CHAPTER 5
reparing for
Pthe Interview
Introduction
Your résumé and cover letter got the
attention of the potential employer.
Your job interview will get you the job.
continued
1
CHAPTER 5
reparing for
Pthe Interview
Introduction
By preparing, getting organized, and
learning verbal and nonverbal
communication skills, you will stand out
from the crowd.
You can turn an interview into a job
offer.
2
CHAPTER 5
reparing for
Pthe Interview
The Importance and
Purpose of the Interview
A successful interview can help you
command a higher salary, create higher
expectations, and determine how well
you will fit into the organization.
continued
3
CHAPTER 5
reparing for
Pthe Interview
The Importance and
Purpose of the Interview
The interviewer wants to determine if
you have the skills for the job and figure
out what kind of person you are.
continued
4
CHAPTER 5
reparing for
Pthe Interview
The Importance and
Purpose of the Interview
An equally important purpose of the
interview is to determine if the job is
right for you.
5
CHAPTER 5
reparing for
Pthe Interview
Step 1. Research
Research the Company
Research companies before your
interview.
You can’t ask good questions or give
good answers if you don’t have the
necessary information.
continued
6
CHAPTER 5
reparing for
Pthe Interview
Step 1. Research
Research the Company
People at
the company
The company’s
Web site
The Library
The chamber
of commerce
Annual reports
Sources
Of
Information
Catalogs, flyers,
newsletters
Business
Periodicals Index
Standard and
Poor’s
7
CHAPTER 5
reparing for
Pthe Interview
Step 1. Research
Research the Company
Company name
Sales
Job position
Profits
Plant size and location
Create a
Company
Profile
Concerns
Number of employees
Future plans
Products
Job description
8
CHAPTER 5
reparing for
Pthe Interview
Step 1. Research
Research the Industry
Research the industry before your
interview.
Put your network to use and talk with
people in the field.
continued
9
CHAPTER 5
reparing for
Pthe Interview
Step 1. Research
Research Details
Time of interview
Directions
Place of interview
Length of interview
Parking
Details
Material needed
People present
List of possible questions
Phone numbers
Questions to ask
10
CHAPTER 5
reparing for
Pthe Interview
Step 1. Research
Research Details
Several copies of
your résumé
A pad of paper and
two good pens
Briefcase
Contents
Research on the
company
Reference letters
11
CHAPTER 5
reparing for
Pthe Interview
Step 1. Research
Research Yourself
Outline what you most want to stress in
the interview.
What life experiences did you have
that demonstrated positive qualities?
12
CHAPTER 5
reparing for
Pthe Interview
Step 1. Research
Research Questions
Prepare questions that you think the
interviewer will ask based upon the job
description and your research about
the company.
13
CHAPTER 5
reparing for
Pthe Interview
Step 1. Research
Research Questions
Decision-making and
problem-solving abilities
Work experience
Educational background
and training
Character and
personality traits
Question
Categories
Career goals
Teamwork
14
CHAPTER 5
reparing for
Pthe Interview
Tell Me About Yourself
Ice breaker
Intended to get you talking
Don’t ramble.
Outline the main areas of your life
that are most relevant to the job.
15
CHAPTER 5
reparing for
Pthe Interview
Why Do You Want to Leave
Your Current Job?
Standard answer: You are ready for
a new job, or you want to develop
your skills and use all your
capabilities.
Expand your answer to include your
present situation.
16
CHAPTER 5
reparing for
Pthe Interview
What Kind of People Annoy
You Most?
Designed to determine if you are a
team player
Don’t reveal your personal life or
make a confession.
Focus on how you handle different
people, tension, or conflict.
17
CHAPTER 5
reparing for
Pthe Interview
I See You Have Worked With Tom
Smith? Did You Enjoy This Experience?
Never criticize anyone during an
interview.
18
CHAPTER 5
reparing for
Pthe Interview
How Have You Handled a Major
Disappointment in Your Life?
First tell the process and then give
an example.
19
CHAPTER 5
reparing for
Pthe Interview
When Was the Last Time You
Worked on a Team Project?
Employers want self-starters who
are team players.
Answer should include knowledge of
other departments and how you
have produced results in a team.
20
CHAPTER 5
reparing for
Pthe Interview
What Was the Worst Job You’ve
Ever Had?
The interviewer is trying to get a
sense of your values.
Assure the interviewer that even
part-time, low-level jobs have been
valuable.
21
CHAPTER 5
reparing for
Pthe Interview
Describe a Difficult Problem You
Have Had to Solve
Focus on the process more than the
problem.
Describe your problem-solving and
critical thinking skills.
22
CHAPTER 5
reparing for
Pthe Interview
How Do You Handle Stress?
Rather than react to stress, you work
to eliminate the causes of stress.
You plan to solve problems before
they become a crisis.
23
CHAPTER 5
reparing for
Pthe Interview
Plan Ahead and Relax
Take these steps Stress Savers during your
so you can focus
interview:
•
•
•
Drive by the office the day before and arrive 15
minutes early.
Find out the name and pronunciation of the
interviewer by calling the receptionist.
Plan your wardrobe in advance with traditional
business attire.
continued
24
CHAPTER 5
reparing for
Pthe Interview
Plan Ahead and Relax
Take these steps Stress Savers during your
so you can focus
interview:
•
•
Check the company’s Web site or local library for
background information.
Have 2–3 questions prepared in advance.
25
CHAPTER 5
reparing for
Pthe Interview
Step 2. Remember Image
Men
Conservative, dark blue, gray
Suit
White, pale blue, button-down, fits
Shirt
Conservative, matches suit
Tie
Calf-length, matches suit
Socks
Polished, laced, or slip-on in black or brown
Shoes
Watch, jewelry Conservative watch, no jewelry except ring
Hair
Neatly styled
Grooming
Nails clean and trimmed, no cologne
Briefcase
Good quality attaché case or portfolio
26
CHAPTER 5
reparing for
Pthe Interview
Step 2. Remember Image
Women
Conservative, dark, at or below knee
Suit
Simple, not tight or low-cut
Blouse
Beige, tan, or neutral hose
Stockings
Polished, dark, two-inch or less closed heels
Shoes
Conservative watch, small earrings
Watch, jewelry
Simple and becoming style, clean and neat
Hair
No heavy makeup, no perfume,
Grooming
clear nail polish
Briefcase
Good quality attaché case or portfolio
27
CHAPTER 5
reparing for
Pthe Interview
Step 3. Rehearse
Rehearse an interview on a tape
recorder or on video tape and with one
of your networking contacts.
Critique yourself and seek feedback.
continued
28
