Transcript The Interview - Penn State Altoona

Interview Skills
PRESENTED BY PENN STATE ALTOONA SIFE
Before the Interview
 Practice speaking in front of your family and
friends…or in front of a mirror.
 Reflect on words that are relevant to the position.
 Get plenty of rest & relax.
 Learn about the company and the position… research
the company, talk to people who work there or hold
this position or a similar position.
Be Prepared
 Know where you’re going and how you’re going to
get there.
 Look over your resume.
 Have extra copies of your resume.
 Bring along paper and pencil to take notes.
 Don’t smoke or eat pungent foods before the
interview.
Arriving at the Interview
 Be on time!
 Relax – calm down and get comfortable.
 Turn off your cell phone, pager, etc.
 Greet the interviewer and shake hands firmly.
 Be relaxed and make conversation.
 SMILE and remember to breathe .
 Learn and remember the interviewer’s name.
 Thank the interviewer for the opportunity.
In the Interview
 SMILE!
 Be calm - this is your time to impress.
 Make eye contact.
 Be confident in yourself and in your answers.
 Speak with confidence and passion.
 Sell yourself - emphasize your positive
aspects.
 Be yourself.
In the Interview
 Always refer to the interviewer as Ms., Mrs., or Mr.
unless told to do otherwise.
 Ask questions about the position.
 When asked difficult questions, answer politely
and truthfully.
 Treat the interviewer with respect.
 Stress your achievements.
 Give details and examples whenever possible.
 Try to make answers relevant to the position.
Posture and Behavior During the Interview
 Ladies- cross your legs at the ankles.
 Let the interviewer sit down first.
 Keep your feet under your body.
 Sit upright, shoulders back, look alert.
 Fold your hands in your lap or rest them in an
engaged position on the table.
 Maintain eye contact.
 Appear interested and connected.
Do Not:
 Tap your feet
 Play with your hair or glasses
 Swing your feet/shake your legs
 Slouch
 Laugh nervously
 NEVER: smoke, eat candy or chew gum during the
interview
After the Interview
 Have a list of questions about the company or job
when the interviewer asks.
 Send a hand-written note of thanks as soon as
possible, usually within 48 hours.
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If your handwriting is sloppy or the job is highly professional, a
typed note is acceptable.
Make sure that your card is professional and appropriate!
Thank You Note Example
Dear Ms. Jones
Thank you for taking the opportunity to meet with me about the
position of head chef at Eat’n Park. Your restaurant holds a high
reputation within our community, and I believe that I could
contribute significantly with the skills I have learned from working
as a cook at Hoss’s for five years. My time spent with you was both
helpful and informative, and I look forward to speaking with you
again in the future. Again, thank you for taking the time to meet
with me and for considering me for a position at Eat’n Park.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
More Helpful Tips
 Do not use slang (for example, “You guys” or “Stuff
like that” or “Ya know?”).
 Don’t pretend to be someone or something you’re not.
 Try not to be anxious or afraid.
 Never criticize your previous employers or jobs.
 Try not to ramble on and get too “comfortable”.
 Don’t ask questions about the salary or benefits at the
first interview.
Why Interviews Fail
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Poor personal appearance
Poor grammar
No self-image
No direction or lack of goals
Poor eye contact
Inability to communicate or express yourself
Arriving late to the interview
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Have a phone number to call if there is a problem or you are
delayed because of an emergency!
What Interviewers Are Looking For
 Preparation
 Personality
 Communication Skills
 Appearance
 Experience
Be Prepared for These Questions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
What can you tell me about yourself?
What do you consider “success”?
Talk about a good/bad team experience you
have had. (There are a lot of questions that can
be asked about teamwork.)
Describe a conflict you have faced and the steps
you took to resolve it.
Be Prepared for These Questions:
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
I see that you were unemployed for a period. Can
you explain this gap in employment?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
List some work-related things you do well.
What was the best/worst thing about your last
employer?
What is your greatest accomplishment?
Why do you want to work for us?
Thank You
ANY QUESTIONS?