job-applications.com interviewing lesson plan

The Art of Writing an Effective Resume

Preparing For An Interviewby doug Crawford, sphr, SHRM-SCP Job-Applications.com

http://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Copyright Job-Applications.com



http://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Copyright Job-Applications.comRemember: Its Just An Interview

Relax, you arent the first person to ever be nervous before an interview.


http://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Copyright Job-Applications.comIts Not Just About Answering QuestionsIts a conversation, not an interrogation.The interview should be a back-and-forth discussion, with both sides asking questions of each other.Hit the right talking points.Focus on industry-related topics and conveying knowledge about the job at hand.Dont downplay your experience.Stop picking apart what youve done. It should never be, I was just a cashier. All experience should come across as being proud of the work you accomplished.Practice being confident.Take the time to practice interviewing with someone to build confidence and avoid the ums and likes.Anecdotal experiences do help.Conveying what youve done well and how you achieved goals on the job may help show experience

http://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Copyright Job-Applications.comGeneral Tips and KnowledgeDress appropriatelyCome preparedBe politeShow up on timeTurn off your phone

http://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Copyright Job-Applications.comDress AppropriatelyAlways dress professionallyFor a young man, a tucked-in polo and khakis or a dress shirt, slacks, and tie. For a young woman, a polo and dress pants or a dress shirt and workplace-appropriate skirts.Youre making an impression from the moment you walk in the door.


http://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Copyright Job-Applications.comCome PreparedBring a copy of your resume and a list of references, just in case.Research the company beforehand.Prepare questions for the interviewer concerning job responsibilities, company culture, and the interviewers experiences in the company.Salary questions should only be asked when initiated by the interviewer.


http://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Copyright Job-Applications.comUse Common SenseDo:Show up early, not on timeShake hands when greeting and leaving Maintain eye contactThank the interviewer for their time

Dont:Chew gumBring your cell phoneSlouch or act distractedOvershare


http://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Copyright Job-Applications.comHow To Answer Typical Interview Questions


http://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Copyright Job-Applications.comTell me about yourself.


http://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Copyright Job-Applications.comTell Me About YourselfThis question may trip up interviewees because the initial thought process goes to giving personal background information.The interviewer is actually asking about your skills, training, and education background, all related to the job at hand.Your answer should take no more than a minute or two to relay.Use the elevator pitchSummarize skills and achievements, with deliveries theoretically occurring in the same amount of time as a shared elevator ride.Stories with concrete examples of skills or highlighting important accomplishments tend to win over employers in the end.

http://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Copyright Job-Applications.comWhat would you consider your strengths?


http://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Copyright Job-Applications.comWhat Would You Consider Your Strengths?Finding the right answer typically falls to preparation and building confidence in your delivery.Assess what makes you unique, all while considering relevant experiences, special trainings, and skills youve acquired applicable to the job at hand.The question really is open-ended:Practicing answering beforehand by making lists to help focus on two or three especially strong qualities may prove beneficial Thinking of relevant stories demonstrating job-related strengths may also help

http://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Copyright Job-Applications.comHow about weaknesses?


http://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Copyright Job-Applications.comWhat are your weaknesses?Youre allowed to have weaknesses, you just have to show how you assess such shortcomings and be able to describe steps toward improvement.Avoid portraying a weakness as a strength. The answer will sound contrived and false.Interviewers typically do not hire candidates that can not admit to flaws.Always frame answers in terms of how you are taking steps to improve in areas of weakness.Keep answers honest, focused, and concise, all while choosing a weakness that is related to the job at hand.

http://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Copyright Job-Applications.comWhy would you like to work here?


http://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Copyright Job-Applications.comWhy Would You Like To Work Here?On the outside, you may just want a job for a paycheck. Employers may be hoping for a little bit more.Employers are trying to gauge both personal and professional reasons candidates apply to that particular companyResearch the potential employer and look into aspects of service, particular programs designed to retain employees, and the company business model.Showing you know and understand these things stand out to an employerCite specifics about how you heard about the job or the company cultureWhat to avoid?Talking about money as the reason you want to work thereBad-mouthing former employers

http://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Copyright Job-Applications.comWhy should we hire you?


http://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Copyright Job-Applications.comWhy Should We Hire You?Avoid generic responses, such as Ill be a hard worker or I can do the job better than anyone else.Instead, prove it.Base responses off personal work histories combined with positive personality traits.Discuss spearheading possible problems the typical job may face and give specific examples of how you would try solving them.Pull from experiences starting and finishing projects and how the desired effect was achieved.Always have a back up answer readyPractice responses to avoid getting tongue-tied or from appearing nervous.

http://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Copyright Job-Applications.comSo What Have We Learned? Why is an interview more of a conversation than an interrogation?What should you focus your conversation on?When is the only time you should talk money?What kind of questions should you prepare ahead of time for the interviewer?

How should you dress for the interview?What are some examples of what you should do the day of the interview?What are some examples of what you shouldnt do?Should you bring anything with you to the interview? If so, what should you bring?

http://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Copyright Job-Applications.comAdditional ResourcesFor more information about preparing for an interview, check out the following resources from Job-Applications.com:

http://www.job-applications.com/http://www.job-applications.com/blog/https://www.youtube.com/user/MrJobApplicationshttp://www.job-applications.com/video-library/https://www.facebook.com/JobApplications


job-applications.com interviewing lesson plan

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