Workplace Skills

1. Workplace Skills Interviewing

2. Bellwork • A common question in a job interview is: • Tell me about your weaknesses. • Now tell me about your strengths • Write down how you would answer this question.

3. Objectives • Describe details for a successful interview • Prepare answers to common interview questions • Demonstrate interviewing skills in a mock interview

4. Purpose • Interviews are for • Employers to make hiring decisions • Potential employees to learn about a job and company • The interview is your chance to “sell” yourself

5. Cornell Notes • Use a notes sheet to take notes • Fill in the tips for interviewing

6. Before: Getting There • Know where you are going • Drive by the site a day or two ahead of time, find parking, locate the office • Arrive 5-15 minutes early

7. Before: Research Company • Learn about the company • What kind of business is it, do they have a good reputation • Why is this important?

8. Before: Copies and Questions • Bring extra copies of your resume and portfolio • Bring a pen and notebook with questions that you have about the job and company

9. Before: Dress • Grooming • Hair and nails should be clean without bright colors • Keep perfume and cologne to a minimum • Women • Dress, skirt (length), or dress pants with nice blouse or blazer • No excessive jewelry, make up, or big hair • Men • Pants (no jeans), collared shirt, tie, sport coat • Be conservative!

10. Beginning: Arriving • Tell receptionist • who you are and that you are there for an interview • whom the interview is with and what time • Be polite

11. Beginning: Meeting the Interviewer • Introductions: • Look him/her in the eyes • Shake hands firmly • Smile • Introduce yourself • Wait to be seated • Be confident

12. Beginning: Starting the Interview • Sit up straight • Try not to be too bold or too shy • Express that you are happy to have the interview • Smile • Don’t chew gum, fidget, curse or use slang

13. Middle: Answering Questions • Be positive • Answer questions honestly and completely (give explanations not just yes or no) • It’s ok not to know everything – express a willingness to learn • Pay close attention to the interviewer • If you don’t understand something ask

14. Middle: Answering Questions • Organize your thoughts before you answer, it is ok to be silent and think • You cannot be asked about: • Age, race, religion, ethnicity, marital status • Avoid criticizing former employers or coworkers

15. End: Finishing the Interview • Ask your questions • If offered the job ask about salary, benefits, hours – you can ask for a day to think it over • If they say you will be contacted, ask when they expect to make a decision – offer to call in a few days • Make sure they have your contact information • Thank the interview and shake hands firmly

16. After: Follow Up • Send a thank you letter to the interviewer • Call about a week after the interview if they haven’t contacted you to find out if they made a decision

17. Interview Questions • Look over the list of questions asked by employers and applicants • Be prepared to answer all of the employer questions

18. Mock Interviews • Groups of three • Roles: • Evaluator – use rubric to evaluate person being interviewed • Interviewer – asks the questions • Interviewee – person being interviewed • Switch roles so that everyone does each job once

19. Mock Interviews • Pick a company for your group • Use the Internet to look up information about this company • Choose questions to ask as an interviewer and interviewee • You may choose from the list or write your own

20. Interviews • Rate the following areas in order of importance in an interview • Job qualifications • Attitude • Communication skills • Appearance

21. How are you rated?