy. Preparation Big Day Follow Up

34. Key interviewing skills Active listening. Preparation. Building Rapport/Relationship. (Trust, respect & use his name or the company’s) Be yourself yet the best. Control the content not the interview. Get info about the job. Learn to talk about yourself. Let others speak for you Preparation Big Day Follow Up

35. Interview tips; Get plenty of rest Watch cultural difference Dress appropriately Bring pen and pad Remember the interviewer name Shake hands firmly Wait before you sit Look for interviewer interests No smoking or gum chewing No profanity Keep it interesting Go in with agenda Don’t ask silly Q Don’t assume Preparation Big Day Follow Up

36. Playing the interview game The pregnant pause Don’t answer rapidly every question. Go pregnant pause after a relatively tough question. Other wise you are who “ shoots from the hip ” Eye contact Constant eye contact is unnatural Normal conversation, speaker looks away 30-70% of the time Staring makes me uncomfortable Truthfulness There is no pillow as soft as a clear conscience. ( John Wooden ) If u tell z truth you don’t need such a good memory ( Mark Twain ) اذا اردت ان تكون كاذبا فكن ذكورا Preparation Big Day Follow Up

37. Overcoming objections Objection is not a rejection Its request for more info. Employer needs reassurance about experience and learning. Its opportunity . Predict the objection you’ll face Its raises doubts about your ability “ You don’t have enough experience ” Don’t argue with employers He: you don’t have enough experience in this field You: I realize there may b others w more experience, but I really feel the quality of my experience is the key. Because of the variety of things I’ve done, and my level of responsibility earned. I see my five years r equivalent to most people w the 10. There is no question in my mind that I can do an outstanding job for you. Preparation Big Day Follow Up

38. Master story telling art Describe yourself Let me tell you I’m hard working,energetic,a true leader and a person who can juggle multiple tasks Problem: Selling too many things so you don’t do good job w any of them (NO EXAMPLES !) Employer should remember you for weeks. Stories have impact. A non-work experience with a work experience. Show how you overcame the problem. Preparation Big Day Follow Up

39. Cont’d STAR Key points for telling stories 1- Provide all key information's 2- Describe the situation as you came into 3- Describe your analysis & recommendations 4- Describe what you implemented & results obtained 5- Provide interesting details (KISS) 6- Make the story interesting Preparation Big Day Follow Up

40. Describing Accomplishments Telling vivid stories requires practice 1- Write 12 accomplishments and write brief descriptions for each 2- Practice giving 3 min. version, 2 min. version & 1 min. version of each Quantify results. Results sells people. Which / Which resulted in. Preparation Big Day Follow Up

41. First Impression Preparation Big Day Follow Up

42. First Impression Elements Preparation Big Day Follow Up 55% 38% 7% Appearance Speech Words

43. Verbal / Non Verbal Communication Greet the interviewer with a strong handshake. Eye contact is an important component of the interview. Always feel relaxed not confused or somewhat stressed. Preparation Big Day Follow Up

44. Talking Vs. Listening time Preparation Big Day Follow Up

45. During The Interview Sell yourself and be confident about your qualifications. Be honest about your decision criteria of the job. Emphasize the positive sides of your personality. Preparation Big Day Follow Up

46. Advice Honest Stay positive in all your answers Promote your skills Have your body language Be straight forward Enthusiasm Preparation Big Day Follow Up Keep them In your heart

47. Project Enthusiasm Demonstrate it throughout the interview Perform an enthusiasm check (Straight up in the chair, introduce more hand gestures, tones, add feelings to your talk) Your potential is your future worth to the organization Show it thru accomplishments Selling potential can overcome ur lack of experience Preparation Big Day Follow Up

48. Use Power words; Built Created Decreased Designed Enhanced Established Generated Implemented Won Preparation Big Day Follow Up Improved Increased Initiated Introduced Organized Saved Sold Solved Transformed

49. Accepting Appreciative Assertive Cheerful Compassionate Considerate Cooperative Decision making Decisive Diplomatic Discreet Drive Easy going Effective under stress Efficient / Productive Emotionally stable Energetic / Stamina Enthusiastic Flexible Forgiving Friendly / Nice Generous Goal oriented Growth oriented Honesty / Integrity Insightful Loyal Mature Motivated Open-minded Optimistic Patient Persistent Reliable Resourceful Responsible Risk-taking Self-confidant Sense of humor Sincere Sound judgment Tactful Thorough Use personality skills in interview Preparation Big Day Follow Up The most admirable skills, Universally accepted

50. Talking tips ( Do ) Wait for him to finish speaking. Take time, and collect your thoughts. Answer the question. Speak simple and professional. Humor is important but be serious. You will appear Calm, Confident & Polite. Preparation Big Day Follow Up

