Interview Skills Presented by Colleen Guerra Career Readiness

Interview Skills Presented by: Colleen Guerra Career Readiness Counselor CSFL Cguerra@patriotenterprisesllc. com (402)309 -7305

What is a job interview? A job interview is a formal meeting consisting of a conversation between a job applicant and a representative of an employer which is conducted to assess whether the applicant should be hired.

Purpose of an Interview The purpose of an interview is twofold: it provides the employer an opportunity to discover what you can do for the company, and it gives you an opportunity to assess whether your qualifications and career ambitions align with the position

Double Check • Email address • Ring back tone • Answering the phone • Voice message

Interview Preparation & Practices

Key Components of the Interview Process Preparation Interview Follow-up

Preparation 1 • Review your resume 2 • Research company 3 • Research or review job detail/description 4 • Prepare questions 5 • Practice

Review your Resume l l l How do your career goals align with position? Do you have successful stories for each point on your resume? Anticipate questions

Research the Company l l l Know the industry Know the company Know the job duties

Prepare Questions for Interviewer l l l Consider multiple areas • • • Corporate values Employment trends Work environment Quality of work Personality factors Demonstrate your knowledge of the industry and company Are there any questions I have not answered for you?

Prepare Questions for Interviewer

Types of Interviews • Typical Interview • Sit down with a solo interviewer and answer a series of questions • Phone Interview • The interview is conducted through a phone conversation • Group Interview • An interview where several people will be in the same room, interviewing for the same job • Lunch Interview • The interview can happen outside of the workplace – while it is in a more relaxed environment, it is still important to be professional and come prepared

Interview Checklist q Arrive 15 minutes early q Dress professionally q Extend a warm greeting and handshake q Make eye contact q Action acceptable posture q Action enthusiasm q Answer all of their questions

S. T. A. R. Approach

Other Frequently Asked Questions • Tell me about yourself? • What are your biggest strengths? • What are your biggest weaknesses? • Why do you want to work here? • What interests you about this position? • What motivates you? • What are your goals for the future? • Do you have any questions?

Tell me about yourself? (Walk me through your resume)

What are your strengths? l l l Relate them to the job Give examples of where you have demonstrated them How were they developed

What are your weaknesses? l Admit you have a weakness • Make it into a positive. • Rarely take breaks. • Identify what you are doing to improve or learned from this weakness • Sometimes I have to take a quick recharge my batteries. break to

Closing l l Always thank them for the interview Clarify if they haven’t told you next steps End with you are looking forward to hearing from them and really enjoyed talking to them. When you leave, be sure to ask for a business card. Perhaps mail them a personal thank you letter.

Follow – Up is Key Send an email or thank you card to everyone who interviewed you And send it within 24 hours Mention anything you forgot to say during the interview Remind the interviewer why you are qualified

Contact Information Contact us directly at Colleen Guerra, CSFL Career Readiness Counselor 402 -309 -7305 cguerra@patriotenterprisesllc. com www. arngcsfl. com/mycareer