Interviewing
You have an interview!
What is an interview?
• Having an interview means that the employer is
interested in you, but does not mean that the
employer has already decided to hire you.
• Employers often interview many candidates for
the same job.
• Usually it is the best-prepared and most selfassured interviewee who ultimately lands the
job.
What is an interview?
• An interview is a meeting between an employer
and a job applicant to discuss possible
employment.
• It can be formal or informal.
• It can be long or short.
• It can be on the phone or in person.
• You may meet with one interviewer or several
interviewers.
What is an interview?
• An interview is the employer’s chance to meet
you as a person, not just as a name on an
application or resume.
• An interview is also your chance to learn more
about the job and decide whether it is a good fit
for you
What is an interview?
• An interview is the most exciting part of the job
hunt.
• It can also be the most stressful.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO PREPARE FOR AN
INTERVIEW?
• Preparing ahead of time will minimize your
anxiety and help you make a great impression.
• Employers are looking for candidates who are:
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Organized
Prepared
Hardworking
Really want the job
And that means candidates who time the time
to think ahead about the interview
Steps to Prepare
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Get all the facts
Plan your clothing
Research the employer
Get to know the job
• Prepare answers for typical
interview questions
PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW
Get all the facts
• Confirm the exact time and location of the
interview.
• Plan how you will get to the interview and
how long it will take.
• Know the interviewer’s job title and how to
pronounce his or her full name. If you don’t
know, call the company’s main number and
ask the person who answers the phone.
PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW
Clothing
• Plan what to wear.
• Match your clothes to the job.
• If you can, visit the workplace to see what other
employees are wearing.
• Plan to dress a little more formally than the
employees.
• Your clothes do not need to be expensive, just
neat and clean.
PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW
Research the employer
• Another way to stand out is to learn all you can
about the company.
• Doing research helps you ask intelligent
questions about the company and the industry.
• Researching ahead of time also shows your
interviewer that you are resourceful, thorough,
and willing to work.
PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW
Research the employer
• Gather as much information about the employer
as you can.
• Do they have their own website?
• What do you find when you
them?
• If they do not have a website – talk to your
teacher, neighbors, or parents
• Do you know anyone else that works there?
• Develop a short list of questions you have for the
employer & ask them after your interview.
Researching the employer also protects you
• You may learn that the company does not really fit
with your career goals.
• The company may be in financial trouble or have
high employee turnover- which suggests that
workers are not happy there.
GET TO KNOW THE JOB
• What are the job requirements and job
description?
• Knowing these will help you tailor your answers
during the interview
Sample Posting
Front Desk Receptionist at Gym (Milford)
Do you have a passion for fitness? Do you want to help others accomplish
their fitness goals? If you answered yes to both of these questions and enjoy
working in a fast-paced environment then our Front Desk position may be the
answer you've been waiting for!
Duties
Answer phones
Greet members warmly as they enter the lobby
Other projects may be assigned
Requirements:
High School diploma or equivalent
Must have a pleasant demeanor and a can-do attitude
Ability to handle busy periods and stay focused and calm
The schedule is part time Mon-Fri, 4:00pm - 9:00pm), with the potential of
additional hours in the future.
Please apply in person Golds Gym in Milford, NH
Compensation: $12.00/hr
Come join our team and let's show our community that it is more fun to
move around than to sit around!
Pull Job Details Apart
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Greets patients warmly
Pleasant demeanor
Can-do attitude
Able to work in fast paced environment
Fitness oriented
Communicate information to others in a friendly professional
manner
Typical Interview Questions
• What are your strengths?
• What are your weaknesses?
• What is your work history?
• Why are you interested in this job?
• What are your career plans/goals?
Typical Interview Questions
• Why do you think being on time is
important to an employer?
• What would you do if you had a conflict
with a co-worker?
• What kind of worker are you?
• Why are you leaving your current job?
Prepare your answers for
typical interview questions
Interview Etiquette
• Arrive on time
• Introduce yourself and be polite
• Look people in the eye – shake their hand
• Read their materials while you wait
• Listen to what they tell you – take notes if
possible
• Use good body language – smile, nod, confirm
that you hear them
• Watch others and practice their good habits
You can still make an impression AFTER the Interview
• Thank the interviewer and tell them you really
look forward to hearing from them
• Ask what the next steps are
• Send a hand-written thank you note right away
• Follow up if you have not heard from them