51. Talking tips ( Don’ts ) Answer before being asked. Quickly fill the silence. Ask irrelevant questions to the job. Use the umms, ahhs and slang. Use your own jargons profanity. Interrupt Being smart is never expressed by words. Preparation Big Day Follow Up

52. Example سورة الشعراء Preparation Big Day Follow Up Q: A1: Be honest A2: Simple A3: Clarify A5: Enthusiast A6: Impress A4: Clarify

53. The Interview Questions Preparation Big Day Follow Up Tell me about your self? Why did you leave your job? What is your biggest weakness? What is you biggest strength Why can you do the job? What’s your great weakness? Why you change job’s so frequently? What is your biggest mistake in career? How would your supervisor / friends describe you? Tell me a story? Tell me a joke? What can you offer that others don’t? What is your major accomplishments?

54. Tell me about yourself ? The simplest… Yet can be the hardest. Be yourself. Prepare Experience Skills Education Ambition Preparation Big Day Follow Up

55. Tell me about yourself? Experience Experience Choose relevant experience. How you are profiled. Highlighting relevant work achievements. Fresh graduate, speak about summer training Preparation Big Day Follow Up

56. Tell me about yourself? Skills Skills List the relevant skills. Employers look for skills like attention to detail. strong communication. dealing with deadlines. Programming skills doesn’t mean much for administrative position! Preparation Big Day Follow Up

57. Tell me about yourself? Education Education: Vital for the less-experienced. Is it relevant? Did you taking relevant courses Preparation Big Day Follow Up

58. Tell me about yourself? Ambition Ambitions: What are you looking for What are you seeking to fulfill. Other Qualities Travel experience, associations and activities. Preparation Big Day Follow Up

59. Tell me about yourself? Put it in Writing See the below example: A sales representative job in a software company requiring 2 years experience would need a “personal commercial” that goes something like: “ I have been following a sales career for the last 2 years in the software industry. I have been handling various account sectors, especially the tourism and hospitality sector. At my last job, I was noted for surpassing my target, and helped raise sales by 30% in one year.” “My strengths are in communication. I pride myself on being able to establish a relationship with my clients and being able to maintain them. I am always meet deadlines, and work well under pressure.” “My degree in business has helped me get a grip of this career, as well as my coursework in psychology.” “I have participated in several sales-oriented workshops.” Preparation Big Day Follow Up

60. Example Preparation Big Day Follow Up Be yourself Ambition/Goal Skills/ Education

61. Ten things Employers looks for What results you’ll achieve? How soon you’ll b productive? How much supervision will u need? Do u generate more value than cost? Can you become high performer? Will u fit into the culture? Will u b fun to work with? Are u responsible? Can u manage ur own development? Will u stay? Preparation Big Day Follow Up

62. How to excite the employer? M S S R needs ! Show that you can; 1- M ake money for the organization (Sales, TQM, CS) 2- S ave money for the organization (Productivity,Cut costs, Efficiency) 3- S olve problems the employer is facing 4- R educe stress level Preparation Big Day Follow Up

63. Why did you leave your job ? Stay Positive Show desire for growth opportunities. Employers are looking for employees with good attitudes even when working in bad situations. Preparation Big Day Follow Up

64. Why did you leave your job ? Fired? Be honest. Quickly explain it… No details especially the political ones. Never ever lie about it or around it Preparation Big Day Follow Up

65. Why did you leave? Laid off? It is no longer the same as before. Nothing to apologize for or act defeated. Express yourself simply as follows : “ Because of the economy, the company decided to eliminate 2 departments including mine.” Privatization necessitates rightsizing. Reasons should be described in such way that interviewer believes he would have left under those circumstances also. Preparation Big Day Follow Up

66. Why did you leave your job ? Quit ? Be honest and stay positive. Simply the job was not challenging enough. You are seeking higher levels of responsibility and ready to make the next step on your career ladder. Preparation Big Day Follow Up

67. Why are you leaving your current position? Stay positive, even if your previous company has left a negative impression. Employers are looking for employees with good attitudes even when working in bad situations. Preparation Big Day Follow Up

68. What is your biggest weakness ? Simply, tell him Why he shouldn’t hire you. Preparation Big Day Follow Up

69. What is your biggest weakness ? Why is he asking ? Mention your weakness. Discuss what you have done to overcome it. Criteria of the chosen weakness: Real. Understandable. Relatively harmless. Work-related. Preparation Big Day Follow Up

70. Examples "I used to have some problems with organization. So now I carry a schedule book throughout the day and I also use this Palm Pilot to keep me on track. It's worked out great!“ Preparation Big Day Follow Up

