  Eshé-Rae Adams, PHR June, 2014

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Eshé-Rae Adams, PHR
June, 2014
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10 things to do before your interview
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Job Interview – Do’s and Don’ts
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Did you know?
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Types of Interview Questions
 Behavioral
 Situational
 Skill tests
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Review your resume
Research
Study
Rehearse
Develop your own questions
Dress for success
Looks matter
Practice positive visualization
Prepare materials
Rest well
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Be sure you know what is on your resume
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Update your resume
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Ask someone to review your resume
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Revisit from the employer’s point view
o What was it that caught their eye?
• Specialized experience
• Unique training or certifications
• Steady history
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Visit the company’s website
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Take notes
• Key People
• Latest press releases
• Company’s annual report
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Gather as much information as you can
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Visit sites such as Glassdoor.com and LinkedIn
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Knowledge is power
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Makes you more confident
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Learn knowledge of company products, services, protocols
and procedures
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Show you are proactive and have an eye for detail
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You will leave a positive impression
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How can you rehearse for something that doesn’t have a
script?
Write one
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Be prepared to discuss your past positions, responsibilities and
accomplishments. Highlight your professional strengths.
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Ask your child, spouse or friend to role play. Practice will help
you become more confident with your answers.
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You should also interview the company
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The interview shouldn’t be an interrogation
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“How much do I get paid?” should never be your first question
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Ask questions that show you understand the job
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Pick up on the interviewer’s comments and ask relevant
questions
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An interview is a performance and everyone plays a different
role. You are the successful job prospect. Play the part.
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Whether male or female a conservative business suit (black,
gray, navy blue) is recommended for an interview.
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Appear polished (nails, hair, make-up, etc.)
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Picture yourself in the interview across from the interviewer
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Picture yourself relaxed, comfortable and on top of your game
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The day before your interview gather your materials so they
are ready to go:
 Extra copies of your resume
 Pad and Pen
 Portfolio of your work or projects (if applicable)
 Additional information, if requested (transcripts, etc.)
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Go to bed at a decent time
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Relax
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Set your alarm
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33 percent of employers say they know within the first 90
seconds of an interview whether they will hire you?
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47 percent of employers say having little to no knowledge of
the company is the most common mistake job seekers make in
interviews
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65 percent of employers say clothes could be the deciding
factor between two similar candidates.
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Top 10 Common mistakes
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Over explaining
Conveying that you are not over it
Lacking humor or personality
Inadequate research about the potential
employer
Concentrating too much on what you want
Trying to be all things to all people
“Winging” the interview
Failing to set yourself apart from other
candidates
Failing to ask for the job
Common non-verbal mistakes
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Lack of eye contact
Bad posture
Crossing arms
Using too many hand gestures
Handshake that is too weak
Fidgeting too much
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Statistics show that when meeting new
people the impact is:
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7% what you actually say
38% quality of voice, grammar and
confidence
 55% how you are dressed
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5 questions most likely to be asked:
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Tell me about your experience
Why do you want to work for us?
What do you know about our company?
What was your reason for leaving your last
job?
 Tell me about yourself
Behavioral Questions – Past actions is a predictor on how you may act in the future
Example: “Describe a time when you confronted a difficult problem or situation during a
group project”
Situational Questions – Similar to behavioral, but asks you to speak about how you would
handle a situation in the future.
Example: “How would you respond to a co-worker who has a negative attitude during a
group project?
Skills Test - Some competitive companies my put candidates through skills tests involving
use of a skill that relates to the job or logical reasoning. Some tests are measured up to
specific standards (benchmarks) and others may be to test your creativity or your
performance under pressure.
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Not every interview will be a success
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Don’t take it personally
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Its not about you its about the company and their needs
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You should leave every interview knowing you were fully prepared
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You can increase your chances of success by presenting a professional,
prepared, and confident you.
GO TURN AN INTERVIEW INTO A JOB OFFER!