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- Interviewing
-
-
- Most hiring decisions are made at the first interview. How
- you come across in that interview could be as important as
- your experience and job talents.
-
- Here are some interviewing tips that will help you get the
- job you want.
-
-
- Before The Interview:
-
- Ñ Learn as much as you can about the company, salary, and
- benefits. Friends, neighbors and relatives who work for the
- company. are goo'd sources of informatlon. Libraries, local
- chambers of commerce, etc. are also helpful.
-
- Ñ Learn everything you can about the job and how your
- previous experience and training qualify you for the job.
-
- Ñ Write down the things you need to complete applications:
-
- your background and experience list (contains names
- of former employers, schools, training, etc.)
-
- a resume 0r summary 'of work experience
-
-
- samples of your work (if pra,ctical). Also include
- any work-related or community service avards that you
- have received.
-
- social securitv card, driver's
- license, union cards, military records, etc.
-
-
- The Interview:
-
- ÑDress for the interview and the job. Don't overdress or
- look too informal.
-
- Ñ Have pen, notepad, extra copy of your resume (business
- cards if you normally use them) available where you can
- find them fast without fumbling through pockets or purse.
-
- Ñ Always go to the interview alone. Arrange for baby
- sitters, transportation, and other pitfalls ahead of time
- so that you can be on time and relaxed in the interview.
-
- Ñ Find common ground with the employer. Pictures, books,
- plants, etc., in the employer's office can be conversation
- iterns leading into the inte17Iiew (this can make both of
- you more comfortable).
-
- Ñ Express your interest in the job and the company using
- information you gathered to prepare for the interview.
-
- Ñ Let the interviewer direct the conversation.
-
- Ñ Answer questions in a clear and positive manner. Show how
- your experience and training will make you productive in
- the shortest time with minimal supervision.
-
- Note_
- Ñ Speak positively of former employers and co-workers no
- matter why you left even if you were fired from your last
- job.
-
-
- Ñ╩Let the employer lead into conversations about benefits.
- Your focus on these items can be a "turn off." But, don't
- be afraid to ask questions about thi~gs that you really
- need to know.
-
- Ñ When discussing salary, be flexible-avoid naming a
- specific salary. If you're too high, you risk not getting
- the job. If you're too low, you undersell yourself. Answer
- questions on salary requirements with responses such as,
- "I'm interested in the job as a career opportunity so i'm
- negotiable on the starting salary". Negotiate, but don't
- sell yourself short.
-
- Closing'' the Interview:
-
- Ñ If the employer does not offer you a job or say when you
- will hear about it, ask when you may call to find out about
- the decision.
-
- Ñ If the employer asks you to call or retur~ for another
- interview, make a written note of the tirne, date and
- place.
-
- Ñ Thank the employer for the interview and reaffirm your
- interest and qualifications for the job.
-
-
-