71. Examples "Once in a while, I focus too much on the details of a project. So now, when I'm working on a project, I always make sure at the end of the day to sit back and take a few minutes to think about the general scope of my work. It forces me to keep priorities straight and helps me keep the right mindset." Preparation Big Day Follow Up

72. Examples I tend to be a perfectionist. I sometimes work too hard, leading to unnecessary stress. Work life balance. Used to do things all by myself, now I learned delegation. Preparation Big Day Follow Up

73. What is your greatest strength This is a great question to SCAN your skills. Talk about your skills confidentially. Such as being able to plan and organize information. Preparation Big Day Follow Up

74. Body Language Personal image is more than just clothes. Smile, make eye contact with all interviewers. Sit back in the chair to be comfortable and confident but don't lounge. Keep still (fiddling, scratching, and arms in a knot indicate nervousness and defensiveness). If you are very nervous, refuse tea or coffee (a rattling cup is a giveaway). Breathing out helps you to remain calm (but breathing in makes your voice go higher!) Preparation Big Day Follow Up

75. Gestures Spatial gestures indicate openness. Leaning forward adds emphasis to a point. Leaning backward, to put distance between yourself and the interviewer. Touching your face means that you are stucked, lying or don’t know. Preparation Big Day Follow Up

76. Nervous Candidate Preparation Big Day Follow Up

77. Interviewer Body Talks Preparation Big Day Follow Up

78. Body Language - Watch it Preparation Big Day Follow Up

79. Worst case Scenarios Late for the interview ? Don’t know how to answer a question ? Forgot to bring copies of my resumes ? Called the interviewer by the wrong name ? Preparation Big Day Follow Up

80. I am going to be late Take a deep breath, collect your thoughts and rehearse for the coming phone call. He will accept incidents of the ‘couldn’t be avoided’ category. What does he want to know ? Why are you late ? What is the realistic estimation of your time of arrival ? Courteous apology. Preparation Big Day Follow Up

81. Example “ Salam Alaikom. This is Mohamad Salah. I have an 11 a.m. interview today for the editor position. Unfortunately, my car has broken down. I should be able to get there in 25 minutes if that's OK. I apologize for the inconvenience and I wanted to inform you as soon as possible." Preparation Big Day Follow Up

82. I Don't Know how to answer !! That’s really a good question. Don’t use the ummms & ahhhs. Don’t ask for time to think. Ask for clarification for the question or a difficult part of it. If you don’t need it, don’t ask for it. (Molehill out of a mountain) Simply say, ” Don’t know the answer” Preparation Big Day Follow Up

83. Forgot to Bring My Resume! Acknowledge it upfront. Give a practical excuse. (Lazy?) "I just wanted to let you know that I planned ahead to bring copies of my resume, but my printer didn't cooperate. It broke down on me. I can e-mail you a copy after the interview if that's OK." Make sure you have all emails that likes to have it. Preparation Big Day Follow Up

84. I Called him by the Wrong Name! Reasons. “ Mohamad, I'm sorry. I've met so many great people today, and I'm trying to put names with all the faces. Mohamad, I apologize." Mention his name in the apology. What if the opposite happens ? Preparation Big Day Follow Up

85. Ways to rescue dying interview Smile Ask Questions Get Feed back Compliments You did everything … Preparation Big Day Follow Up

86. You did everything … You’ve done every effort to succeed but you still have the feeling it’s not working!! Follow the advice: Just do your best and move-on. Don’t worry about things you cannot control. Preparation Big Day Follow Up

87. Do you have any questions for me? Yes, you do. You should have one or two. It shows that you: Have been listening. Made your research about the company . Never ask about salary, vacation days or other benefits. Preparation Big Day Follow Up

88. Do you have question for me? Switch the focus from yourself to the interviewer. Let him do some of the talk. He might reveal one of the clues you need. Prepare your questions in advance. What's your favorite thing about working at this company? How would you describe the working environment here? What's a typical day like in the department? Why this job is available? What happened with your share price? Preparation Big Day Follow Up

89. Examples Does this job usually lead to other positions at the company? What kind of positions? What do you like best about this company? Why? I'm very interested in this job. It's exactly the kind of job that I'm looking for. What is the next step in the interview process? If I got the chance what will be the career pathway What was last year % turn over ? Preparation Big Day Follow Up

90. End The Big day Journey Preparation Big Day Follow Up

91. Follow Up If you get the job, have a great sigh of relief. If you don't get the job, then you have one final stage to go through. If you get to interview stage it means that you can do the job. Remember: they are looking for the right person for the job not the best person overall. Preparation Big Day Follow Up

92. Finally; Don't forget to be yourself. Looking natural and feeling confident is your best asset. The End