1. Bring 2-3 copies of resume to interview.
a. You may meet with more than one person in process.
b. Oftentimes your online resume application is not formatted attractively.
2. Arrive 10-15 minutes early for the interview.
a. You may fill out an application.
b. You’re showing courtesy to the employer.
3. Fill out the application neatly and completely.
a. Bring a pen just in case.
b. Never put “See Resume” on the application.
4. Greet Employer – First Impression is Crucial.
a. The first 10-15 seconds of the interview are crucial
b. Eye Contact
c. Sincere smile
d. Firm handshake
e. You want to present yourself technically, and at the same time show your humanity. Display positive energy, ambition, how you are a team player.
5. Ask the employer to describe the job.
a. Have 6-10 written questions ready to ask the employer.
b. Recommended Questions: “What do you feel are the most important qualities you are looking for in a new team member?”
c. Other Questions should pertain to: Company, department, position, interviewer’s role.
d. Listening is very important…so listen carefully
e. Taking notes is distracting and not recommended while the interviewer is speaking
6. Tips on Answers interview questions.
a. Keep answers short, sweet and to the point. Stay focused!
b. Stay in the positive. Attitude is everything.
c. Any negative comments about the past or present will only reflect negatively on you.
d. This is where you sell yourself and tell employer what you can do for them.
e. Know your own background!
f. Know what your strengths are and how to support them.
g. Know your legitimate weaknesses and prepare to address them.
7. Three Interview Hurdles.
a. What are your salary requirements? “Well, I’m currently earning $____, and an increase would be nice, but my main priority is the job opportunity.”
b. Why are you job seeking? Stay positive but give reason.
c. What are your weaknesses? Give a legitimate weakness but one you have overcome.
8. Closing Questions and Comments.
a. Do you have any other questions regarding my background?
b. This is a great opportunity. I am very interested.
c. What are the next steps in your interview process?
d. Is there anything that would prevent you from hiring me?
9. Get business card of the interviewer and send “Thank You” cards.
a. It’s important to put your name in front of the employer as a reminder of your interest.
b. Handwritten ‘Thank You’ cards are still the most personal, but send whatever suits your style will work fine.
JOB INTERVIEWING:
One of the most important communication situations you can be in is a job interview. If you ever find yourself in the job market you might find the following questionnaire and checklist helpful in preparing for a job interview. In fact, even when you’re happily employed, it is helpful to be sure you can address these issues.
1. How is my physical appearance?
2. How self-assured do I seem?
3. Can I communicate the following during the interview in a clear, brief, and interesting manner?
a. How I represent a return on the employer’s total investment in my pay and benefits if I’m hired.
b. Specific examples of my achievements at work.
c. My knowledge of the industry.
d. Knowledge of my potential employer’s company.
4. Can I demonstrate with concrete examples my:
a. Maturity and readiness to take on responsibility.
b. Desire and enthusiasm to learn and grow on the job.
c. Positive attitude toward management and co-workers.
d. Commitment and involvement: doing more than the basic job requires.
e. Understanding of the technical language, and the practices of the industry.
5. Here are some don’ts for the interview (these also apply to communicating on the job).
a. Don’t slouch
b. Don’t fiddle with your hair, glasses, pen, or clothing
c. Don’t avert your eyes.
d. Don’t Mumble.
e. Don’t criticize your former employees, bosses, or coworkers.
f. Don’t’ be too aggressive or arrogant.
g. Don’t be argumentative with your interviewer.
h. Don’t apologize for any of your shortcomings.
POSSIBLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:
§ What are your long range and short range goals and objectives; when and why did you establish these goals; and how are you preparing yourself to achieve them?
§ What do you see yourself doing in five years?
§ Which is more important to you; money or type of job?
§ What do you consider to be your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
§ How do you think a friend, teacher or former employer would describe you?
§ What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?
§ What makes you unique to other candidates for this job?
§ How do you evaluate or determine success?
§ In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our company?
§ What qualities should a successful manager possess?
§ What are your greatest accomplishments in your life?
§ If you were hiring somebody for this position, what qualities would you look for?
§ In what kind of work environment are you most comfortable?
FIVE COMMON SALARY MYTHS:
To identify the most common errors in salary negotiation, staffing experts surveyed Fortune 500 companies where they are currently interviewing and hiring hundreds of new employees each year. These experts say many job hunters stumble because they are influenced by salary “myths” in the marketplace. Here are the five most common myths:
MYTH #1: “SHOOT HIGH” – This theory suggests that “you shoot high, the company shoots low, and your salary is a compromise in the middle.” Not so, say the “pros,” who point out that most large firms have formal compensation structures designed to make a fair salary offer, based on an individual’s credentials and an important concept known as “internal equity” which means you can’t be paid more than the person sitting next to you doing the same job! Approaching a job interview with unreasonably high expectations can actually eliminate you from consideration.
MYTH #2: “10% ‘ENTITLEMENT” – Salary is NOT the most important item to consider when changing jobs, despite a popular “rule of thumb” that encourages people to expect a 10% increase when making a move. Instead, the experts suggest evaluating four criteria, in the following order: the company, opportunity, people, growth potential, and lastly, the compensation package. There are many reasons to consider a new employment opportunity, including the value of the experience and the career path.
MYTH #3: “BUY EM CHEAP” – There is a suspicion that companies try to acquire personnel at “bargain prices.” On the contrary, no reputable employer is intent on “cheating” prospective employees, say the consultants, characterizing this as a self-defeating corporate philosophy.” If an employee feels his/her salary is unfair, the consequences include poor morale, decreased productivity, and eventually turnover.
MYTH #4: “INFLATE YOUR SALARY” – Misrepresenting your current salary to gain leverage in job-changing is not only dishonest, it’s dangerous. Nevertheless, this item is probably the most frequently falsified fact on resumes, according to personnel professionals. Aside from the morality of the issue, this action can cost you a job when a prospective employer does a salary verification while checking references, or a salary verification after you’ve already started. It’s just not worth the risk.
MYTH #5: “BYPASS HUMAN RESOURCE DEPT.” – Job-hunters often prefer to deal directly with hiring managers and avoid interaction with HR representatives. Although human resource professionals are not always the ultimate decision-makers, they do constitute an important part of the employment process. It’s not a smart idea to alienate them, when you can easily satisfy all parties with some strategic diplomacy.
GUIDELINES TO ‘DRESS FOR SUCCESS’:
MEN
§ Play it safe by wearing a dark colored suit with a white shirt neatly pressed.
§ Keep ties conservative.
§ Dark colored socks that match the suit (black recommended).
§ Dark colored leather dress shoes that are polished. No boots.
§ Dark leather belt. Always match your leathers.
§ Minimal or no jewelry – watches and wedding rings are acceptable. But no miscellaneous rings, bracelets, earrings or other visible jewelry.
§ Conservative haircut – collar length above the ears, neatly combed.
§ Either clean shaven or neatly trimmed facial hair.
WOMEN
§ Play it safe by wearing business attire. Suit, blouse or dress shirt with dark colored skirt or slacks.
§ Closed toe shoes are recommended.
§ Be conservative with your jewelry. Avoid big earrings, or flashy distractive accessories.
§ Hair should be neat and not hanging in the face.
§ Keep your make-up light colored and natural.
§ Do NOT over apply perfume. Clean scents are better than flowery if you decide to wear perfume.