1. Job Interviews ENG 112 Prof. Holly Johnson

2. Preparing for a job interviewmeans thinking ahead! 3. There are several stages of preparation:1. Before the interview Anticipating what you will be asked Bringing the right items with you Picking the right outfit2. The interview itself Shaking hands Handling questions Asking your own questions3. After the interview Following up 4. Be prepared for questions!Anticipate the kinds of questions you may receive andcome up with answers ahead of time. Think about whatyou plan to say, but dont memorize it, as a recitedspeech will not sound natural. 5. Typical Interview Questions Tell me a little bit about yourself. Why do you want to work here? Why did you leave your last job? What are your best skills? What are your weaknesses? Do you prefer to work alone or in groups? What are your career goals? What salary are you expecting? 6. Things to Bringo a note pad and penso extra resumeso referenceso a list of questions you would like to asko a briefcase, satchel or handbag (avoid bookbags or backpacks) 7. Things NOT to Bring gum food or drinks (if they offer you a drink - takewater, not coffee!) your mom (go alone!) 8. Picking the Right Outfit Your look should be formal andconservative. Bland is the norm. Find clothes within the acceptablestandards that you feel good in. No matter your size or shape, theclothes you wear should fit. Avoid accessories that are flashyor strongly emphasize your ethnic orsocial background. 9. Standard mens apparel: dockers or khaki pants, not baggy! oxford shirt, ironed and tucked formal shoes tie and sport coat are optional, dependingon the formality of the workplace. be clean shaven or neatly shaven 10. Standard womens apparel: knee length or longer solid color skirt, or dressslacks knit or button down blouse (limited cleavage,not loud prints) low heel dark shoes (no flip flops or sandals!) make-up and jewelry should be barelynoticeable, hair should be out of face 11. DO NOT WEAR: 12. DO NOT WEAR cont. 13. The Interview ItselfKnow the kinds of interviews that you may get called for: screening interview telephone interview stress interview one-on-one interview committee or group interview 14. Screening Interviews The purpose of the screening interview is toweed out unqualified candidates. They are looking for weaknesses or inconsistencies inyour resume Provide facts about your skills, dont bother trying toestablish rapport, and answer only the questions asked. Phone interviews are usually just screening interviews.If the screening interview goeswell you will get called for thereal thing, a one-on-one. 15. The Stress InterviewThe purpose of the stress interview is to stress you out and see how yourespond to pressure. You may be forced to wait around. Questions will beconfrontational and sarcastic, there may be a series of interruptions or pauses.Your job is to stay cool and prove you wont rise to any bait. 16. The One-on-One InterviewBy far the most common type of job interview, this isthe kind to spend most time preparing for. You mayalso be asked to meet a group for an interview, butthe process will be roughly the same.Your job is to establish rapport and demonstrate thatyour qualifications and your personality are a good fitfor the position. 17. Shake hands!Shake hands at the beginning and the end of a one-on-one or group interview. Use a firm handshake andmake eye contact. 18. Be polite!o Turn off your cell phone!o Dont use slang. Use your best English.o Speak clearly and loudly enough to be heard.o If you dont understand something, ask for it to berepeated or explained in more detail.o Dont be afraid to pause before responding. 19. Asking Your Own Questions Prepare five good questions - be aware you maynot get to ask all of them Dont ask questions that raise warning flags - inparticular stay away from questions about vacationtime, sick leave, overtime and pay raises. Ask questions on different topics Clarify - Its fine to ask questions to clarifysomething the interviewer said earlier 20. After an Interview - Follow up!Youre not done yet! After an interview immediately write a brief noteto thank the interviewer for their time and followup on any items necessary. This may be done by email or regular mail. 21. Know How To Respond to Inappropriate Behavior If you feel the physically or sexuallythreatened during a job interview, leaveimmediately. Make an excuse such asneeding to use the restroom, and then donot return. If the interviewer blocks the door, scream.Do not start any physical aggression, but ifyou are grabbed or hit, fight back. Report any physical or sexual assault tothe authorities! 22. Good luck with your job hunting!