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- PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW
-
- The interviewing process is primarily a process of eliminating any
- applicant whose application form, personal appearance, or personal
- responses make a poor impression.
-
- Be Prepared:
- It is important that you know as much as possible about your potential
- employer. Use a briefcase or paper carrier, if available; otherwise,
- use a black, gray, or dark blue folder that is in good condition.
-
- Include:
- letters of recommendation, resume, list of questions to ask, support
- documentation, and historic information (addresses, employers, dates,
- training) for completing a job application.
-
- Clothing:
- Clothing should be conservative, and a notch above what is worn on the
- job being applied for. Colors should be white, tan, or dark blue.
-
- Colors:
- shouldn't be bright, clashing, or noisy. Jewelry that can move is
- distracting; do not use it. Do not wear union or religious pins.
-
- Women:
- should either use a small purse or no purse. It is best not to wear
- any perfume. Do not have onion, garlic, or smoker's breath.
-
- First Impression:
- The first impression (appearance and personality) has a very large
- effect on the final hiring decision. Make your first impression count.
-
- Greet:
- the interviewer by name. Be on time, well dressed, friendly, up-beat,
- and properly prepared for the interview. Keep your body relaxed,
- smile, and speak without disruptive interruptions (such as ah's, you
- know's).
-
- Employer's Concern:
- Although the specifics vary with the job in question, all employers
- have three major concerns. If a job is to be offered, the employer
- must resolve these three questions:
-
- 1. Can the applicant get the job done?
- 2. How well will the applicant get along with the supervisor and
- co-workers? Can the applicant be trusted?
- 3. What wage or salary offer will be required? Will the applicant
- take the job if it is offered?
-
- Interview Sales Steps:
- 1. Early in the interview, ask about the job demands.
- 2. Develop a rapport by discussing these job needs.
- 3. Sum up what has been discussed, demonstrating that you really
- understand what the employer wants.
- 4. At this point demonstrate how your skills and experience fulfill
- the requirements and demands of the job.
- 5. At the appropriate time, ask for the job.
-
- Although this interview pattern may seem simple and logical, few people
- can do it spontaneously. Most need considerable preparation and
- practice.
-
- Read "Preparing For The Interview" under Job Path for a complete
- discussion of these points.
-
- Thank You:
- Always send a thank you note. This most critical step is the one step
- that probably 98% of job seekers forget.