Chris Robinson Deanna K. MabeAdult Career Coach Experiential Learning & WCC-Wytheville Job Placement Coordinator

WCC-Wytheville

Mary Ann Gillock Margaret JohnstonAdult Career Coach Experiential Learning & WCC-The Crossroads Institute- Galax Job Placement Coordinator

WCC-The Crossroads Institute-Galax

Before The Interview: Research the potential employer

Google the company websiteGlassdoor, VaultHoover’s Online Career Center

Research the job and know the duties of the positionPrint the advertisement for the position and

break the duties down Make the connection. Be able to apply your

school and work experiences to the position.

Prepare a Resume

Brief summary of education and training Work history and experience Short phrases focusing on active words

and your strengths Customize it to the position Go over it prior to the interview Be prepared to answer questions and

explain details of resume Bring several copies

Know Details of the Interview: Time, Location, Travel, Parking,

etc… Practice driving to the business so you

know exactly how long it takes to get there Know where to park Find the restrooms so you know where to

go to freshen up Arrive early Treat everyone you encounter with

courtesy and respect

Prepare your “Elevator Speech”…

Careerbuildeer.com lists the most common interview question is “If we were riding in an elevator, you would have 60 seconds to tell me about yourself, What would you tell me?”

Use short phrases, not full sentences Briefly summarize your education and training Focus on your strengths Use examples of your work experience,

accomplishments, job-specific skills Apply them to the position Express your interest in the position Wrap up favorably

Dress Appropriately…Tips for Men

If possible, wear a suit to the interview Belt and shoes should be same color Avoid ties with elaborate patterns or too

many colors A wedding ring and/or watch is generally the

only jewelry that should be worn Head to Toe: Hair should be well groomed

and shoes should be polished Avoid scents

Who Would You Hire?

Tips for Women

A suit or dress is preferable Pant suits are acceptable Skirts should meet at the top of the knee or

longer The amount of jewelry should be minimized Make-up should be light Avoid perfumes and scented lotions or

powders

Who Would You Hire?

Stylish, And Ready To Interview

Top Wardrobe Mistakes: Backpacks, fanny packs Sunglasses or Headphones Too-short skirts Wrong tie…avoid big or bright

patterns (Image consultants recommend red or burgundy)

Bright or overly patterned clothing Heavy make-up Earrings on men More than one set of earrings on

women Facial piercings, tongue jewelry or

visible tattoos Obvious signs of a new suit (tags,

stickers) Jeans are not professional

Poor fitting clothing Long fingernails, especially

with bright or specialty polishes Unnatural hair colors or styles Short-sleeved shirts Fishnets, patterned hosiery or

bare legs Socks that do not match, or

socks that leave a gap of flesh when seated

Rumpled or stained clothing Scuffed or inappropriate shoes

(sneakers, stilettos, sandals, flip flops)

Strong scents Belts and shoes not matching

First Impression: Greeting

Body Language

Firm handshake Eye contact Smile Friendly expression When standing, keep

weight balanced Shoulders squared

toward the person Lean slightly forward No barriers, no crossed

arms

Dress Appropriately

Tailor your outfit for the industry…always err toward being over-dressed and conservative

Clean and neat personal grooming

Clean and neat clothing

Turn off your cell phone and/or leave it in your car

Starting The Interview Be sure to arrive 10 to 15

minutes prior to the start of the interview

Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake

Maintain good eye contact and posture

Make sure you are energetic and enthusiastic

Speak clearly Bring a pad and a pen and

always take notes during every professional meeting

Standard Interview Questions Would you tell me about yourself? What is your greatest strength? What is your greatest weakness? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? What about this position do you find most

appealing? Why do you want to work for our company? Why should we hire you?

Behavior-Based Questions Can you describe the most

valuable criticism you have received and what you did with it?

Can you tell me about an event that really challenged you?

Can you give me an example of a project that required attention to detail and how you handled the details?

Can you tell me about a difficult person with whom you have worked?

Can you describe the supervisor that you have liked the least?

Communication: Employers look for people who can communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Whether you took public speaking or gave reports to your supervisor, you have polished some presentation skills.

Critical Thinking: “If you have been to school or worked in any job field, you can evaluate, analyze, act quickly, and ultimately make effective decisions.

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Think of a project or problem with your previous school or work experience. Discuss how you solved it or overcame it. Plan to use this example in an interview.

Writing: Good grammar is important in today’s marketplace. All of us have taken a required English course in school and every job required us to complete paperwork.

Take time to develop your ability to express yourself in a professional manner. Show your writing skills in your resume and cover letter. If asked about your written abilities, discuss the reports and required paperwork that you completed at work. You can also discuss your computer skills with regards to reports and paperwork you were required to complete.

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Leadership and teamwork: Employers want people who can lead and also can work as part of a larger team. Your degree in school wasn’t earned without group projects and your past job was not performed in isolation. Most of our previous activities are experienced as a part of a learning team.

Consider when you worked together on an assignment or project at work. You may have shown skills in heading up a group or demonstrated your part in a successful outcome.

Multitasking: Many people go to school, work part-time or full-time, support and raise a family and still find time for church, charitable or community activities…and personal hobbies. All of these are examples of multitasking and juggling workloads.

Consider asking former teachers or supervisors for recommendation letters highlighting moments of success despite your heavy workload and responsibilities.

Use these successes as examples in your job interview to highlight your abilities to coordinate and be successful.

ALWAYS Ask The Employer a question…. What kind of training will I receive? Describe a typical day for the person in this

position? What type of advancement opportunities are

available with your organization? What is your time table for the remainder of

the hiring process?

Use your pre-interview research to ask questions that demonstrate your knowledge of their company!

Follow-Up Be sure to send a

“thank you” after you have interviewed

A hand-written card is preferred

If you feel you have poor handwriting, then a typed letter may be a better option

Mail the card or letter on the same day as your interview

Need Additional Tips or Practice?

Schedule an appointment with a WCC Career Counselor

We can further discuss interviewing and help to

set-up a mock interview to practice your interviewing skills

Wytheville Community College1000 East Main StreetWytheville, VA 24382276-223-4700

Smyth County Education Center300 Gordondale RoadAtkins, VA 243112767-783-1777