Resume, Letter, Interview
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Job Interview Checklists
The interview is a
critical aspect of your job search. For you to land
the job you must convince the employer that you’re the right person for
the job. For assistance in developing your skills use
the following interview guidelines, tips, and suggestions.
Before the Interview
- Start preparing
for interviews long before you actually have one scheduled.
Schedule an appointment with a career services staff member
for a
Mock Interview.
Practice makes perfect!
- Know yourself and
be able to articulate your skills, abilities, strengths, weaknesses,
values, current career and educational goals
- Know the employer
and be able to articulate research about their products, services,
operations and competitors. On-line home pages
and newsletters are good references.
- Review
Interview Questions & Answers
and prepare and practice
your answers.
- Prepare and
layout your clothing and attire the night before the interview. Make
sure your clothes are wrinkle free with a nice crisp look, shoes are
polished and you are well groomed.
- Get directions to
your interviewing location prior to the day of the interview - allow
yourself plenty of time for traffic, parking, and a bathroom break,
that will allow you to arrive at your exact destination 10 minutes
ahead of time.
- Prepare
additional copies of your resume, references and transcripts in the
event there are several interviewers. Also, it
would be helpful to know ahead of time if it is a
group or individual interview.
- Do not take a
cell phone and/or pager to the interview. Make
whatever necessary arrangements so that you are not disturbed during
the interview.
During the Interview
Presentation – You only get one
chance to make a first impression – make it professional.
- The first line
person, whether it is the receptionist, or the administrative
assistant, treat them with as much respect as the interviewer.
- Display
confidence with a firm handshake, eye contact, and listen
attentively.
- Show enthusiasm
- Have a positive
attitude
Converse
As you engage in your conversation with the interviewer, remember that
this is a two way street; you are interviewing the interviewer, as well
as being interviewed.
- Allow the
interviewer to lead and guide the interview.
- Listen carefully
to the questions and answer each question thoroughly. (See
Interview Questions & Answers).
- Ask questions -
learn as much as you can about the position before hand.
However, management style is usually information you can find
out during the interview. You want to determine
if this is truly a place you would like to work (this is information
that is not found on the Internet).
Non-verbals
Interviews can fail
because of lack of communication. Communication is
more than just what you say. Non-verbal communication
often speaks louder than verbal communication. Listed
below are some important non-verbals.
- Eye Contact
– If you happen to look away while listening, it displays to the
interviewer a lack of interest and a short attention span.
If you do not maintain eye contact while speaking, it shows a
lack of confidence in what you are saying.
Facial
Expressions – Facial expressions are very important non-verbal
cues. Something such as a smile can tell the
interviewer that you are a happy person and delighted to be
interviewed by the company.
Posture –
Posture sends out a signal of your confidence and power potential.
When you are standing, stand up straight. When you are seated, sit at the front edge of the chair, leaning
forward slightly.
Gestures –
Gestures should be very limited during an interview.
When you do use them, make sure they are natural and
meaningful.
Space –
Recognize the boundaries of your personal space and that of others.
Most Americans have a personal space of about 30 to 36
inches.
Wrapping up the interview
- Get a business
card from the interviewer(s)
- Find out about
the next step of the interview process
- Thank the
interviewer for their time and consideration. Let
them know that you look forward to hearing from them.
After the Interview
Though you have
completed the interview the process is not over. You
want to leave a lasting impression on the interviewer.
Listed below are things that will help you to stand out once the
interview is complete.
|
