![Page 1: SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING SKILLSgsscooperativeeducation.weebly.com/uploads/8/8/2/9/8829957/succ… · •Interviewing is a skill to be developed •Practice makes perfect The purpose](https://reader034.vdocument.in/reader034/viewer/2022052002/601575108609626c577e79ed/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
SUCCESSFUL
INTERVIEWING SKILLS
Cooperative Education
![Page 2: SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING SKILLSgsscooperativeeducation.weebly.com/uploads/8/8/2/9/8829957/succ… · •Interviewing is a skill to be developed •Practice makes perfect The purpose](https://reader034.vdocument.in/reader034/viewer/2022052002/601575108609626c577e79ed/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
What is an interview?
An interview is a…
• Structured meeting between you and the employer
• Interviewing is a skill to be developed
• Practice makes perfect
The purpose of your co-op interview is to 1. Allow you to assess the position and nature of the organization
to determine if there’s a fit between your career goals and the co-op position.
2. Allow the Interviewer to gather information regarding your interests, skills, & abilities to determine if you will meet their needs.
![Page 3: SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING SKILLSgsscooperativeeducation.weebly.com/uploads/8/8/2/9/8829957/succ… · •Interviewing is a skill to be developed •Practice makes perfect The purpose](https://reader034.vdocument.in/reader034/viewer/2022052002/601575108609626c577e79ed/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
THE INTERVIEW PROCESS
1. STEP ONE -- General Preparation
2. STEP TWO – Contacting Your Employer
3. STEP THREE – Rehearsing for the Interview
4. STEP FOUR – Dress for Success
5. STEP FIVE – The Interview
![Page 4: SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING SKILLSgsscooperativeeducation.weebly.com/uploads/8/8/2/9/8829957/succ… · •Interviewing is a skill to be developed •Practice makes perfect The purpose](https://reader034.vdocument.in/reader034/viewer/2022052002/601575108609626c577e79ed/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
GENERAL PREPARATION
• Familiarize yourself with probable job duties, responsibilities and skills of the co-op position.
• Research the company and position
• Company website
• Summarize your skills, interests, personal assets, and goals, particularly those that relate to the job.
• Prepare your resume and a cover letter.
• Be prepared to ask and answer questions and provide specific examples
STEP ONE
![Page 5: SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING SKILLSgsscooperativeeducation.weebly.com/uploads/8/8/2/9/8829957/succ… · •Interviewing is a skill to be developed •Practice makes perfect The purpose](https://reader034.vdocument.in/reader034/viewer/2022052002/601575108609626c577e79ed/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
CONTACTING YOUR CO-OP EMPLOYER
• Plan your message before you call so that you don’t end up rambling on the phone.
• Identify yourself to the person you are calling.
• Try to reach the supervisor directly and address the supervisor by his/her proper name.
• If you cannot reach the supervisor, then leave a detailed message for the supervisor. Be sure to leave your full name, the reason you are calling, when you can be reached, and your home telephone number.
• Try to keep your conversation short.
• Always thank the person to whom you have been speaking to before you hang up.
STEP TWO
![Page 6: SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING SKILLSgsscooperativeeducation.weebly.com/uploads/8/8/2/9/8829957/succ… · •Interviewing is a skill to be developed •Practice makes perfect The purpose](https://reader034.vdocument.in/reader034/viewer/2022052002/601575108609626c577e79ed/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
PHONING FOR YOUR CO-OP INTERVIEW
Sample Script to calling a potential employer:
Good morning/good afternoon
My name is ____________ (your full name). May I speak with __________________ (name of contact person).
Once the Person is on the phone…
Hi ___________ (contact name), my name is _____ (your name). I am currently a grade ____ student, and I am very interested in gaining co-op work experience at ______ (name of organization/business). I was wondering if it would be possible to set up a time and day that we could meet and discuss the coop requirements for your organization.
