Create an 10 Slide PPT Presentation about Interviewing:
15 pts
- Introductory Slide – slide 1
- Name, date, relevant pic, title: The Job Interview
- What is an interview – slide 2
- 4 bullets
- Dressing for Success Tips – slide 3
- For Men
- For Women
- Preparing for the interview – slide 4
- 4 bullets
- During the interview – slide 5
- 4 bullets
- After the interview – slide 6
- 4 bullets
- List the 8 common interview questions –slides 7
- Slides 8 and 9
- Answer 4 of the 8 questions – as if you were applying for the internship position
- Slide 10
- Insert your resume and cover letter as an object
ABOUT INTERVIEWING
Receiving an interview is the most exciting, stressful, and important stage of the interview process. It means an individual’s application, cover letter, and resume were impressive enough that a potential employer is taking time out of his or her busy schedule to learn more about the person.
Therefore, an interview candidate needs to continue fostering the positive impression he or she made on paper
During the interview. An employer has mentally judged a person within the first 12 seconds they enter the room.This judgment is based upon non-verbal communication. It includes things like clothing, posture, smile, voice tone,and hand shake.
The 12x12x12 Theory:
- People judge you first from 12 feet away;
- Then they judge you from 12 inches away;
- Then they judge you based upon the first 12 words out of your mouth.
- Therefore, what types of first impressions are really important? Candidate number one may have been more qualified for the job, but did not give the right impression: therefore, his/her abilities were discounted
An employer has mentally judged an individual within the first twelve seconds he/she enters the room.
Things they noticed even before the interview had formally began.
- attire, grooming, posture and smile
Common Interview Questions
?Tell me about yourself.
?Will you relocate?
?What motivates you?
?What are your short-term goals?
?What are your long-term goals?
?What can you do for us?
?How do you work under pressure?
?What salary are you worth?
?What are your three most important accomplishments thus far in your career?
?What is your greatest strength? Weakness?
?Give an example of your creativity.
?Give an example of your analytical skills.
?Give an example of your administrative skills.
?Give an example of some of your leadership skills.
?How do you interact with co-workers?
?How do you motivate people?
?What do you know about our company?
?In what way do you feel you can make the biggest contribution to this firm?
?Why are you changing fields?
?What direct supervisory experience have you had?
?What did you like best about your last (or present) job?
?Is your present (or past) income commensurate with your abilities?
?What are your general feelings about psychological assessment?
?What are your thoughts regarding promotion for yourself?
?How would you describe the “ideal” boss?
?How do you define cooperation?
?How do you spend your spare time? Do you have any hobbies?
?What would you do to improve our firm? And how?
?Could you have done more in your last (or present) job?
?What suggestions have you offered former employers that were actually adopted?
?How do you define success?
?What is the most difficult assignment you have completed?
?What is the most rewarding assignment you have completed?
?Give an example of your innovative abilities.
Dress for Success
…tips on appropriate interview attire
From top to bottom and everything in between!
A potential employer has developed a perception of you within the first 12 seconds. How would you like to be
remembered and perceived? Each item of clothing, grooming, and accessories makes a statement about who you are. The following are tips to help you make a lasting and positive first impression.
The Top-
When entering an interview, a person should walk in confidently, make eye contact, and immediately shake thepotential employer’s hand. Therefore, the head is where most people make their initial impression. Here are afew tips…
?Your hair…
o Have a well groomed, conservative haircut.
o For women, this means no large, unusually colored, or teased styles.
o For men, this means no tails, braids, or unusual colors. Make sure facial hair is neatly groomed
as well.
o Keep hair away from your face. During the interview, you do not want the employer to be
distracted if you have to continually be pushing your hair away from your face.
?Your face…
o Women should wear a conservative amount of make up that accentuates their features. No
bright lipsticks, blushes, or too much eye makeup.
o Practice good oral hygiene.
The Middle-
“Good clothes open all doors.” This quote may not be completely true; however, the right clothes do make a
statement to a potential employer. Having the proper style of clothing, in the right color, is essential when
interviewing.
?What is professional dress?
