Welcome Please pick up a copy of each

Welcome � Please pick up a copy of each of the handouts and do the following: ◦ Complete ONE crossword puzzle within the first 5 minutes of class. ◦ Use your flashcards if necessary, but see how much you can do without your cards or list. ◦ Take the other TWO puzzles home with you and use them to review for the upcoming vocabulary quiz (next week). Bring them on Thursday. ◦ Hang on to the other handouts – we’ll use them soon.

Agenda � Peer-editing � Successful interviews ◦ Rules of the game ◦ Practice

Peer-Editing of Cover Letters � Swap letters with a partner � Grade each other using rubric � You have seven minutes to do this

Final Cover Letter Assignment � Staple clean rubric to the top � Include letter and resume or job description � Attach peer feedback to the back Final assignment due this Thursday

The Interview � Rule � Rule 1: 2: 3: 4: 5: 6: 7: 8: Know the job Know the employer Arrive prepared Radiate confidence ALWAYS provide examples Ask questions Make them remember you Show them you want the job

Rule 1: Know the job � Do ◦ ◦ ◦ this prior to your interview: Ensure you understand what it takes Learn the jargon Inquire about time commitment and location Talk to people who know the job Investigate the interview itself: �What documents will the employer want? �Do you need to demonstrate your skills? �Who are your interviewers? What do they value?

Rule 2: Know the employer � Find information online – a Google search never hurts � Talk to members of the professional community � Other suggestions?

Rule 3: Arrive prepared � Practice, practice – but don’t script your answers � Dress to impress � Bring resume, cover letter, application materials, other relevant documents � Carry a notebook and pen � Turn off your cell phone � Brush your teeth before the interview – seriously � Never chew gum

Rule 4: Radiate confidence � Shake � Smile � Tell hands firmly an appropriate joke now and then � Keep notebook and pen handy � Speak loudly and clearly � Make eye contact with all interviewers � At the risk of sounding cliché, be yourself

Rule 5: ALWAYS provide examples detailed responses - there are no close-ended questions � Before the interview, consider stories and examples you might use � Provide WARNING: Don’t put your interviewer to sleep. Mind the time and watch for signs in body language.

Rule 6: Ask questions � Wait for the appropriate moment � Don’t be afraid to ask the interviewer to clarify or repeat a question � “What are you looking for in a job candidate? ”

Rule 7: Make them remember you � This depends on the field – be careful � You may: ◦ Leave a portfolio or samples of your work(physical or electronic) ◦ Use your best story or example last ◦ Leave them smiling

Rule 8: Show them you want the job � As you respond to their questions, interviewers want to see that you: ◦ Did your research ◦ Will fit in at the organization ◦ Show enthusiasm about the position � Lastly, DO NOT FORGET THIS – ◦ Send a thank you note promptly after your interview �Make this a real note or card, not an email �Thank employer for time spent �Note 2 -3 items discussed in interview that appealed to you �Succinctly restate your desire to work there

Remember that � Any interaction with the prospective employer is an interview � Most employers only interview quality candidates. If they grant you an interview, they clearly have an interest in you.

Let’s practice � Tell us about yourself. � Why do you want to work for us? � What makes you the best person for the job? � Describe a time when you collaborated with a colleague. � How do you respond to change in the workplace? � If you caught a coworker doing something unethical or illegal, how would you handle the situation?

Let’s Practice � Describe a time when you encountered a difficult customer or client. � Have you heard of other common questions?