Before The Interview: Preparing for Success Kathleen Sacks, Waterford-Halfmoon Schools

You are about to embark on a lifelong journey….. The job interview is the first impression you will make You will have to be prepared to talk about yourself….almost trying to “sell” yourself as the best candidate for the job!

Your Goal The focus of this lesson is to help you be prepared for an interview, whether for an internship or a paid job, the rules are the same. 1.You need to be prepared to talk about yourself, for example be able to talk about your abilities and interests that relate to the job. You want to show that you are a good “fit” for the job. 2.Make sure you are dressed appropriately for the position that you are interviewing for….. 3.Have a resume ready to share. 4.Be ready to ask an intelligent question about the company or job.

1.Know Yourself. 2.Dress Appropriately 3.Have a Resume 4.Be prepared

Pre-test

1.

Three important tasks to complete before the interview: A. Know what hours I can and cannot work B. Have my working papers in order C. Be sure you have transportation D. All of the above. 2. An employer is: A.The boss B.The one that gets hired

3. An employee is: A.The boss B.The one that gets hired

Pre-test 4.Things you should bring with you to the interview: a. Resume b. Job Application c. Working Papers d. All of the above

5.

The correct answer to “What are your weaknesses?” is: a. I don’t have any weaknesses. b. One difficulty I had was “……” I have improved in this area by “……” c. A list of what is difficult for you.

6. True or False I should be prepared to give the interviewer my social security number before the interview.

You were called for an interview. What happens next?

Be Prepared You want to be prepared BEFORE you have your interview……

You should be able to identify strengths and an area that needs improvement. For example, “ I get good grades in both math and science, but I am light on work experience as I play a sport every season, so I only work during the summers.” This shows that you have limited experience in the workplace but also that you are a team player and coachable, something every employer wants.

You should feel at ease talking about yourself, this is not bragging! Until they get to know you better, you need to highlight your strong points.

Dress For Success Make sure you are dressed appropriately for the position that you are interviewing for….. You want to give a positive “first impression”. Personal hygiene and good grooming are important.

Plan Make sure you know where you are going, how you will get there and to arrive 10 minutes early.

Research Do some research on the company. You want to be prepared to ask intelligent questions. It could be that you noticed their website was organized and user friendly. Keep it positive and the interviewer will be impressed that you took the time to look into their company

Portfolio Make copies of your resume, job application and letters of recommendations. You probably submitted them already, but it is always good to come prepared with a portfolio of YOU! If you are interviewing for a position where you will be writing or submitting artwork, bring samples to share.

You do NOT give your Social Security number until you get the job. Then you will be asked to fill out a W-2 form for tax purposes. You don’t want to be at risk for identity fraud. Wait until you are hired!

Vocabulary

Employer: A person or business that hires one to work for money Employee: a person that works for money Working papers: official papers that legalize the employment of a minor Resume: a statement of a job applicants previous employment experience, education Job application: form or paper which indicates interest in a particular place of employment or position within a company

Post-test

Three important tasks to complete before the interview: A. Know what hours I can and cannot work B. Have my working papers in order C. Be sure you have transportation D. All of the above.

Post-Test

An employer is: A.The boss B.The one that gets hired

An employee is: A.The boss B.The one that gets hired

Post-test

Things you should bring with you to the interview: A. Resume B. Job Application C.Working Papers D. All of the above

Post-test

The correct answer to ᾿What are your weaknesses?῀ is: A. I donᾼt have any weaknesses. B. One difficulty I had was ᾿ῊῊ῀ I have improved in this area by, ᾿ῊῊ῀ C. A list of what is difficult for you.

Post-Test

True or False I should be prepared to give the interviewer my social security number before the interview.

You were called for an interview.