Interviewing: Skills to help you get the job

Penne Ciaraldi, CCV- Veteran ServicesElizabeth King, CCV Student Advisor

Learning Objectives for this Workshop:

How to Prepare for an Interview

Identify your Work Skills

Tips for Doing Well in the Interview

Overview - Interviewing

Show You Care About Getting the Job

What do I know about the company/business?

How do I find out more about the company?

What do I know about the specific job I applied for?

Preparing for the Interview: Do Your Research

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Survey of 120 Vermont Business Leaders

“What skills are missing in your employment candidates or current employees”

Communications Skills Teamwork Business Professionalism Basic Computer Skills Change Management Skills Customer Service Skills Critical Thinking / Multitasking / Problem Solving Work Ethic Math for Business Life Management Skills

Honesty Adaptability/Flexibility Dedication/Hard-Working Dependability/Reliability Loyalty Positive Attitude/Motivation Professionalism Self-Confidence Self-Motivated Willing to Learn

Personal Values Employers Seek in Employees

How would you describe yourself to a potential employer?

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Preparing for the Interview: Know Yourself

What are the skills and strengths I bring to the job?

Know your resume

Practice interviewing

Preparing for the Interview

Keep info about the job(s) close at hand

Be prepared to give a quick summary of your work experience and why you are interested in this job

Listen to questions

Speak clearly

Be prepared to ask a couple of questions

Thank the interviewer for taking the time to call you Jot down notes about what you talked about

Send a thank you note

The Screening Phone Call

Practice answering questions

Have a good “pitch” – why should you get the job

Why do you want this job?

How do your skills match this job?

Know your strengths and weaknesses*

Practice, Practice, Practiceprepared = less nervous

Dress Appropriately - “one up” from the position

Bring: Paper, pen, questions, references, copy of resume

Leave plenty of time to get there (but not too early)

First impressions begin as soon as you enter the building

The Day of the Interview

Smile Handshake Wait to be told where to sit Maintain appropriate eye contact (with

everyone) Be enthusiastic

Start the Interview Right

Questions about you (your personality)

Questions about the job (your skills)

Questions about your behavior in previous jobs or situations (behavioral Interviewing)

Answering the Questions

Situations you have encountered at work

How you responded

What you learned

Tell me about a time when you had too many things to do and you were required to prioritize your tasks.

Tell me about a recent situation in which you had to deal with a very upset customer or co-worker.

Give me an example of a time when something you tried to accomplish and failed.

Behavior Based Interviewing

Listen to the question

Take time to think about the question

Be aware of how the interviewer(s) are responding to your answers

The Interview: Answering Questions

Be prepared with 5 to 7questions

What qualities are you looking for in the person you hire?

What challenges does your business face in the next few years?

What are the interviewer’s next steps?

Asking Follow Up Questions

How much leave time will I get?

How much overtime would I have to work?

Would I really have to work weekends?

Never ask about the pay

Never say something negative about a past employer or co-worker

The Questions NOT to Ask

Provide 3 – 5 professional references

Contact references before listing them

Contact references when you apply for a job

Reference information should include:◦ Name, business name and address, relationship

to reference (supervisor, manager, co-worker), phone and email contact information

References

Shake hands and address each person by name

Acknowledge anyone you see as you are leaving the building

Send within two days of the interview

At the End of the Interview

Good Luck with your job search!

Thank You!

Questions?