How to Prepare How to Prepare for a Job for a Job

Interview?Interview?Group 3

Outline

• Before an interview…

• In an interview: how to answer & ask questions

• After an interview…

Before an Interview

Hazel

Dress Professionally for an Interview

• Always have a good suit for interview in your closet, in case you get a last minute call for an interview.

• Iron your suit the day before your interview.

• Pay attention to details - your hair, nails, shoes, should all look polished and professional.

Research the Company Before a Job Interview

• Research the company (and the job) ahead of time. Find information about the company, its management, and also pay attention to news related to the company.

• Use network connections to get inside information that will help show the interviewer that you are well-prepared and knowledgeable about the company.

Don’t forget to…

• Print the resume for yourself and also the interviewers.

• Plan the logistics early, and get to the company an hour ahead.

• Contact the company if you are not able to attend the interview, and arrange the time for the next interview as soon as possible.

• Get enough food before you conduct the interview; low blood glucose will affect your behavior.

Practice Interviewing

• Practice interviewing with your classmates or teachers, think about any questions or situations you may face in the interview.

• Record your interview simulation process, it will help you examine your behavior.

How to Answer Questions in an

Interview?

Anderson Martin

Why Do Companies Ask Questions?

• To find their ideal employees and know the applicant’s qualities. “Are they suitable for our company?”

• To test your knowledge and skills

• To know your mindset and your personalities

Common Questions

Common Questions

When they ask…

• “Tell me about yourself.”

• “Introduce yourself.”

What they ACTUALLY ask is…

• What is your personality like?

• Are you qualified to do this job?

Best Answers

• Give a very brief description of yourself. Name, education, and basic qualities that make you suitable for the position.

• Avoid answering in details; do not get into politics and controversies

• Plan to focus on two or three key qualities that make you different from others. Be concrete and concise.

• You can remind the interviewer that further/detailed information is provided in in your resume.

Strange Questions

When they ask…• Are you lucky?

• Are you nice?

• Situational questions

What they ACTUALLY ask is…

• Can you deal with unexpected situation/question?

• How would you handle problems?

• To find out about your true personality

Best Answers

• Try to use anecdotes to demonstrate that you are the kind of person they are looking for.

• If the questions are negative, for instance, “are you pessimistic,” try to prove you are not.

• Solve the situational questions carefully. Avoid answering the question with harmful, self-centered words, or something that will show your dark side.

• Instead of expressing your direct thought, you can try to explain how you see the situation and deal with it.

Always Think Twice before You Leap

And Make Your Answers Concise

and Suit the Needs of the Interviewers.

How to Ask Questions in an

Interview?

Tina Wang

Position Details

• Among the responsibilities of the position, what does the company value the most?

• Will the position require visitations to customers?

The Company

• Does the company provide support for further training for employee growth and advancement?

A Candidate’s Background and Needs

• As a newcomer to the field, I would welcome any opportunity for new challenges. Will new employees be required to service branch offices in other cities?

“Failing to ask any questions at this moment could make us seem unprepared or unengaged!”

Questions NOT to Ask

What does this company do?

Do your research ahead of time!

If I get the job when can I take time off for vacation?

Wait until you get the offer first!

Can I change my schedule if I get the job?

If you need to figure out the logistics of getting to work, don't mention it now...

Did I get the job?Don't be impatient. They'll let you know.

After an Interview

Lisa

Follow-up after an Interview

Before you leave the interview room,

• Ask the interviewer for a business card for thank-you note/email and follow-up calls

After you leave the interview room,

• Send a personal thank-you email to everyone you met with at the interview

Thank You Letter

• Highlights your skills and experience again

• Brings up something you forgot to mention during the interview

Thank You Letter Writing Tips

• Preferably sent out within twenty-four hours after your interview

• Includes a thank-you for the interview, your interest in the job, your qualifications and skills, and a final thank you

• Be short and simple

• Proofread

Sample: http://jobsearch.about.com/od/thankyouletters/a/blthank.htm