The Interview

Pre-Interview Preparation
Interviewing for a job is not easy. However, with good preparation before the interview, you can count on a successful interview. Here are some guidelines to follow:

• Learn about the employer
  
• Find out something about the employer. What do they make? What services do they provide? On your interview, they may ask what you know about their company.
  
• Wear professional clothing
• You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Make sure that your clothing is neat and presentable. Wear a minimal amount of jewelry. Go easy on the make-up and perfume/cologne as well.
  
• Arrive Early 
  
• Never be late for a job interview. It makes a bad impression. Know the exact location of the interview and allow yourself enough time to reach your destination. It is advisable to drive to your location ahead of time. Upon arrival, give your name to the receptionist.
  
• Allow enough time for the interview
• Your interview may start late or run longer than expected. Make sure that your schedule is open.
  
• Be patient when waiting for your interview 
  
• Although you have an appointment for an interview, your interviewer may be running late. Remain calm, be polite, and wait quietly. Although you have an appointment for an interview, your interviewer may be running late. Remain calm, be polite, and wait quietly.
  
• PRACTICE - PRACTICE – PRACTICE
• Rehearse some of the common questions employers will ask you. Recite your skills and abilities that make you qualified for the job.
  

What to Bring To an Interview
Copies of your résumé 
Portfolio of your work
A nice pen, note pad, and calculator
Your references
Prepared questions to ask the employer
Proper documents:

• Driver’s license or photo ID
  
• Social security card 
  
• Academic credentials 
  
• Working papers 
  

An application if received beforehand 
Money – in case you need to pay for lunch or parking 
A positive attitude!!!

Sample Interview Questions
The following are questions you will most likely be asked on an interview. It is a good idea to prepare and rehearse the answers to these questions so that you feel comfortable answering them during an interview.

• Tell me about yourself.
  
• This question is meant for you to talk about your skills and abilities to do the job.
  
• What are your strengths?
  
• Tell the employer about what you do best and the positive work values that you’ll bring to the job.
  
• What are your weaknesses?
• Give the employer something that is not really a weakness.  Example - "I’m a perfectionist".
  
• Why do you want to work here?
  
• Give the employer reasons why you chose to apply for the job. Example - The job fits your skills and you know that you can make a significant contribution to the company.
  
• What is your greatest accomplishment? 
  
• This can be a school-related achievements or something outside of school in your personal life.
  
• Why should I hire you? 
  
• Talk about your skills and achievements. 
  

Questions to Ask Employers
One of the key elements to succeeding on an interview is to be sure to ask the employer some questions. Employers expect you to ask questions about the job or the company. It shows them that you are really interested in working for them!!!

• What are the responsibilities of this job?
  
• Can you tell me where my career may go in this company, if I work hard in this position?
  
• What qualifications do you hope the successful candidate will have?
  
• What is the most important contribution that you hope the successful candidate will make in this position?
  
• How will I be trained to do this job?
  
• How often is performance reviewed in this position?  
  
• Who do I report to?
  
• Describe the work environment.
  
• Why is this position open?
  
• Describe a typical day.
  

Tips for Dressing Appropriately

Cleanliness: 
Showered and neatly combed hair
Trimmed nails, clean hands
Light perfume or cologne
Clothing
Neat and pressed
Dark colors
No sneakers, sandals, shorts, t-shirts, or tight clothes
Hair
Clean and trimmed
Clean shaven and neatly trimmed facial hair
 
Jewelry
Limit rings-men avoid earrings
Conceal tattoos
Finger nails should be business length-no loud colors or designs

Manners
No gum chewing
Do not use slang words
Answer with yes or no not "yeah, nah, or uh-huh"
No swearing or smoking
Wait for employer to be seated or wait for employer to ask you to have a seat  before you sit

Tips for Success!
Be on time
Know the interviewer's name and know how to pronounce it
Be courteous to everyone you meet
Don't use slang - watch your grammar
Don't play comedian
Never insult a former employer, coworker, or teacher
Don't interrupt the interviewer
Be prepared for personal questions
Wait for an offer to bring up salary
Bring an extra copy of your résumé
Be yourself!
Send a thank-you note after the interview

Things to Remember
Resist distractions; keep your thoughts focused on the speaker
Judge content, not delivery
Do not interrupt
Avoid making conclusions until you hear the entire message
Keep an open mind
Concentrate on listening to the speaker
Maintain eye contact
Ask questions to clarify or expand information
Focus on the entire message, not just one part of the message
Be open to other points of view