This document provides advice for job interviews, including how to effectively prepare and present yourself during the interview process. It recommends focusing the discussion on skills that are relevant to the employer's needs rather than just listing duties. Interviewees should research the company, have examples demonstrating strengths, and be prepared to discuss potential weaknesses in a positive light. Proper follow up after the interview like sending a thank you note is also advised.

1. Sally Schmall, MSW Owner, Academy Coaching [email_address] http://academycoaching.com

2. Expand on the information conveyed in your cover letter and resume Demonstrate your motivation and connect your skills to the needs of the employer Evaluate the position and organization

3. Assessing your own values and skill sets Researching the chosen area and organization Networking Developing an effective resume Preparing for and practicing responses to anticipated interview questions

4. Educational, volunteer and work history Qualifications Career goals, length of commitment to the area or organization Strengths Weaknesses If you are transitioning into a new industry you must be prepared to highlight how your skills and previous experiences are transferrable to the setting in which you are interviewing

5. Gaps in education or work experience Lack of experience or “unrelated” experience Multiple positions over a short period of time Reason for seeking a new position

6. Offering a brief and honest acknowledgement of the underlying concern Quickly followed by a shift in focus Accentuate the positive and transferrable skills Sell the strength behind the issue

7. Use language relevant to the expressed needs of the employer Highlight your skills by sharing examples that will be valued by the employer Promote meeting the employer’s goals

8. Take into consideration what the employer is exploring Emphasize functional skills related to the position not simply the duties involved Offer complete responses without being long winded

10. Focus on: Related work, volunteer or educational experiences and accomplishments Identify several transferrable skills Highlight a strength

11. Focus on: Skills verses duties Provide a clear, quick example of how your skills are transferrable to this position Reference qualifying data

12. Focus on: Neutral or positive reasons “ seeking a new opportunity such as this that will allow me to apply my skills in__________” Identify how this position fits into your overall career plans and their needs Point out why you are a good fit for this position

13. Describe a skill that is directly related to the employer’s needs . “ I am particularly strong in project management and new product development. Given the role(s) of this position as I understand it, I believe my experience leading teams through change and growth are an asset for a position such as this”.

14. Select a weakness that can be interpreted as a strength Demonstrate insight by identifying how / what you have done to address this weakness “ I have not yet had lots of hands on experience with conducting a community analysis so I elected to enroll in a course specifically on this topic. In doing so, I gained a great deal of information that I suspect would be relevant to this position”. For example…”

16. Clarify the hiring process and timeline Summarize your qualifications Reiterate why you are the ideal candidate Offer a reference sheet to the interviewer(s) Request their business cards

17. Make notes on questions you were asked Send a personal thank you note –address questions that may have been left unanswered Follow up with a telephone call to check on the status of the process – after that time has passed