Great. I look forward to meeting you on ___________ (date) at _____(time).
![Page 7: SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING SKILLSgsscooperativeeducation.weebly.com/uploads/8/8/2/9/8829957/succ… · •Interviewing is a skill to be developed •Practice makes perfect The purpose](https://reader034.vdocument.in/reader034/viewer/2022052002/601575108609626c577e79ed/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
REHEARSING FOR THE CO-OP INTERVIEW
• Prepare common interview questions.
• Practice:
• Interview with a friend (Role Play)
• Use a mirror
• Use a tape recorder
• Don’t worry if you don’t have much job experience. You can
simply tie in the answers to experiences at home or school.
STEP THREE
![Page 8: SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING SKILLSgsscooperativeeducation.weebly.com/uploads/8/8/2/9/8829957/succ… · •Interviewing is a skill to be developed •Practice makes perfect The purpose](https://reader034.vdocument.in/reader034/viewer/2022052002/601575108609626c577e79ed/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
DRESS FOR SUCCESS
Not
Appropriate!
STEP FOUR
![Page 9: SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING SKILLSgsscooperativeeducation.weebly.com/uploads/8/8/2/9/8829957/succ… · •Interviewing is a skill to be developed •Practice makes perfect The purpose](https://reader034.vdocument.in/reader034/viewer/2022052002/601575108609626c577e79ed/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
DRESSING FOR SUCCESS
DO’S• Make sure your hair is clean and combed.
• Shower; use deodorant
• Shave
• Wear clean shoes
• Wear conservative and appropriate clothes, neatly pressed.
• Trim fingernails.
• Don’t smoke prior to the interview.
• Sit up, listen and RELAX!
![Page 10: SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING SKILLSgsscooperativeeducation.weebly.com/uploads/8/8/2/9/8829957/succ… · •Interviewing is a skill to be developed •Practice makes perfect The purpose](https://reader034.vdocument.in/reader034/viewer/2022052002/601575108609626c577e79ed/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
DRESSING FOR SUCCESS
DONT’S• Use lots of hairspray.
• Use perfume or cologne
• Use heavy makeup.
• Wear Sandals.
• Wear clothes that will wrinkle easily.
• Wear bright nail polish.
![Page 11: SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING SKILLSgsscooperativeeducation.weebly.com/uploads/8/8/2/9/8829957/succ… · •Interviewing is a skill to be developed •Practice makes perfect The purpose](https://reader034.vdocument.in/reader034/viewer/2022052002/601575108609626c577e79ed/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
DRESS FOR SUCCESS
Dress as you
would for an
actual day on the
job, but a little bit
nicer.
![Page 12: SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING SKILLSgsscooperativeeducation.weebly.com/uploads/8/8/2/9/8829957/succ… · •Interviewing is a skill to be developed •Practice makes perfect The purpose](https://reader034.vdocument.in/reader034/viewer/2022052002/601575108609626c577e79ed/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
DRESS FOR SUCCESS
Business casual is
crisp and neat.
Avoid tight or baggy
clothing. Business
casual is classic
rather than trendy.
![Page 13: SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING SKILLSgsscooperativeeducation.weebly.com/uploads/8/8/2/9/8829957/succ… · •Interviewing is a skill to be developed •Practice makes perfect The purpose](https://reader034.vdocument.in/reader034/viewer/2022052002/601575108609626c577e79ed/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
THE INTERVIEW
1. The Greetings – the handshake, the names
• Watch your body language.
2. The Core – the interviewing questions
3. Questions - questions for you to ask
4. The Close – What happens next?
STEP FIVE
![Page 14: SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING SKILLSgsscooperativeeducation.weebly.com/uploads/8/8/2/9/8829957/succ… · •Interviewing is a skill to be developed •Practice makes perfect The purpose](https://reader034.vdocument.in/reader034/viewer/2022052002/601575108609626c577e79ed/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
![Page 15: SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING SKILLSgsscooperativeeducation.weebly.com/uploads/8/8/2/9/8829957/succ… · •Interviewing is a skill to be developed •Practice makes perfect The purpose](https://reader034.vdocument.in/reader034/viewer/2022052002/601575108609626c577e79ed/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
1. THE GREETINGS
• Arrive on time.
