INTERVIEW PREPARATION AND TIPS

Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance © 2016 PSG of Mercer County

DO YOUR RESEARCH o

Research company on the web & at library

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Thoroughly review the company’s website

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Research interviewers on LinkedIn

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Contact your network for information

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Check internet & social media for late-breaking news.

© 2016 PSG of Mercer County

COMMUNICATION o

Confirm your appointment

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Request the contact’s name and phone number

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Provide your cell phone number to the contact person

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Let your references know you are interviewing and that they may be contacted.

© 2016 PSG of Mercer County

SKYPE OR PHONE INTERVIEW Prevent Interruptions (Kids, pets, phones…) Skype: o o

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Dress like it’s an in-person interview Practice looking at the camera, not screen Have a neutral background Prepare lighting in front of you

Phone: o o o

Use a land line; Corded phone if possible OK to walk around; No loud shoes Have a pad & pen: With notes and to take notes.

© 2016 PSG of Mercer County

WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU o

Extra copies of your resume

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Phone number of your contact

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Your employment history

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References list

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Pad & pen

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Copy of the job description

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Prepared questions for the interviewer.

© 2016 PSG of Mercer County

YOUR ATTITUDE & APPEARANCE o

Keep your routine as normal as possible

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Lay out your suit; Iron your clothing

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Shine shoes

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Choose accessories

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Hygiene & Grooming

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No perfume or cologne.

© 2016 PSG of Mercer County

TRANSPORTATION TIPS o

If driving: o o o

Do a dry-run the day before Don’t rely solely on GPS, have backups Car maintenance & cleaning

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Confirm train/bus/flight schedule

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Check traffic/weather

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Allow plenty of travel time.

© 2016 PSG of Mercer County

TYPES OF QUESTIONS o

Behavioral: o o

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Résume Related: o o

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To anticipate future behaviors based upon past behaviors Situational: Sometimes, hypothetical situations To delve into the facts in your resume These types of questions should be easy to answer

Performance Assessment: o o

Access your strengths and weaknesses Discuss how you achieved specific tasks/goals

© 2016 PSG of Mercer County

TYPES OF QUESTIONS o

Stress Test: o o

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"Dumb" Questions: o o

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To challenge you How well you’ll handle the day-to-day pressures of the job Used primarily to test your ability to think on your feet There is not necessarily a right or wrong answer.

Illegal Questions: o o

Race, gender, religion, marital status, age, disabilities, ethnic background, country of origin, sexual preferences Not obligated to answer; Answer if you feel comfortable.

© 2016 PSG of Mercer County

ANSWERING QUESTIONS o

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Stay relaxed; Be pleasant & professional Answer with specifics: o o

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Be concise; Do not over explain or ramble Be truthful; Lies may come back negatively Use accomplishment stories: o o

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Do not answer with generalities No phrases like, “I usually…”, or “I might want to…”

SARs (Situation – Action – Result) CARs (Challenge – Action – Result)

Expect follow-up questions; An investigative dialog.

© 2016 PSG of Mercer County

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE EMPLOYER o

Yes, you should ask questions: o o

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Examples of what to ask: o o o

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You are also interviewing the employer & hiring manager Determine if the company and job are a good fit for you About the organization, challenges being faced, management… What are the important traits you are looking for in a candidate? Is there anything else I can answer to help with your decision?

What not to ask: o o o

What does this company do? When can I take a vacation? So, did I get the job?

© 2016 PSG of Mercer County

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER THE INTERVIEW o

You MUST write a " Thank You" letter.

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Called back for a follow-up interview

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Receive an offer of employment

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A "Thanks-but-no-Thanks" response…

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Nothing; No feedback at all

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Don’t stop interviewing or networking!

© 2016 PSG of Mercer County

IN CONCLUSION

Questions?

© 2016 PSG of Mercer County