INTERVIEWING FOR THE JOB: TIPS TO REMEMBER TRAPS TO AVOID

1. INTERVIEWING FOR THE JOB:TIPS TO REMEMBER TRAPS TO AVOID By Suzanne Chester Women in the Profession Committee

2. Preparing for the interview • Be familiar with what the job involves • Bring a pen and a clean copy of your application/resume • Prepare a question to ask at the end of the interview

3. Arrive on time! • Arrange reliable transportation in advance • Check out the location in advance so you don’t get lost

4. Arrive on Time! • Always allow thirty extra minutes for the unexpected.

5. Who should you bring to an interview? • No children • No boyfriends • No pets • Just yourself! • (If you are depending on a ride, have the driver wait in the car)

6. Present yourself appropriately for the job e.g. Interviewing to be a waitress, cashier, day-care worker: • Clean fingernails • No nail-biting • Hair neatly tied back • Don’t over dress • Dress casually, neatly and appropriately

7. The interview itself.... • Shake hands firmly and smile when you introduce yourself to the interviewer • Maintain friendly eye-contact • Look like you are interested in the job • Don’t talk over the interviewer

8. Be careful... • Be honest when answering the difficult questions • Make the most of what you have to offer but don’t over exaggerate

9. Maintain a professional attitude throughout the interview

10. Making a good impression... • Talk confidently about your ability to handle the responsibilities of the job • Talk about similar job experiences you’ve had in the past • Ask a question to get the employer talking

11. Avoid distracting mannerisms • No pen-tapping • No face-touching, rubbing eyes etc. • No fidgeting • Avoid flipping your hair • Don’t let your cell phone ring

12. After the Interview... • Always call back/write the next day • Make the call at a convenient time for the employer

13. After the interview.... • Contact your references so they can expect a call • Make sure the contact information you have given is reliable

14. After the interview.... If you give a telephone number with an answering machine, be sure to erase annoying greetings

15. Best of luck in nailing that interview!!!