?Attire for professional jobs…
o Men and women should be in a dark colored suit, (navy blue, dark brown or charcoal), with a
solid colored white, cream or light blue.
o For men, a tie should compliment the entire outfit, not be too bright or loud and extend to the
trouser belt.
o If women choose to wear a skirt suit, the skirt should be no more than two inches above the
knee.
The Bottom (Your Feet)-
The shoes a person wears are an important part of the finished professional look. They should enhance the
outfit.
?Make sure they are comfortable. If they are brand new, wear them around the house to break them in.
?They should look new, not worn. Make sure they are well polished.
?Men should wear black or brown leather dress shoes.
?Women should be in dress shoes with no more than a 1-2 inch heel that matches their outfit, usually in
black, brown, or navy. Open toed and sling back shoes are not acceptable.
And Everything In Between
Accessories are used to set the tone creating a finished, professional look.
?Jewelry
o The jewelry should be very conservative and simple. Men should not wear earrings. If a women
wears rings, only one per hand.
?Cologne/Perfume
o Little, if any. You don’t want people to smell you coming before they see you. You never know if
the interviewer is sensitive to certain smells and would end up focusing on how you smell
instead of what you are saying.
?Socks/Panty Hose
o Men should wear dress socks that match their slacks and shoes. Make sure that the dress socks
are long enough that skin does not show when the candidate is seated.
o Women should wear a basic color that matches their shoes. This is often brown, off-black,
taupe, or a flesh tone.
?Fingernails
o Fingernails should be clean and neatly trimmed.
o Women should have a moderate length, with no designs and conservative polish. Clear is the
best color.
?Belts
o The belt should match the shoes.
?Notebook
o Individuals should carry a leather notebook that has copies of their resume, job application, and
paper and pen for note taking.
Before, During, and After the Interview
Before the interview:
?Take a personal inventory test. Analyze how your strengths, personal and academic experiences, as well as
your interests can be transferred to the position for which you are applying. Think of examples, which
include a specific situation, the action you took, and the result.
?Review potential questions. Decide what points you will use to answer commonly asked interview
questions. Practice aloud to be able to communicate your qualifications concisely and provide examples,
which reinforce these points.
?Do as much research about the company as possible - it gives confidence - intelligence proves you are
motivated and have a strong work ethic.
?Places to do research include - the web, library, the business itself, and colleges.
?Confirm the time location. Be sure you have clear directions to the interview.
?Check your appearance. Your attire should be neat, professional and appropriate for your intended field.
Suits for men and business suits or dresses for women.
?Arrive to the interview early, but not too early. About 15 minutes is appropriate.
?Be cordial to the secretary - you never know how much influence he/she has.
During the interview:
?Greet your interviewer by name, with a firm handshake and a smile.
?Be self-confident, alert and interested.
?Do not smoke or chew gum.
?Maintain good eye contact.
?Sit up straight in the chair; if women choose to cross their legs do so at the ankle. Look relaxed.
?Listen closely to what the interviewer is saying.
?Be articulate; do not use slang.
?Avoid rambling; think before answering.
?Give examples by stating situation, action, and result when answering questions.
?Concentrate on your positive attributes.
?Determine needed follow-up action.
?Remember your manners - please and thank you!!!
?Answer each question completely, but also use that time to let the potential employer know what your
strengths are and how you could benefit their business.
?Have a few questions about the business ready - they should be well researched and demonstrate your
knowledge of the company or organization.
?Expect unusual questions. These are to see how you handle stress and your reaction under pressure. Give
natural responses.
?Do NOT lie about anything.
?Do not answer illegal questions, but tactfully diffuse the question.
?Know the ballpark salary offered and what you feel comfortable asking for.
After the interview:
?Evaluate the interview. Consider where you did well and where you had difficulty. Practice those areas in
which you need improvement.
?Send a thank you letter immediately!! Type it on business paper. Be sure to use the correct name and title of
the person who interviewed you. Emphasize your interest in the position. Mention any facts you may have
omitted in the interview.
?Follow-up. If you do not get a response soon after the date, as the interviewer indicated, it is a good idea to
telephone and inquire about the position.
?Continue to job search. Job-hunting is an ongoing process. Begin preparing for your next interview.