• Establish eye contact.
• If the interviewer holds out a hand give it a firm
handshake, and be sure to smile.
![Page 16: SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING SKILLSgsscooperativeeducation.weebly.com/uploads/8/8/2/9/8829957/succ… · •Interviewing is a skill to be developed •Practice makes perfect The purpose](https://reader034.vdocument.in/reader034/viewer/2022052002/601575108609626c577e79ed/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
MASTERING THE HAND SHAKE
How do you shake hands?
• The Pull In
• The Two-Handed Shake
![Page 17: SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING SKILLSgsscooperativeeducation.weebly.com/uploads/8/8/2/9/8829957/succ… · •Interviewing is a skill to be developed •Practice makes perfect The purpose](https://reader034.vdocument.in/reader034/viewer/2022052002/601575108609626c577e79ed/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
The Topper
The Finger Squeeze
![Page 18: SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING SKILLSgsscooperativeeducation.weebly.com/uploads/8/8/2/9/8829957/succ… · •Interviewing is a skill to be developed •Practice makes perfect The purpose](https://reader034.vdocument.in/reader034/viewer/2022052002/601575108609626c577e79ed/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
The Bone Crusher
The Palm Pinch
![Page 19: SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING SKILLSgsscooperativeeducation.weebly.com/uploads/8/8/2/9/8829957/succ… · •Interviewing is a skill to be developed •Practice makes perfect The purpose](https://reader034.vdocument.in/reader034/viewer/2022052002/601575108609626c577e79ed/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
The Limp Fish
![Page 20: SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING SKILLSgsscooperativeeducation.weebly.com/uploads/8/8/2/9/8829957/succ… · •Interviewing is a skill to be developed •Practice makes perfect The purpose](https://reader034.vdocument.in/reader034/viewer/2022052002/601575108609626c577e79ed/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
THE PROPER HANDSHAKE
• Firm, but not bone-crushing
• Lasts about 3 seconds
• May be "pumped" once or twice
from the elbow
• Is released after the shake, even
if the introduction continues
• Includes good eye contact with
the other person
![Page 21: SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING SKILLSgsscooperativeeducation.weebly.com/uploads/8/8/2/9/8829957/succ… · •Interviewing is a skill to be developed •Practice makes perfect The purpose](https://reader034.vdocument.in/reader034/viewer/2022052002/601575108609626c577e79ed/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
HANDSHAKE PRACTICE
• Stand up.
• Find a partner.
• Assume you are meeting for the first time.
• Practice shaking hands.
• Remember to maintain eye contact!
• SMILE!
![Page 22: SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING SKILLSgsscooperativeeducation.weebly.com/uploads/8/8/2/9/8829957/succ… · •Interviewing is a skill to be developed •Practice makes perfect The purpose](https://reader034.vdocument.in/reader034/viewer/2022052002/601575108609626c577e79ed/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
BODY LANGUAGE
• When you interact with people, you communicate through body language—the gestures, posture, and eye contact that you use to send messages.
• Eye contact shows that you are paying attention.
• A firm handshake signals self-confidence.
• Nodding your head show that you are thinking, while biting your nails may suggest that you’re too nervous to hand the job.
• Good manners count! Don’t throw your coat or papers on the interviewer’s desk, and wait until the interviewer asks you to be seated.
