MOCK IT INTERVIEW TIPS Janelle Christine Simmons Ed

MOCK IT INTERVIEW TIPS Janelle Christine Simmons, Ed. D. Queen Creek High School April 30, 2021

OBJECTIVE q. By the end of this session, we would hope our students have a better understanding of what is involved in a successful interview in this career path. We want this experience to spark their interest in this industry going forward.

KEY QUESTIONS ØTell us about your work and company. ØWhat are the skills needed to work in this field? ØHow can students prepare for an interview to work in your field? ØWhat skills are you looking for in your field? ØWhat should any candidate avoid during an interview? ØWhat tips do you have for a virtual vs in person interview?

JANELLE CHRISTINE SIMMONS, ED. D. , SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP (EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS) • Bachelor in Psychology, Minor in Pre-Law, Honors College Member – Michigan State University (Earned 1998) • Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice (Earned 2002) • Master of Divinity in Theology from Torch Trinity Graduate School of Theology • Education Specialist (Ed. S. ) in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University • Doctorate of Educational Leadership (Ed. D. ) from Liberty University

SKILLS • • • Copywriting Curriculum Creation Editing Educational Publishing Proofreading Public Speaking Coaching Publishing Teaching (Online Class Creations)

INTERVIEW PREPARATION üIn real estate, they always say that the most important thing is: LOCATION! üFor an interview, it is Research/Preparation! ü Research the company or person (Indeed, 2021) ü Look that part!

SKILLS WANTED FOR THE POSITION ØKeen eye! Ø Pays attention to detail ØGood Writing Skills Ø Grammar and Spelling Czar ØFlexible ØDetermined ØHard-Working ØAmiable

AVOID THIS! • Don’t go in blind! • Don’t be dressed inappropriately unless there is a rare circumstance! • If you have to go in dressed inappropriately – BE CONFIDENT and FOCUS on presenting your education and your experience as well as your zeal! • Don’t ever be rude to the staff, etc. • Speak to Everyone! • Don’t forget proper etiquette. • Don’t forget to contact your references to apprise them of key positions that you are interviewing for, etc. • Call • Send an E-mail, etc. • Don’t get upset during the interview! (Doyle, 2020)

GENERAL INTERVIEW TIPS Source: Indeed (2021)

GENERAL INTERVIEW TIPS (CONTINUED) Source: Indeed (2021)

INTERVIEW TIPS: VIRTUAL • Dress as if you were in an in-person interview (i. e. , appropriate for the position you are applying for currently) • Wear Your Bottoms! • Choose an appropriate background • Check your lighting and adjust it if need be • Make sure you have a reliable internet connection • Check the sound quality and visual before you enter the meeting room • Let your persona shine • Remember – Body Language still counts!

INTERVIEW TIPS: IN-PERSON • Arrive Early • My father use to say; “My father always told me to get somewhere at least 15 minutes early!) – Apply this to a job interview. • Rule of Thumb: Arrive 15 to 30 minutes early – especially if you are driving! • Check for parking beforehand if possible. • Always be kind and respectful once you are in the area and to the secretarial staff! • They are the GATEKEEPERS! • Do not chew gum! • Even in the waiting room! • Have a copy of your resume • Make sure the copy is clean! • You may want to have two copies (i. e. , One for yourself as well!) • Be Prepared to ANSWER any legal question!

REFERENCES Doyle, A. (2020, June 24). 7 Interview tips that will help you get hired. Retrieved on April 29, 2021 from 7 Interview Tips That Will Help You Get Hired (thebalancecareers. com). Indeed. (2021, February 10). 21 job interview tips: How to make a great impression. Retrieved on April 29, 2021 from 21 Job Interview Tips: How To Make a Great Impression | Indeed. com.

THANK YOU Janelle Christine Simmons, Ed. D. drjanellechristinesimmons@gmail. com

QUESTIONS?