10 Interview Tips for the First Job Interview
Sharon Page, RecruiterHuman Resources Dept.
1. Make a Positive First Impression
• Arrive 15 minutes early
• Have at least one extra copy of your resume
1. Make a Positive First Impression
• Know the NAMES of people you meet!!
• Take a notebook and make notes
1. Make a Positive First Impression
• Handshakes, eye contact
• SMILE!!
• Be kind to everyone you meet
2. Dress Appropriately
• Professional Attire:– Men: Suit in dark color, light shirt and tie– Women: Conservative Business suit, mid heels
• Details – hems, cuffs, shoes shined, buttons, no wrinkles
• Low-key jewelry, if any at all
2. Dress Appropriately
Please…
Easy on the perfume!!
3. Research the Employer
• Company history• CEO, Directors,
Board Members• Current events• Location, directions• Organizational
Culture• Mission, Vision,
Values
• Where to find?– Internet– Newspapers– Professional Journals– Networking
Organizations– Professional Groups– Word of Mouth– Current/Past
employees
4. Know Yourself
• Strengths• “Areas for
Development”• Skills• Energy Level• Motivations• “Pet Peeves”
5. C.A.R. Stories
5. C.A.R. Stories
ChallengeAction Result
5. CAR Stories
• Tell a story• Answer a question• Define a skill• Point out a strength• Give a chance to brag
about yourself!
5. C.A.R. Stories
How to write your own “CAR” Stories:STEP 1: Ask yourself…What skills are required for this job?What strengths do I want to showcase?Which accomplishments do NOT show on my
resume or application?How can I prove that I deserve the pay/position?How did I earn any promotions/accolades?
5. C.A.R. Stories
STEP 2: Determine…Specific instance for each of the questionsUse the format:Challenge presented/Problem to be solvedAction/steps taken to reach goalResult of that action/Outcome of effort
5. C.A.R. Stories
• STEP 3: Write out… Your Personal Story!!
– What?– Who?– When?– How Much?– How Many?
5. C.A.R. Stories
Step 4: Polish what you have writtenSay it, rewrite it, ask for opinions
Step 5: Prepare for the interview!!Practice until it’s almost memorized
Rule of Thumb is to take 5 skills and have at least 2 CAR stories for each one
5. C.A.R. Stories
Let your CAR
Stories“SELL” you as the Best Candidate for
the Job!
Last 5 tips…
How to “Interview” the Employer!!
6. Have Questions Prepared
• Demonstrates interest• Shows you did your “homework”• Creates an “exchange”• Gives you important information• Makes you feel confident
7. Determine “Fit”
• Get information on the employer’s:– Hours– Size– Supervision style– Lunch/Break policy– “Quality of Life”– Goals for employees
8. Evaluate your Feelings
Is this a place where you want to spend the rest of your career?
Is this only a “temporary” stop?
9. Map out your future
• Why is this position open?
• How are employees promoted?
• What is the career path?
• What is the policy on training?
10. Follow up X 3!!
• Summarize your impression
• Send Thank You note within 48 hours
• Call back within 7 days
10 Interview Tips for the First Job Interview
1. Make a Positive First Impression
2. Dress Appropriately3. Research the
Employer4. Know Yourself5. CAR Stories
6. Have Questions Prepared
7. Determine “Fit”8. Evaluate Feelings9. Map out your Future10. Follow up “X 3”
