Job Interviews - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Job Interviews

St. Gregory’s University

Senior Seminar

14 March 2007

• Purpose of the Interview
• How to Prepare
• The Interview Process
• Follow-up
• Q&A

To determine if this job and your job qualifications are a good match.

You have invested 4 or more years in college, now invest time, effort, and money into your interview.

Be very familiar with your resume

• Be able to articulate your goals and strengths
• Have your sales pitch ready to go. Include:
• Your current position
• Relevant experience
• Your fit for this position
• Include, if possible, a recent relevant accomplishment
• Why you have applied for the position

• Know the company and specific job description:
• # employees,
• culture,
• philosophy,
• news,
• challenges/opportunities
• primary & secondary functions of job

Prepare 3-5 questions for the interviewer

Review 3-6 key skills about yourself that fit the position

Establish 10 examples to showcase yourself

Practice, Practice, Practice!!!

Spend the $$$ and get items that fit well (e.g. altered properly)

Tailored, clean, conservative suit

Polished shoes

Conservative jewelry/accessories

Little to no perfume/cologne

Haircut and clean finger nails are NOT optional.

And men, matching dark socks are required.

• Know where to go and where to park
• Have gas in your car
• Take a pen, notepad, and several resume copies
• Be 15 minutes early
• Look yourself over once before entering the office

Consider the employer’s viewpoint.

Quality of Cover Letter and Resume

Interview Performance

Professionalism

References

Relevant Work Experience

Fit with Company Culture

Relevant Skills

Candidate’s Familiarity with the Organization

Positive Entrance Enthusiasm

Relaxed Smile Direct Eye Contact

Straight Posture Firm Handshake

Leaning Slightly Forward Use of Hand Movement

Feet Flat on Floor

Frowning Weak Handshake

Lack of Eye Contact Staring

Nervous Movements Arms Crossed

Hands Clenched Looking at Watch

Lack of Enthusiasm or Curiosity

Why are you applying for this position?

How would you describe yourself?

What are your strengths/weaknesses?

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Why do you want to work here?

Why should I hire you?

What can you do for us that other candidates can’t?

Why did you leave your (are you leaving) your job?

What are your goals?

• Be honest, show your personality
• Help the interviewer to know:
• Are you dependable?
• Are you a good worker?
• Will you fit in here?
• Take support documents or portfolio if appropriate
• Give reasons to hire you over the 100 other applicants

Expect random questions:

• What was the last book that you read?
• If you were an animal, what animal would you be and why?
• If you could have dinner with 3 people, who would you choose and why?

• to be offered drink or food
• to meet others in the office
• for a tour of the building
• to meet other interviewees
• to write notes or questions

• Summarize key strengths and match for the position
• Always ask questions
• Thank the interviewer by name
• Ask about the next step
• Express an interest in hearing from them

• Follow-up with a thank you note
• Be prepared for negotiating offer(s) or a second interview
• Contact them by phone or e-mail if you do not hear back within the time frame indicated
• Always leave them with a positive impression

• Interviewing Success(www.collegegrad.com/intv/)
• Best Employment Interviewing Tips(www.careercc.com/interv3.shtml)
• CareerJournal | Job Interviewing Tips (www.careerjournal.com/jobhunting/interviewing/)

• Job Interview Resources (http://content.monster.com/Interview/Home.aspx)