Interview Skills

1. Interview Skills The person who gets hired is not necessarily the most qualified for the job; rather it is the person who best sold his or her qualifications.

2. Purpose of the Interview • It is a meeting between an employer and a job applicant to assess the applicants suitability for a position within the organization. • It is a two way conversation designed to exchange information • The interviewer wants to know if you have the skills, abilities and personality to fit-in with the organization and its needs. • If you have done your research and homework, you will know how to best sell your skills, abilities and personality.

3. Types of Interviews • Screening – done to see if you have the basic requirements before you moving on to the next stage. • Informal – between employer and the applicant. Usually only last only 15 min and is less structured. • Formal – between the applicant and employer. Highly structured and is less structured than other types.

4. Types of Interviews continued…. • Board or Panel – more than one person does the interviewing of an applicant. Each person has an agenda of questions to ask. Highly structured and lasts between fifteen minutes to a few hours. • Testing – many organizations will request applicants to take aptitude tests and or drug tests.

5. Types of interviews continued… • Informal – Initiated by you with an employer or someone in an occupational field you are interested in. • Telephone – similar to screening but is commonly used if the job is a far distance away.

6. Preparing for the interview • Research the company, the position and the interviewer • Prepare Answers….plan what you will say • Prepare an interview kit – portfolio, references, work samples, etc. • Prepare clothing, child care, transportation • Prepare emotionally • Follow up

7. Researching the Company • What do they do? • What services and products to they provide? • Where do they operate? • How many employees? • How long have then been in business? • Major competitors? • What is the work environment like?

8. Researching a company… • Get details about the position, such as: • Responsibilities? • Schedule? • Day to day activities? • What type of interview? • Who is interviewing?

9. Where to find the answers: • Library • Internet • The company – brochures, website • An employee *** Activity Sheet 1

10. Researching the Position • Use the job ad itself • Use the job descriptions found on-line – check out www.workingincanada.gc.ca • Previous or current employees *** Worksheet 2

11. Prepare your answers • Worksheet 3

12. Prepare your questions • Worksheet 4

13. Prepare yourself • Relaxation exercise • Visualization exercise • Rational thoughts • Breathing

14. Do’s • Arrive at least 5-10 min early • Be dressed appropriately for the job you are interviewing for • Be polite and respectful to EVERYBODY • Call to inform if you are going to be late (but don’t be late) • Sit up facing the interviewer in a an alert and interested manner

15. Do’s continued….. • Make eye contact • Keep notes and ask relevant questions • Allow enough time for the interview and any tests that you may have to take • Thank the interviewer and say good-bye to everyone • Shake hands • Sell yourself with evidence and examples

16. Don’t: • Chew gum • Bring personal life into the interview • Criticize your former employers or co-workers • Use flattery or exaggerate your abilities • Use slang, profanities, jokes • Discuss controversial subjects • Volunteer negative information • Bring anyone to the interview with you

17. Follow up • Letter • Checklist

18. Keeping the Job….. • Employability skills 2000