Interviewing: Tips For Success

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Interviewing

Tips for Success


First Impressions

The first words you speak count


It is a pleasure meeting with you
Thank you for for scheduling this time to meet

Walk with vigor and show confidence


Presenter’s Name
People who
Date
walk 10% faster than they normally do are
perceived as getting more done
Dress for Success

From head to toe should reflect impeccable


grooming. Your hair, collar, tie/scarf and other
accessories should be a reflection of the quality
person you are.

Presenter’s
It is a fact of life Name
that we do “judge books by their
covers.”DateTo be marketable in business today, your
image is as important as what you know. You must
“fit in.”
Image Tips for Men

Suits Shirts
Invest in a conservative Long sleeve white shirt is
color (navy or gray). the best option
Jacket and trousers should A light blue is an
coordinate. alternative
Presenter’s Name
Check for proper fit. Shirts in 100% cotton are
Date
Best investment; worsted a good investment
wool or wool gabardine Have it professionally
Do the wrinkle test ironed for the interview
(cont.)

Belts and Shoes Ties


Leather belts in black and The smaller the pattern, the
burgundy to match your more authority you will
shoes are good investments project.
Wing-tips portray a more Use a power color (yellow
conservativePresenter’s
image than
Name or red) in the pattern
tassel loafersDate The tip of the tie should
Wear socks that cover you barely touch the top of your
calf and match your trouser belt buckle
The knot should be small
Image Tips for Women

Suits Dresses
Navy, gray, taupe and black Suits show more authority
are all good suit colors to but a dress is a second
invest in when building a option
wardrobe Conservative colors are best
Skirts shouldPresenter’s
be no shorter
Name No shorter than 2 inches
than 2 inchesDate
above the knee above the knee
Worsted wool is the best Wrinkle free fabric is best
Keep with classic styles
Accessories

•Shoes should be darker than the suit and be at


least a one inch heel
•Hosiery should be skin tone
•Keep accessories to a minimum
•Hair should be away from your face
Presenter’s Name
•Make-up should look natural
Date
•Choose one; handbag or briefcase not both
Image Tips for All

•Keep it conservative
•Do not wear cologne or perfume
•It feels like a uniform because it is a uniform
•Be aware of all details (the shine on your shoes,
nail polish chips, etc)
Presenter’s Name
Date
Body Image

Use good posture


Give a firm handshake (regardless of sex)
Lean forward while listening and answering
questions
Hands Presenter’s
above Name board
Date
Make eye contact
Voice Image

Speak with confidence

Speak clearly and concisely

ProjectPresenter’s
your voice Name so that you are heard
Date
Be Prepared

You should have a briefcase or portfolio containing the


following:
A note pad
Two erasable pens
Extra resumes and reference sheets
Presenter’s Name
Letters of recommendation
Date (if applicable)
Educational transcripts
Work samples (if applicable)
Special note for women- extra hosiery
Interview Checklist

Arrive 15 minutes early


Dress should be appropriate
Know the interviewer’s name and pronunciation
Extend a warm greeting and handshake
Wait to be asked to have a seat
Presenter’s Name
Good eyeDatecontact
Enthusiasm
Knowledge of the company, industry, and position
Ready to answer and ask questions
Central Themes of Questions

Suitability
Credibility
Capability
Compatibility
Presenter’s Name
Date
Affordability
How will the questions be asked?

Straight forward
Problem solving
Don’t find the “right answer” - show them you know the right way
to come up with the answer
• Listen to what is being asked
• Ask clarifying questions
•Presenter’s
RespondName
by first explaining how you’d gather the data
needed to make an informed decision
Date
• Discuss how you’d use that data to generate options
• Finally, based on the data, the available options, and
your understanding of the open position explain your
recommendation
Questions

Behavior based questions


Behavior is the best predictor of future performances
• Don’t tell a story that will hurt you
• If you don’t understand a question, clarify
• Explain what you hoped to show from your story
• Ask for feedback
•Presenter’s
Don’t beName
intimidated
UnrelatedDate
questions
Make your best to make it related
• Who would you want with you if you were stranded on a
deserted island?
– A boat builder thus showing your
resourcefulness
How Do You Formulate Your Answers?

S: situation

T: task

A: action
Presenter’s Name
Date
R: result
Interview Types

Screening interviews
Sequential interviews
Group interviews
Stress interviews (take control)
Performance interviews (show case your skills)
Presenter’s Name
Testing Date
Computer assisted interviews
Mealtime interviews
Out-of-town interviews
Handling negatives or objections

Be positive - never complain


Recognize stereotypes and biases
Stress your strengths
Use examples that show your reasons and
Presenter’s Name
motivations - avoid yes or no answers
Date
The underlying questions is always “why
should I hire you” - give them reason
Discussing a weakness

Discuss a negative which is not related to


the job
Discuss a negative an employer already
knows, but make up for it in another way
Discuss a negative
Presenter’s Name you have improved on
Date
Discuss a negative that can become a
positive
Illegal Questions

Most employers are familiar with the laws


regarding what questions they can ask and
what they can not ask.
If you feel a question is inappropriate, don’t
get upset andName
Presenter’s refuse to answer. Ask the
questionDate“Can you tell me how that pertains

to the job” in a polite and respective way


Asking Questions

You should have questions prepared. It is


your chance to interview the interviewer.
Don’t ask questions that can be readily
found on company brochures.
Ask questions that will directly affect you or
Presenter’s Name

shows Date
your interest in the companies
success.
The Close

Thank them for their time


Restate your interests and strengths
Ask what type of follow-up you should
expect
Presenter’s Name
Send thank-you notes to each interviewer
Date

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