Bell-Ringer

Bell-RingerWhat is your biggest strength? What is your greatest weakness? Explain. Please answer in sentence form.Job InterviewsDos and DontsBefore: What to WearDO:dress professionallyiron your clothes, if necessaryGuys:khakis or dress pants, button-up shirt and tieGirls:dress pants and shirt, skirt and shirt, conservative dressDONT:wear sneakers, flip flops, shorts, anything torn or dirtydress for the jobwait until the day of to try on your clothes

Interview Dont

Dont be Late Arrive early, but dont present yourselfuntil 15 minutes before your scheduled appointmentDont Slouch Be mindful of your posture. Sit up straightDont Smoke or Chew Gum Use mints. Dont smoke or chew gum once you arrive at the companyDont Talk too Much Answer the questions completely.Dont Forget to Smile and be Pleasant Demonstrate your attitude by smiling appropriatelyDont Forget to Prepare for the Weather Check the weather report be preparedDont Forget to Follow-up Thank You Notes continue to be appropriate via e-mail or U.S. mail depending on the company and the person you interviewed with.Interview DosPrepare Complete all the activities in the bookResearch the company & positionPractice answering questionsHave a list of questions to askListen completely before you answer the interviewers questionsBe On Time Be on time, not too early. It will interrupt the Interviewers plans for the day if you arrive too early or too late.Use good Posture Practice and be aware of your posture before and during the interview.Dress Appropriately Research the company. When you are interviewing on causal day--dont be casualMaintain Eye Contact

Before: Getting PreparedKnow the companyWhat do you they do?What are their strengths? Their weaknesses?Practice interview questionsPractice answering questionsAvoid sounding rehearsed

During: the IntroductionGreeting:Shake handsRefer to the interviewer(s) by nameMake eye contactBring your resume (several copies, if possible)Seating:Sit after the interviewer(s) are seatedSit still; dont fidget; sit up straight

During: the QuestionsAnswering the questions:answer in complete sentencesspeak clearly and at an appropriate volumeIf you dont know what to say:take a few seconds to think before answeringavoid um or wellask for clarification if necessary

During: Dos and DontsDo:connect your answers back to the job youre applying formaintain an appropriate amount of eye contactuse specific examples when applicableDont:give one word answersrambletalk negatively about a previous employer

During: Common Interview QuestionsWhat is your greatest strength?What is your greatest weakness?Describe a difficult work situation and how you overcame it.How do you handle stress/pressure?Tell me about yourself.Where do you see yourself in five years?Why should we hire you?How do you measure success?Tell me why you left your previous job.Why do you want this job?What is your greatest strength?Discuss attributes that will qualify you for the job. Describe the skills and experience that directly correlate with the job you are applying for. Example: I pride myself on my customer service skills and my ability to resolve what could be difficult situations. What motivates you?The interviewer is trying to understand the key to your being successful in the job he is interviewing for, and wants to make sure it's a good fit. Consider, in advance of interviewing, what actually does motivate you and come up with some specific examples to share during the interview. Example: I have always wanted to ensure that my company's clients get the best customer service I can provide. I've always felt that it's important, both to me personally, and for the company and the clients, to provide a positive customer experience. What are your salary expectations?Do your best not to bring up compensation until the employer makes you an offer.Tell the employer you'd like to know more about the responsibilities and the challenges of the job prior to discussing salary. Before your interview, research salaries (on O*Net for example) of the job title for which you are applying. That way you can offer a range based on your research.If the people who know you were asked why you should be hired, what would they say? The interviewer wants to know what your perception is of what others think about your qualifications and abilities. Example Answer: I'm sure if you asked my friends that question they would say you should hire me because I have the skills outlined in the job description and I bring 10+ years of expertise to this position. Words they've used to describe me are: hard working, professional, trusted and a team player. Why should we hire you?Give concrete examples of why your skills and accomplishments make you the best candidate for the job.Take a few moments to compare the job description with your abilities, as well as mentioning what you have accomplished in your other positions. Be positive and reiterate your interest in the company and the position. Describe a difficult work situation / project and how you overcame it.Give concrete examples of difficult situations that actually happened at work. Discuss what you did to solve the problem. Keep your answers positive and be specific. Itemize what you did and how you did it. Prepare stories ahead of time that illustrate times when you have successfully solved a difficult situation.Why do you want to work here?Be prepared and knowledgeable about the company.Spend some time researching the company (the About Us section of the web site is a good place to start) so you can talk about the benefits of working for this employer.Compare your goals with objectives of the company and the position, then reiterate why you would be an asset to the employer. Let the interviewer know what you can do for the company, if you get a job offer.What did you like or dislike about your previous job?DONT BE TOO NEGATIVE.Example: I enjoyed the people I worked with. It was a friendly and fun atmosphere and I actually enjoyed going into work each morning. I felt the leadership team was great as well.Example: One of the reasons I am leaving is that I felt I was not challenged enough at the job.Where do you see yourself in five years?Be both honest and positive.If you dont know for sure, answer in terms of in terms of how this job will fit with your future plans, otherwise the employer will think you are not the right person for the job.Example: I hope to start a career here with The Widget Company. My goal is to apply myself and learn this job well. Eventually I would like to receive additional training, take on more responsibility and earn a promotion.Do you have any questions for me/us?Prepare several questions ahead of time.What are you looking for in the person you hire?How would you describe the responsibilities for this position?What does a typical work day consist of?How often will I be evaluated? How will the evaluations help me improve my performance?What do you like about working here?If I am offered the position, how soon would you want me to start?When can I expect to hear from you?Are there any other questions I can answer for you?What is Your Biggest Weakness?Be honestDo not:answer with Im a perfectionist or I work too muchuse the term weakness in your answerConsider answering:non-essential skillsanswer group presentations during a maintenance worker interviewskills youve improvedI used to have poor time management skills, but Ive set up a system that helps me stay on track.During: Questions They Cant AskAgeAre you old enough to legally do this job? OKAYHow old are you? NOT OKAYRace/ethnicity/country of originAre you legally able to work in the U.S.? OKAYAre you a U.S. citizen? NOT OKAYCriminal backgroundHave you ever been convicted of a crime? OKAYHave you ever been arrested? NOT OKAY

During: Questions They Cant AskDisabilityAre you able to safely lift 30 pounds? OKAYHow much do you weigh? NOT OKAYFamily StatusHow long do you plan to have this job? OKAYDo you have a spouse? Children? NOT OKAYReligionCan you work all the hours were open? OKAYWhere do you attend church? NOT OKAYDuring: Questions They Cant AskWhat do you say if asked one of these illegal questions?My faith/age/family status/race wont interfere with my ability to do this job.You may choose to end the interview at that time

During: ClosingIf given the opportunity, always ask a question about the companyAsk more about the position or the companyAvoid questions about raises, bonuses, etcShake hands againThank the interviewer(s) for their timeUse namesAfter: Wrapping it UpSend a thank you cardCheck backAsk about other available positionsRequest feedback