Interview Skills Before the Interview Taking the phone
Interview Skills
Before the Interview • Taking the phone call • Be positive and polite • Make sure your voicemail message is appropriate • Make the interview time a priority • You may have to cancel other/unimportant plans • Research the company/business that you are applying for. • Try to bring up those points during the interview • It shows genuine interest • Get a goodnight’s sleep You need to be sharp to answer questions
Before the Interview Cont. • Dress appropriately • Suit, shirt, tie, sweater, dress pants, etc. • Clean, wrinkle-free • Do not wear • Shorts, t-shirt, sandals, excess jewelry, etc. • Show up early for the interview • At least 5 -10 minutes
During the Interview • Maintain good posture • Sit up straight • Don’t slouch • Make good eye contact • Don’t constantly stare though • You should be positive and seem excited to be there • Again, don’t go too far with this • Try not to be nervous, and don’t draw attention to it if you are
Non Verbal Messages • The Handshake: It's your first encounter with the interviewer. She holds out her hand receives a limp, damp hand in return -- not a very good beginning. Your handshake should be firm -- not bone-crushing -- and your hand should be dry and warm. Try running cold water on your hands when you first arrive at the interview site. Run warm water if your hands tend to be cold. The insides of your wrists are especially sensitive to temperature control. • Your Posture: Stand sit erect. We're not talking ramrod posture, but show some energy and enthusiasm. A slouching posture looks tired and uncaring. Check yourself out in a mirror or on videotape. • Eye Contact: Look the interviewer in the eye. You don't want to stare at her like you're trying to look into her soul, but be sure to make sure your eyes meet frequently. Avoid constantly looking around the room while you are talking, because that can convey nervousness or a lack of confidence with what is being discussed. • Your Hands: Gesturing or talking with your hands is very natural, but keep it in moderation. Getting carried away with hand gestures can be distracting. Also, avoid touching your mouth while talking. Watch yourself in a mirror while talking on the phone. Chances are you are probably using some of the same gestures in an interview. • Don't Fidget: There is nothing worse than people playing with their hair, clicking pen tops, tapping feet or unconsciously touching parts of the body.
During the Interview Cont. • Try to avoid asking selfish questions • How much money will I make? Vacation? Benefits? Etc. • Wait until the job is offered to you to ask such questions. • You can try to negotiate those things after, or you can decline the job if the offer isn’t good enough, but be realistic. • Instead talk about what you can do for them • Talents and skills you have • Education and experience • Work ethic • Have 1 or 2 questions for them • What is the work environment? • What are my opportunities for growth?
After the Interview • Be sure to thank them for the time/opportunity • Stay positive no matter the outcome • Leave a good final impression, you may still be offered the job if you were turned down at first. • Sometimes the first candidate turns down the offer, or the position reopens quickly.
Other Sources • mrwarners. weebly. com • “Interview” Tab
Here are some sample interviews
- Slides: 10