Job Search:

09 THE INTERVIEW

 

 

 

 

 

 

An interview is a 2-way conversation.

  • you are an active participant

  • you have to listen

  • you have to answer questions

  • you have to ask questions

  • you have to converse

You are being judged on your qualifications AND how well the interviewer thinks you will fit into the culture of their organization.

You are being judged on what VALUE you will bring to their organization.

The INTERVIEW...

  1. Show up on time

  2. Bring your stuff

  3. Dress appropriately

  4. Have a conversation

  5. End it right

 
   

 

 

 

SHOW UP ON TIME  

Get to the interview 15 minutes early.
BRING YOUR STUFF
  
 

Bring a copy of:

  • your résumé

  • completed job application (if you applied on-line you may not have one)

  • job description

  • list of questions that you want to ask

  • notepad and pen

Bring any and all of the stuff that you were asked to bring. This could be:

  • list of references
  • DMV printout
  • transcripts
  • a portfolio
  • examples of your work

 
DRESS APPROPREATELY
  
 

Make sure that you are presentable during your interview. Clean cloths, hair and nails are essential. Think about wearing solid colors. Don't wear flashy colors, cloths with writing on them and hats.

WOMEN

  • wear slacks, dresses or skirts (keep them just above the knee, with natural colored stockings).
  • NO see through clothing.
  • heals should be no higher than 2 inches.
  • purses should be small or medium in size.

MEN

  • wear clean (pressed) shirts and slacks. If you wear a coat and tie, make sure that your tie is not too "loud" and that your socks match your shoes and pants.
  • If you don't wear a coat and tie, wear a dress shirt or polo shirt and slacks. No jeans, over size pants that come below the soles of your shoes, no sagging.
  • if you have long hair, if you think that it will go against you think about cutting it (or maybe looking for another place to work). Otherwise, comb it back into a neat ponytail or braids.

 
HAVE A CONVERSATION
  
 

Greet your interviewer(s) with:

  • direct eye contact
  • a firm handshake
  • repeat her or his name out-loud so that you will remember it

Once you are in the room:

  • take your time to get settled
  • don't feel rushed
  • relax and breath

Answer questions

  • slowly and concisely
  • let your personality shine

BE YOURSELF!

 
END IT RIGHT
  
 

At the end of the interview ask:

"Have I answered all of your questions to your satisfaction?"

"What are the next steps?
Will I hear from you or would you like me to contact you?
If so, when?"

 

Before you leave the building:

  1. look your interviewer(s) in the eye
  2. offer a firm handshake
  3. thank him or her for their time
  4. ask for a business card or for where she or he can be reached by mail/email.

 

 

We will continue to add to Your Job Search Document later.

 

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