Interview Tips & Follow-Up
Sherry Pfaff-Doody
Ayers Basement Systems
Interview Tips & Follow-Up
1. Focus on maintaining a professional image-before, during and after!
2. Credibility/LinkedIn/Online Presence
3. Attitude
4. Interview Prep
5. Interview Follow-Up
Waiting for that call or email?
 What email address do they have for you?
 Is it appropriate?
 Hotmama10@gmail.com
 Sherry.Doody@yahoo.com
 Phone number
 Is it current?
 Phone etiquette
 Do you have an appropriate voicemail set up?
 Who is answering your phone and how are they answering?
 Prep your family who may be answering your phone
 Seems simple, but these things could be deal breakers!
Focus on Maintaining a Professional
Image
 There are things you may be doing (or not doing) that are affecting your job search
 Always appear polished
 Don’t air your financial matters
 Always assume potential employers or connections are watching
 Avoid looking desperate
 “I’ll take anything”
 “I’ve applied for 200 jobs”
 Don’t show up at every event
Focus on Maintaining a Professional
Image
 Social Media Rule of Thumb
 Assume everyone can see everything!
 Don’t advertise every interview you have
 Employers will find out-that is not a good thing for you
 Avoid making offensive comments
 Every time you post something, ask yourself, “is this controversial?” to make your decision
 Don’t complain about people-exes, companies that rejected you, etc.
 Be unbiased
 “But, its my right…”
 Solution…
Credibility
 LinkedIn- Recommendations and Endorsements
 “Someone asked me to recommend them, should I?”
 Would you put your reputation on the line?
 “How about endorsements?”
 What if someone called you and asked you about that endorsement?
Attitude
 Get past the “this is who I am, take it or leave it” mentality
 Avoid negativity
 Negativity=drama=unproductive worker
 Avoid being negative
 Avoid surrounding yourself with negativity
 DON’T complain about employers (or anyone for that matter!)
 Although it may be difficult, don’t be negative after rejections
 Learn from experience & make improvements
 Don’t place blame on employers/accountability
Interview Preparation
 Research
 Company
 Goals, history, mission/vision
 Interviewer(s)
 Position
 50 Most Frequently Asked Questions
 Read them
 Prepare answers
 “What have you been doing since your last job?”
 “Why did you go through this training program?”
 And don’t say, “Because Michigan Works paid for it”
Interviewing
 What to take to the interview:
 Resume-extra copies
 Portfolio
 Nicely presented
 Job description
 Note pad and ink pens
 Questions-at least 5
 Confidence and a good attitude
Interview Mistakes to Avoid
 Showing up late
 Discussing personal problems or family
 Talking about pay
 Only do this AFTER you have been offered the job
 Arguing or getting defensive
 Don’t interrupt the interviewer
 Inflating the truth/trying to sound like you are an expert at everything
Interview Attire
 Dress properly
Clean, professional clothing
Including undershirts
Not too revealing
Avoid too much jewelry & cologne/perfume
(But do wear deodorant)
Make sure your hair is dry
Finish dressing before you arrive on company premises
Appropriate Attire
Inappropriate Attire
After the Interview
 Reflect on what you did well and what you can improve on
 Send a “thank you” note within 24 hours
 Send to all interviewers
 And receptionist too
 Make a follow up call
 Don’t be annoying
 But don’t skip this step
 There is a fine line
 Remember, it’s a small world!
Contact
Sherry Pfaff-Doody
sdoody@AyersBasementSystems.com
@Sherrydoody
@MCEEATweets
-Sherry Pfaff-Doody
-Michigan Career Educator and
Employer Alliance