Interview T.I.P.S.
Training to Improve Presentation Skills
3/22/2016
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Objectives of Program
• The goal is to teach you how to present
yourself better before, during and after
interviews, so you can get the job you
want.
• We’ll be discussing applications, resumes
and interviews throughout this module.
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Job Applications
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Application Guidelines
• Ask for a job
description
• Make a copy
• Pay attention to
directions
• Type if possible
• Use black or blue
ink
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Don’t exaggerate
Fill in all blanks
Print
Proofread carefully
Sign
Attach resume
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Legal or Illegal Questions
Legal:
• Personal Information
• Desired Position
• Past Experience
• Educational
Background
• Special Skills
Illegal:
•Social Security Number
•DOB, Age, Race,
Marital Status…
•Disabilities
•Convictions
•Credit Rating
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Personal Information
• Name (not nickname)
• Address (use permanent one)
• Phone Numbers (home & cell, not work)
• E-Mail Address (make sure it’s appropriate)
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Position Desired
• Title
• Status (part-time, full-time, etc.)
• Date you can start
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Education and Training
• Academic
• Career and Technical or Vocational
School
• Military
• Schools attended
• Dates attended
• Degrees/Certificates
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Job Related Skills, etc.
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Types of equipment
Computer skills
Special training
Certifications
Licenses (CDL, etc.)
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Employment History
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Begin with most recent job
Employer’s name, address, phone
Supervisor’s name
Job title
Salary
Reason for leaving
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References
• People who can speak positively about
you, never list relatives
• Have their permission before listing
• Have current contact information
• Have several to choose from
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Application Checklist
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Appearance
Writing Style
Personal information
Position desired
Education and
Training
• Special job-related
skills
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Employment history
References
Signature
Date
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Sample Application
• Complete the sample application in your
student handbook
 Use checklist
 Proofread
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Application Summary
• Gathering and recording accurate
information for completing a job
application is important.
• Be honest, prepared, and thorough.
• The application makes a first
impression, make it a good one.
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Resumes
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Brainstorming Activity
• What would you look for in a resume if you
were an employer?
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Types of Resumes
• Chronological-Job history, job titles and
employers are emphasized.
• Functional- Skills and accomplishments are
highlighted.
• Combination- Presents patterns of
accomplishments and skills in categorical
sections.
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Which One to Use?
• Chronological good to
use when…
 Recent employers are
impressive
 Job history shows
progress
 Staying in same career
field
• Bad to use when...
 Changed employers
frequently
 Have gaps in work
history
 Changing career field
• Functional good to use
when…
 Focus is on skills, not
work experience
 There is a variety of
unrelated experience
 Re-entering the work
force
• Bad to use when…
 Emphasizing promotions
and growth
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Which One to Use?
• Combination good to use when…
 Desire to change to a job in a related career field
 Desire to promote the most marketable skills
 Desire to acknowledge skills that are complimentary
but not necessarily required (i.e. leadership
coursework through military, etc.)
• Bad to use when…
 Trying to circumvent specific job requirements as
outlined on job advertisements (i.e. requirement for
unbroken work history, etc.)
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Contact Information
• Name
 Use bold type
• Address
• Phone Number
• Email Address
 Keep it professional
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Objective
• Include in this section
 Type of position wanted
 Level of responsibility desired
• Should be specific and employer centered
• Should include how you can “add value”
in the company
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Education
• What should be included in this section?
 Degrees and GPA
 Name of institutions attended
 Dates attended/graduated
 Special workshops/seminars attended
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Work Experience
• What should be emphasized in this
section?
 Responsibilities
 Achievements
 Name of organization
 Title
 Dates
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Additional Information
• What things could be listed here?
 Interests
 Computer skills
 Recent civic activities
 Hobbies
 Awards/Honors (most global listed first)
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Writing Tips
• What do you think are the most important
writing rules for writing resumes?
 Spelling
 Grammar
 Punctuation
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Cover Letters
• Cover letters introduce your resume and
should always be used.
• Three main topics:
 Why you are interested in the company
 Why the employer should be interested in you
 The possibility of meeting to discuss
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Resume Summary
• Do not be bashful or embarrassed about selling yourself.
• Prepare specific resumes, each focused on a specific job
or field.
• Remember that employers use resumes to screen
applicants, make yours the best!
• Cover letters are essential components that grab the
attention of the resume rater.
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Interviews
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Brainstorming Activity
• “The best or worst thing about an
interview is…”
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Steps in an Interview
• Preparation
• Presentation
• Follow-up
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Prepare: Before the Interview
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Learn about the company/position
Review your resume
Double-check time and location
Prepare what you want to say
Rehearse with mock interviews
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Interviewers look for...
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General personality
Personal appearance
Work experience
Verbal communication skills
Work skills
Goals/Motivation
Knowledge of company/industry
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Appearance
• Clothes
 Clean, conservative
 Pressed
• Hair
 Clean
 Conservative style
• Nails
 Clean and trimmed
 Clear polish
• Jewelry
 Not flashy
 Conservative
• Cologne/Perfume
 None
• Make-up
 Light, natural
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Positive Body Language
• Openness
 Open hands/arms
 Relaxed posture (but not slumped)
• Confidence
 “Steeple” hands
 Good eye contact
• Cooperation
 Head tilted
 Sitting on chair edge
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Negative Body Language
• Defensiveness
 Crossed arms/legs
 Pointing/Fists
• Suspicion
 Sideways glance
 Rubbing nose
• Nervousness
 Throat clearing
 Fidgeting
 Sweating palms
• Frustration
 Short breaths
 Hand through hair
• Insecurity
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Chewed pen
Fingernail biting
Hands in pockets
No eye contact
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Why didn’t they hire me?
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Lack of enthusiasm
Sloppy appearance
Know-it-all
Lack of courtesy
Limp handshake
Late to interview
Criticizing previous
employer
• Nervous
• Inability to express
ideas clearly
• Money focused
• No eye contact
• Asks no questions
about the job
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Points to Remember
• Be natural
• Be confident, not
cocky
• Don’t exaggerate
your experience
• Don’t interrupt
• Be attentive
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Don’t lounge
Don’t wisecrack
Don’t dominate
Make sure you
understand questions
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Common Questions
• Tell me about yourself • What is your greatest
weakness?
• What are your
greatest strengths?
• Why are you the best
candidate?
• Why do you want to
work here?
• How do you handle
problems with
• What does teamwork
people?
mean to you?
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Illegal Questions
• Sex, race, religion or ethnic background
• Age, unless there are legal restrictions about
age related to the job
• Marital status, children or other family
members
• A non-work related disability
• An arrest record
• Details of a military discharge
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Questions to Ask
• Job focused
 “What do you see as the most interesting part
of this position?”
• Open-ended
 “What types of training are offered for this
position?”
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Follow-up Letters
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Thank the person for the interview
Keep it short and friendly
Use quality paper
Good grammar
No typos
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Interview Summary
• Three parts of an interview
 Preparation
 Presentation
 Follow up
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Conclusion
• First impressions are lasting ones.
• Put your best foot forward in all areas:
applications, resumes and interviews.
• Practice makes perfect.
• Attitude is altitude.
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