Ten Steps toAcing Your Interview

Step One - Know Your Target

• Research the company to which you are applying.– Use the internet.

• Find out the organization’s purpose, products and any recent news or company developments.

Employers are most impressed by candidates who have taken the time to thoroughly investigate their brand.

Step Two - Know Yourself

• Your job is to sell yourself.

– Your SKILLS: list your accomplishments and then think of which skills it took to do them.

– You THE PERSON: they are looking for honest, smart, friendly, motivated, and responsible employees.

– What examples can you provide to “prove”

– that you have those characteristics?

– Would you want to be your co-worker?

Step Three – Practice

• PRACTICE! Like studying for a test. Ask people to interview you – asking the hard questions. If you can’t answer the question when you’re studying, you won’t be able to answer it on the test!

Step Four – Dress The Part

• Can anyone judge what I am wearing?• When you’re selling a product, the

packaging matters!

• NO personality statements– That is for OUTSIDE the workplace– Don’t get yourself eliminated!!!

• Err on the side of conservative– Remember…what generation is hiring you?

General Suggestions

• A “notch above” what is typically worn at that job

• Clothes are wrinkle free

• Clean fingernails

• Pleasant breath

• Eliminate the aftershave/perfume

• Consider getting haircut/trim

Gender Specific Suggestions

– Males:

• Wear shirt with a collar and buttons all the way down the front.

• Hide tattoos, take out piercings• Wear a belt (no “pants on the ground”!)• Dark socks!• Shoes that hold a shine.• No jeans or sweats

Gender Specific Suggestions

– Females:• Heels 2” and under • Close-toed shows (no flip flops!)• Only one earring per ear (and only 3

accessories total!)• If wearing skirt/dress – it should be an ADULT

appropriate length• No cleavage or midriff• No jeans or sweats• Keep your purse small & professional

Goals:

• Best first impression possible• Professional expectations• Not a personality statement• Industry standards• Work towards personal independence• Competitive job market

Shoes, women• Wear this… Not this…

Shoes, men

Wear this… Not this…

Bottoms, women

Wear this… Not this…

Bottoms, men

Wear this… Not this…

Tops, women

Wear this… Not this…

Check the side, ladies!

Tops, men

Wear this… Not this…

Look in the mirror, guys!

Dresses, women

Wear this… Not this…

Accessories, women

Wear this… Not this…

Accessories, men

Wear this… Not this…

Above the neck, women

Wear this… Not this…

Above the neck, men

Wear this… Not this…

Step Five – Arrive Early

• 10-15 minutes (at least!)– Take some time to collect yourself.– Organize your notes– Refresh your memory on your selling

points– Use the restroom and have a chance

to do any last minute grooming.• It gives you a psychological

edge to be early!

Step Six – Make A Good First Impression

• You won’t get a second chance!

• Stand up, make eye contact & smile• Say your name• Shake hands – firm; two shakes are enough!

The Unspoken Word

Communication is:

7 % Words (what you say)38% Tone (how you say it)55% Non-Verbal (physical impression,

facial expressions, posture, gestures)

93% of a person’s communication effectiveness is determined by nonverbal communication!!!

Body Language Messages

• Things to remember:– Pay attention to the person you are

speaking with. They should have your full attention. Don’t let your eyes wander.

– Watch your facial expressions & hand gestures

– Don’t fidget– Show energy & enthusiasm in your

posture

Step Seven – Answer Well

• Don’t ramble – it’s better to give short answers with strong points.

• Look the interviewer in the eye when answering.

• Gather your thoughts. Feel free to say I need a minute to think about before I answer.

• “Prove” your answer by giving examples.

• If you get a question you don’t understand, ask for clarification.

• If you don’t know the answer, simply say that you don’t know the answer (but you will find out!).

• Never give a one word answer: “Yes.” “No.”

Standard Questions

• There are some standard questions that frequently come up during an interview.

• Here are five of the most common interview questions, as well as what the employer might be looking for in your response

1. “Tell me about yourself.”

•This is the most predictable yet sometimes the most frustrating of all interview questions.• •The interviewer has a copy of your résumé in front of her so why ask the question? •This is simply your opportunity to present yourself in the best possible light.

•Focus on three or four areas within your résumé that are relevant to the job opening.

•Be concise. Limit your moment in the spotlight to two or three minutes maximum.

•Show enthusiasm. Hiring managers love a genuinely interested and interesting candidate.

•Don't get personal. Focus solely on your professional achievements.

2. “What do you know about our company?”

To stand out from the competition, check current press releases or company updates on the morning of your interview to reiterate your enthusiasm and interest in the role.

3. “What are you strengths and weaknesses?”

Strengths:•Analyze the key skills needed for the job and respond with matching strengths.•By highlighting your personal strengths that most closely match the company's needs, you are emphasizing your suitability for the role.

Weaknesses:

•It's not a trick question; everyone has weaknesses! •Restrict it to just one. •The key is to demonstrate your willingness to work on improving them. •Admitting to a weakness also shows a level of self-awareness.•What have you learned because of them?•What are you doing to improve?

4. “Why do you want to leave your current job?” “Why do you want this job?”

• Most candidates typically respond to this question by outlining what benefits THEY will gain.

• The employer ideally wants to know not only what the company can do for you but what YOU CAN DO for the company.

• If you are currently employed but miserable in your present role, it is essential to focus on the benefits of joining the employer, rather than how terrible your predicament is.

• A negative attitude is one of the principal reasons that new employees fail to succeed in a new job.

5. “Where do you see yourself in five years?”

• It's impossible to give an accurate answer to this question!

• What the employer is looking for is an indication of long-term commitment. If you are the preferred candidate, will their investment pay off?

• Your response should imply that you intend to stick around and grow your career with the company.

• You may also want to turn the tables and ask the hiring manager where she sees the company in five years' time!

Step Eight – Ask Questions

• Be prepared come with questions.– Ask about job responsibilities.– What are the next steps in the hiring process.– Emphasize that you are interested in the job.

• When leaving shake the persons hand, look them in the eye and thank them thank them for their time.for their time.

Step Nine – Be Yourself

• Let who you are really shine through.

• Be proud of your talents, motivations and skills.

Step Ten – Follow Up

• As soon as you get home, write a thank you note to your interviewer.

• Keep your note short.

– Thank them for the interview opportunity– Re-affirm why you would be the best

candidate

“You’re hired!”