![Page 23: SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING SKILLSgsscooperativeeducation.weebly.com/uploads/8/8/2/9/8829957/succ… · •Interviewing is a skill to be developed •Practice makes perfect The purpose](https://reader034.vdocument.in/reader034/viewer/2022052002/601575108609626c577e79ed/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
BODY LANGUAGE
Do’s• Make frequent eye contact
• Smile
• Take notes
• Smile
• Nod frequently
• Smile
• Keep your hands out of your pocket
![Page 24: SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING SKILLSgsscooperativeeducation.weebly.com/uploads/8/8/2/9/8829957/succ… · •Interviewing is a skill to be developed •Practice makes perfect The purpose](https://reader034.vdocument.in/reader034/viewer/2022052002/601575108609626c577e79ed/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
BODY LANGUAGE
Don'ts
• Slouch
• Cross you arms
• Tap your feet
• Clear your throat repeatedly
• Bite your lips or nails
![Page 25: SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING SKILLSgsscooperativeeducation.weebly.com/uploads/8/8/2/9/8829957/succ… · •Interviewing is a skill to be developed •Practice makes perfect The purpose](https://reader034.vdocument.in/reader034/viewer/2022052002/601575108609626c577e79ed/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
2. THE CORE—INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
• Interviewers ask questions that are designed to give
them some insight into who you are, what your
experience and work ethic might be, and how you fit
into the organization.
![Page 26: SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING SKILLSgsscooperativeeducation.weebly.com/uploads/8/8/2/9/8829957/succ… · •Interviewing is a skill to be developed •Practice makes perfect The purpose](https://reader034.vdocument.in/reader034/viewer/2022052002/601575108609626c577e79ed/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
TYPICAL CO-OP INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
1. Tell me about yourself.
• Typical answer: Well, I was born in Hamilton, but
we moved to Grimsby when I was three. I have a
dog and like to swim.
Borrrrring! That answer doesn’t tell the employer
anything about you that relates to the co-op position.
You want to use every opportunity to show that you
are a smart, hard working potential coop employee.
![Page 27: SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING SKILLSgsscooperativeeducation.weebly.com/uploads/8/8/2/9/8829957/succ… · •Interviewing is a skill to be developed •Practice makes perfect The purpose](https://reader034.vdocument.in/reader034/viewer/2022052002/601575108609626c577e79ed/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
Tell me about yourself.
• Better Answer: Last year in school, I played on the basketball and soccer team. It kept me busy, but I learned to manage my time. I’m also involved in volunteering with my sister’s Girl Guide group. That’s been a great experience in learning how to work as a team with other leaders plus plan activities.
See what you’ve just done? You’ve shown the employer you are involved in positive activities, work as a volunteer and know the importance of teamwork. Who wouldn’t want to hire you?
![Page 28: SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING SKILLSgsscooperativeeducation.weebly.com/uploads/8/8/2/9/8829957/succ… · •Interviewing is a skill to be developed •Practice makes perfect The purpose](https://reader034.vdocument.in/reader034/viewer/2022052002/601575108609626c577e79ed/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
2. How would your teachers describe you?
• Average answer: Oh, I guess they’d say I was an OK
student.
• Better answer: My teachers would tell you I work hard to
get my assignments in on time and I’m not afraid to ask for
help if I need it. They’d also tell you I try to be friendly to shy
kids in my class.
![Page 29: SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING SKILLSgsscooperativeeducation.weebly.com/uploads/8/8/2/9/8829957/succ… · •Interviewing is a skill to be developed •Practice makes perfect The purpose](https://reader034.vdocument.in/reader034/viewer/2022052002/601575108609626c577e79ed/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
3. Why should I hire you over the other co-op
students waiting to be interviewed?
• Average answer: I really need the high school credits and I
think it would be cool to work here.
• Better answer: I’m a reliable person. I’ll arrive to work on
time and do the best I can on the job. I’ve done volunteer
work, but now I’d like to gain actual work experience. If you
hire me, you’ll get someone who isn’t afraid to learn.
