Transcript Interviewing 101 - Edmonds School District

Interviewing 101
Ms. Corbett
School-to-Work Coordinator, Career Center
[email protected]
http://staff.edmonds.wednet.edu/ewhs/index.php/collegecareer
So you have an interview…
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This means the employer is
considering hiring you!
They wouldn’t spend time meeting
people they don’t think could do
the job.
You’ve successfully shown them
you can do the job.
What’s important about an
interview
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It’s an exchange of information.
It is a mutual decision – it’s your
responsibility to find out if this is the right
job for you – not just the employer
deciding if you’re right for them.
This is your one shot to sell yourself to
your employer.
Bring your materials – cover letter,
resume, reference page, job
application!
Three important questions the
employer must answer
1.
2.
Can you do the job? Do you have
the skills to do the job? If you have
an interview, you’ve successfully
shown them that you do have the
skills.
Will you do the job? This is a
question of initiative and reliability.
The interview is a prime opportunity
to highlight these qualities.
Three important questions the
employer must answer
3.
Are you a good fit? Employers want
employees who “fit” well with their
company. That means, you share the
same values and have the same work
ethic and style. If it’s a poor fit, both
you and the employer probably won’t be
very happy.
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Fit is the most important factor in a hiring
decision
It’s important for both you and the employer
to explore whether it’s a good fit
The Ready, Set, Go of
Interviewing
Get Ready
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Do your research before your interview!
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Research the company. This shows them
that you’re interested in working for them –
not just in doing a job. Read their website,
see if they’ve been in the news. What do
you know about them?
Research the job description. You will be
asked why you’re a good match for the job.
Match your skills and experience to what
they are looking for!
The Ready, Set, Go of
Interviewing
Get Set
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You will likely be asked these questions
during an interview. It’s important to
practice them before you meet with the
employer. Practicing your answers will
show that you are well thought-out and
prepared!
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Tell me about yourself.
Why are you interested in working for our
company?
What makes you qualified for this job?
What are your strengths / weaknesses?
What do you want to know about us?
The Ready, Set, Go of
Interviewing
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Have an example or “evidence” for
questions that the interviewer asks of
you. People trust experiences more
than skills.
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Prove to them you’re reliable with a brief
story about your great attendance.
Come prepared with
accomplishments stories. Provide
context to the situation, the skills you
used, and the results of your
achievements.
The Ready, Set, Go of
Interviewing
Go
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The impressions you make on your
interview day will be influential on
your hiring decision.
Dress / Appearance
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Don’t wear jeans! Wear clean,
business-appropriate clothes. Slacks,
skirts, collared shirts, etc. No flip-flops!
Make sure your hair is well groomed.
Don’t roll out of bed and go to your
interview with bed-head. Use a comb!
Be aware of your fragrance. Make
sure to wash with soap the day of your
interview, and don’t over do it with
cologne or perfume.
Cover tattoos and remove piercings!
The Ready, Set, Go of
Interviewing
Arrive on time!
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Arrive about 10-15 minutes before your
interview. That will give you enough time
to relax in the lobby or fill out any
additional paperwork they give you.
Know your route! If the interview is in a
place you’ve never been, drive there
before the interview so that you know the
route. Consider possible traffic problems
you might encounter.
Treat everyone with respect
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The receptionist has a huge influence on
your hiring decision. If you are rude to the
person who greets you, your hiring
manager will hear about it.
Shake hands with people you are
introduced to, and remember PLEASE
and THANK YOU
The Ready, Set, Go of
Interviewing
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Answering questions – how
to ace the interview
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Be prepared for the common
interview questions
Answer the questions briefly
yet succinctly. The moment
you ramble, you will lose them!
Have your evidence ready!
People remember stories!
The Ready, Set, Go of
Interviewing
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Body language speaks volumes
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Shake hands with people you meet
Make and keep good eye contact
Have good posture – don’t lean back in your chair or
put your elbows on the table. An upright posture will
show you’re interested and engaged
Don’t fidget your hands. If you get shaky when you’re
nervous, hold your hands in your lap.
Know your nervous habits! Try not to giggle, or say
umm too much! Use appropriate English.
Do you have questions for me/us?
 Come prepared with questions to ask your
interviewer. This shows that you are
thoughtful and interested.
After the interview
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Thank the interviewer for their time,
shake their hand, and get a
business card if you haven’t already.
Follow up with a thank you note or
email. This is essential! It shows
that you are thoughtful, interested,
professional and mature!
Reflect on what went well and what
didn’t go well. There will be another
chance to interview in the future and
a chance for improvement!
Questions???
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Visit Ms. Corbett in the Career
Center!
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One-on-one interview prep
Work through sample interview
questions
Get feedback on your resume!