Why do some people land that perfect job and others struggle to even get an interview? There are others that go to several interviews but never get called back or the interviews end very quickly without an explanation. It turns out that many academically smart people are very lousy at understanding the job application process.

1. My First Job
Interview
Christopher Nelson MBA,
CISSP, PMP, ITIL Expert

2. 1970
You can determine your future

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You can determine your future

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You can determine your future

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You can determine your future

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You can determine your future

7. • Why do some people land that perfect job
and others struggle to even get an interview?
• There are others that go to several
interviews but never get called back or the
interviews end very quickly without an
explanation.
• The qualifications you have attained are just
one part of the puzzle and to get the
complete picture you will require an
appreciation of the resume building,
interviewing and job behavioral requirements
THE FIRST STEPS

8. MY RESUME, MY VOICE.

9. MY RESUME, MY VOICE.
• Work History
• Catch Phrases
• Get important points noticed
• Keep the same font
• You never get a second
chance to make a first
impression

10. WHAT TO
AVOID

11. •Don’t try to be funny
WHAT TO AVOID

12. • Don’t try to be funny
• Use plain paper or
professional resume
paper
WHAT TO AVOID

13. THE
INTERVIEW

14. Interview Questions
Most recruiters have already prepared their questions and they will not be based on your
religion, gender, color, sexual orientation or race.
You should be prepared to answer questions like the ones listed below.
•What makes you different from the other candidates we are interviewing?
•Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
•How do you think your previous employer would describe you?
•What do you think your responsibilities will be in our organization?
•Do you have any experience working with a team?
•If you could choose your own manager, what type of person do you work best with?
•Can you describe the work environment that you prefer?

15. Interview Questions – Part Two
•What makes you different from the other candidates we are
interviewing?
•Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
•How do you think your previous employer would describe you?
•What do you think your responsibilities will be in our organization?
•Do you have any experience working with a team?
•If you could choose your own manager, what type of person do you
work best with?
•Can you describe the work environment that you prefer?

16. The Phone interviews
• Agree on a specific time and date for the phone
interview
• Confirm the number you or your recruiter will call.
• The phone interview is a critical step in the job
application process and requires the same level of
professionalism required in the face- to- face
interview

17. Punctuality
• Always be on time, try to be at the location at least 30
minutes before just in case there is a lot of traffic or you
get the wrong address
• Be prepared to provide the names, contact numbers
and addresses of three references who are not your
family members.
• During the interview, make sure your phone is on vibrate
or turned off.

18. On line video or Skype interview
Do's and Don’ts’
• Agree with the recruiter on a date and time that allows
you to prepare for the interview.
• Ensure that your computer or tablet is fully charged
because you don't know how long the interview may
last.
• What's in your background says a lot about you so look
behind and make sure that it is presentable.
• Images of marijuana plants, violent or sexually
suggestive posters will not look professional.

19. Types of Questions
Validation
The recruiter may ask you questions about your grades, GPA,
scholastic achievements and years in a previous job.
Situational
The recruiter wants to understand how you deal with situations.
For example, they might ask "If someone made a derogatory
remark to you about your clothes, how would you handle it?"
Behavioral
You may be asked to describe a situation when something bad
happened and how you managed it.

20. It’s your turn
During the interview, the interviewer may give you an
opportunity to ask questions.
It’s important that you ask at least two questions :
Examples:
• Is there a dress code?
• What are the required working hours?
• Are there health or other benefits?
• What is the vacation and or sick leave policy?
• What is the salary range for the position?
Send the interviewer an e-mail afterwards, thanking them for
meeting with you

21. You should still dress professionally until you
understand the dress culture of the organization.
• It's advisable to discuss the organizations dress policy
with your hiring manager before you start work.
RESPECT the work space of others
• you should do this by observing coworkers.
Situational
• The recruiter wants to understand how you deal with
situations.
• For example, they might ask "If someone made a
derogatory remark to you about your clothes, how
would you handle it?"
Behavioral
• You may be asked to describe a situation when
something bad happened and how you managed it.
Congratulations, you got the job!

22. • Casual Fridays are not Crazy Fridays
• The term "Business casual" is widely
used by many organizations as a dress
code but it's very vague and open to
many interpretations.
• Some organizations have casual
Fridays so before you wear shorts,
floppies and t-shirts, let’s see how
casual everyone is before dressing
down.
• Miniskirts, tight dresses and plunging
necklines will create the wrong
impression, so be conservative.

23. Jewelry
• The workplace isn't the best place to wear
a lot of bright, shiny pieces of jewelry.
Large earrings, silver, gold or big rings are
to be discouraged. Be conservative,
multiple earrings and facial piercing's do
not present a professional look.
Perfumes
• Strong fragrances can be distracting in an
interview or an office. Some people have
allergies caused by perfumes and
colognes, so use as little as possible.
• Unless it is for religious purposes, head gear
and hats should not be worn in the office.
Males should get a haircut regularly.
Always be professional

24. Language
• You are in an office, not in your dorm
room hanging out with friends. Do not
shout or swear,
• Speak clearly and don't use slang or
acronyms. The same approach is required
for e-mails, be clear and professional.
• The tone used in e-mails is very important,
try being direct and use check spelling to
avoid grammatical errors.
• Always add a subject for easy reference.
A signature line makes you look
professional.
• Avoid using the work e-mail address for
your personal e-mail as some
organizations monitor these files.
The Work Environment

25. It's not your personal computer
• Don't spend your time watching
videos or surfing the internet. If you
are not busy, then ask for more work.
You don't want to be seen sitting at
your desk doing nothing
Getting along with others
• The workplace can be fun but it's not
a party. Make friends but don't cross
professional boundaries.
• Most employees get along but not
everyone wants to be your friend so
don't be surprised if there are some
that resist your attempts to be social.
• .

26. Personal space
Your desk area
should always
be kept neat
and clutter free.
Don't hang
pictures or use
screen savers
that may be
offensive to
coworkers.

27. • When you answer the
phone, speak clearly,
identify yourself and let the
other person speak.
• If you are not sure about
what you are going to say,
then write it out before
starting the conversation.
• Be polite and always allow
the other person to speak
• .
Phone

28. FROM THE BOOK
“MY FIRST INTERVIEW”
Christopher Nelson