One Chance to Make a First Impression First

One Chance to Make a First Impression

First Impression?

First Impression?

First Impression?

First Impression?

First Impression?

What is the purpose of the job interview? A) To provide you an opportunity to tell the employer about your qualifications and to do the best job of selling yourself B) To answer all the questions asked by the employer in an honest and convincing way C) To enable both the organization and potential employee to obtain the information needed to make an informed decision

What is the best way to respond to the question “Tell me about yourself”? A) Describe your hobbies and interests so you are more than just a name on a résumé B) Describe how your qualifications would enable you to provide value if you were hired C) Describe what an ideal job would provide you by way of challenge and earnings potential

How should you respond to the request, “Tell me about your accomplishments or abilities”? A) Quickly summarize educational degrees or certificates then state your prior job titles and employers in chronological order B) Describe the accomplishments or abilities that would be of the most value to the employer and give specific examples of having used them before C) Briefly list the jobs you have held throughout your career, highlighting the progression in job titles and compensation

When talking about yourself during the interview, you should: A) Describe your people skills in detail--specific knowledge can be taught on the job but people skills are more ingrained, therefore more important when hiring B) Be sure to outline both your “book” knowledge and the practical experience you have acquired to show both academic and real-world accomplishments C) Emphasize your strengths wherever you have them, being sure to include people skills, job knowledge, and the tools you have learned to use

How should you respond to the question “What are your goals? ” A) Aim for the moon—this is your best chance to show that you are ambitious and anxious to get on with your career B) Be humble as overly aggressive individuals threaten some people C) State what you think can realistically be accomplished in the short term (1 -2 years)

What is the best way to respond to the question “Why do you want this job? ” A) Indicate that it is right for your career B) Indicate that you feel you can learn a lot to be an effective employee C) Indicate how you can make valuable contributions in this job

You have just been asked about an event in your life that you would rather not discuss (e. g. an arrest, bad credit, or failed courses). How do you respond? A) Indicate that it is premature at this point to talk about those topics before any serious offer has been made B) Briefly but honestly relate what happened and what you learned or how you’ve changed C) Now is a good time for humor, laughingly state that it was a long time ago and not a very smart move

When is the best time to ask about or to respond to questions about the compensation package? A) Toward the end of the interview when you feel the interviewer understands how your skills can benefit the organization B) When the interviewer asks “How much would you like to earn? ” C) Salary should not be discussed until you have been offered the position

How to prepare: üBring a resume and/or references üDress appropriately (one step above position you are applying for – clean and neat appearance) üLearn about the company üPractice possible interview questions üPractice your handshake

Possible Interview Questions • • • Tell me about yourself. What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? What kind of personality do you work best with and why? Where would you like to be in your career five years from now? Tell me about your proudest achievement. What attracted you to this company? What are you most proud of? What do you like to do in your free time?

Possible Interview Questions • • • Give examples of ideas you’ve had or implemented. What are your lifelong dreams? How would you describe your work style? Tell me about a time where you had to deal with conflict on the job. What’s the last book you read? What would be your ideal working situation? Why should we hire you? What did you like least about your last job? What do you think of your previous boss? Do you have any questions for me?