![Page 30: SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING SKILLSgsscooperativeeducation.weebly.com/uploads/8/8/2/9/8829957/succ… · •Interviewing is a skill to be developed •Practice makes perfect The purpose](https://reader034.vdocument.in/reader034/viewer/2022052002/601575108609626c577e79ed/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
4. Tell me about a time you had a problem and how you solved it.
• Average answer: My parents and I don’t always get along. I usually yell and then go to my room for a few hours.
• Better answer: There was a boy at school that really bothered me. He bumped into me and would slam my locker shut when he walked by. He’d also say sarcastic things to me. I talked to a teacher about it and she offered to be a mediator. She brought both of us into her class and basically let me tell the boy I wanted him to stop being a bully. I confronted him in a strong way. The situation is much better now.
![Page 31: SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING SKILLSgsscooperativeeducation.weebly.com/uploads/8/8/2/9/8829957/succ… · •Interviewing is a skill to be developed •Practice makes perfect The purpose](https://reader034.vdocument.in/reader034/viewer/2022052002/601575108609626c577e79ed/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
5. What do you like best about school?
• Average answer: I really like hanging out with my friends.
• Better answer: I especially like working on projects
together with my friends. I just got done being in charge of
decorating for our school dance. I organized my friends and
we worked together to set up the gym with a Hawaiian
theme. I also like participating in school events like sports
teams and student government.
![Page 32: SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING SKILLSgsscooperativeeducation.weebly.com/uploads/8/8/2/9/8829957/succ… · •Interviewing is a skill to be developed •Practice makes perfect The purpose](https://reader034.vdocument.in/reader034/viewer/2022052002/601575108609626c577e79ed/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
• There you have it. Five questions employers might ask you.
• Try to answer every question with a positive answer.
• Demonstrate that you are an honest, hard working person.
![Page 33: SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING SKILLSgsscooperativeeducation.weebly.com/uploads/8/8/2/9/8829957/succ… · •Interviewing is a skill to be developed •Practice makes perfect The purpose](https://reader034.vdocument.in/reader034/viewer/2022052002/601575108609626c577e79ed/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
MORE SAMPLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
• Why to you want this co-op position?
• What qualities do you have that would make you a
good choice for this co-op position?
• What are your greatest strengths/weaknesses?
• Describe a situation where you set a goal and
achieved it?
• What subjects do you enjoy the most/least?
• What are your long-term education/career plans?
• What do you like to do in your spare time?
![Page 34: SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING SKILLSgsscooperativeeducation.weebly.com/uploads/8/8/2/9/8829957/succ… · •Interviewing is a skill to be developed •Practice makes perfect The purpose](https://reader034.vdocument.in/reader034/viewer/2022052002/601575108609626c577e79ed/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
Your Turn…
3. QUESTIONS TO ASK THE INTERVIEWER
• If I were to get the co-op position, what would my
duties be?
• Are their training programs provided for co-op
students?
• Is their an employee handbook available?
• How many people will I be working with?
• Is their a dress code in effect?
• Is safety equipment required? If so, do I supply my
own?
![Page 35: SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING SKILLSgsscooperativeeducation.weebly.com/uploads/8/8/2/9/8829957/succ… · •Interviewing is a skill to be developed •Practice makes perfect The purpose](https://reader034.vdocument.in/reader034/viewer/2022052002/601575108609626c577e79ed/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
4. THE CLOSE
• Be friendly as the interview closes.
• Shake the interviewer’s hand.
• Thank the interviewer and ask when he or she hopes
to make a decision.
![Page 36: SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING SKILLSgsscooperativeeducation.weebly.com/uploads/8/8/2/9/8829957/succ… · •Interviewing is a skill to be developed •Practice makes perfect The purpose](https://reader034.vdocument.in/reader034/viewer/2022052002/601575108609626c577e79ed/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
PREPARE YOUR INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
ASSIGNMENT
• To practice for you co-op interview complete the pre-
employment interview question assignment.
• Type your answers in complete sentences.