INTERVIEWS

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Cooperative Education
INTERVIEWS
CML Productions
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How To Prepare For Job Interviews
Prepare yourself with effective interview
strategies before you actually go to an
organization and meet with the interviewer.
Increase your chances of success by using these
tips from the experts.
FIND OUT DETAILS OF THE INTERVIEW When you are
invited for an interview find out who will be
interviewing you (name and title) and what
style/format the interview will take. Ask if you
are required to bring anything in particular such
as an additional resume, portfolio of past work
etc. Determine if you will need to arrive early
in order to complete an application form or
testing.
GET GOOD DIRECTIONS Be sure you know exactly
where to go, how to get there, and expected
travel time. If possible, do a practice run
before your appointment.
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RESEARCH THE ORGANIZATION Nearly every
organization has published information available.
Business directories, newspapers, trade journals,
annual reports are all good sources of
information. Speak to anyone you know who works
in the organization to see if they can provide an
insiders viewpoint.
PREPARE YOUR INTERVIEW MATERIALS These would
include extra copies of your resume, your
reference list, letters of reference, copies of
degrees, certificates, credentials/registration,
etc. Organize these in a folder or document
keeper which you can present neatly. As well,
bring a copy of your cover letter and, if
applicable, the job advertisement. Bring a good
pen to complete an application form, and your
prepared list of questions.
DRESS IN A MANNER THAT SUITS THE JOB Strive for a
business-like appearance. Most dress mistakes are
those being under-dressed or too casual.
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PAY ATTENTION TO DETAILS IN YOUR
APPEARANCE Ensure that buttons are done up, your
shoes are polished, your nails are clean. Avoid
wearing heavy fragrances. Again, be
job-appropriate.
HAVE PLENTY OF TIME TO GET TO THE INTERVIEW Never
be late. Ideally, you should arrive 15 minutes
early in order to have time for one last check in
the washroom mirror, and to feel relaxed.
YOU ARE ON THE MINUTE YOU ENTER THE
BUILDING Managers are influenced by the
impressions of their assistants and support
staff. If you are rude to the receptionist, that
information will be relayed to the interviewer.
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So You Have An Interview Coming Up
GROOMING Shower Hair shampooed Clothes clean,
neat, appropriate for a job interview Shoes are
cleaned and shined
WHAT TO BRING Resume/Application
form Pen Knowledge of organization to which you
are applying
ATTITUDE Be punctual, realistic, relaxed,
courteous, enthusiastic Show initiative Smile,
pleasant greeting, firm handshake
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COMMUNICATION SKILLS Clear, concise, well
organized thoughts Good listening skills (eye
contact) Ask pertinent questions Use expressive
effective vocabulary Participate in conversations
and prepare closing question
REMEMBER YOUR STRENGTHS Come with three stories
that give examples of your strengths and
skills Complete these statements I have always
been glad that I have the ability to My greatest
achievement this year was One of my skills that
I hope to use in my work is
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The Purpose of the Interview
THE APPLICANTS PERSPECTIVE The interview is the
focal point of all your work search efforts. It
represents your opportunity to sell yourself in
person. An interview is a conversation between 2
or more people. Its purpose, from your point of
view, is ultimately to get the job offer.
You attempt to achieve this goal by
persuading the prospective employer to hire you.
displaying confidence in your ability to
perform competently.
demonstrating interest in the employers needs
and interests.
demonstrating behaviors that are congruent and
consistent with your advance publicity (e.g.
resume, cover letter, promotional brochure,
broadcast letter, letter of inquiry).
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THE EMPLOYERS PERSPECTIVE The purpose of the
interview from the employers point of view is to
assess/evaluate your suitability, relative to
other applicants.
For their needs by
verifying information supplied in your work
search documentation (e.g. application, cover
letter, resume, broadcast letter).
asking questions, listening to your responses
and observing your body language.
exploring your values, beliefs, expectations,
skills, and qualifications as they relate to the
type of work you are seeking.
gathering information about you to help in
making an informed decision.
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THE ROLE OF THE INTERVIEWER In an ideal
situation, the interviewer will view him/herself
as a host and will want to create a friendly,
comfortable environment for the interview. She/he
will have planned the interview structure and
questions and will be comfortable with his/her
ability to make effective selection decisions.
The world being what it is, not all interviewers
know what they are looking for.
know what they need.
know how to interview effectively.
recognize that the interviewee should be doing
most of the talking.
know how to stress the candidates suitability.
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Stages of the Interview
OPENING Generally begins with a greeting from the
interviewer(s).
ESTABLISHING RAPPORT Means the small talk, the
getting-to-know-you that begins, perhaps, as
youre walking with the interviewer to the
interview room.
SETTING THE AGENDA Your interview will often give
you an idea of how long the interview will be and
what to expect as youre settling into your chair
and the environment.
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INFORMATION GETTING This is the focal point of
the interview during which you are asked
questions about your Background, Interest in the
position/organization, Specific knowledge Skills
and abilities that make you a good candidate for
the position Career plans, Reliability, Work
habits, Attitudes Other information the
interviewer deems important
INFORMATION GETTING Most interviewers will ask
you whether you have any questions. They may also
give you an overview of the nature of the opening
theyre filling and/or the company and its goal.
CLOSING The interviewer will be likely advise you
that the interview is over and let you know when
and how you can expect to hear about the outcome.
If not, you should ask, she/he should also thank
you for your time and interest. You should do the
same.
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Introduction
Practice your handshake with different people and
ask for feedback. Get into the habit of shaking
hands whenever you greet someone. Observe what
you feel is, and is not, a good handshake. When
meeting someone, listen to the other persons
name and state yours clearly. The sooner you can
use the other persons name the better.
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Visualization
Visualize yourself in the interview.
See yourself- how you are dressed, how you are
looking (confident, professional, enthusiastic).
Watch yourself shake hands as you meet the
interview panel, take your chair and poise and
sit in a comfortable position eager to experience
the meeting.
Observe how well you are responding to the
questions questions you anticipated they would
ask and have given some thought to.
Notice how you are feeling as you have the
opportunity to demonstrate that youve done your
homework by analyzing what you have to offer and
how it matches their needs.
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Now move to the conclusion of the interview. Hear
yourself reinforce your interest in the position
and the organization, and summarize what you
would bring to them. Conclude the interview,
confident that youve made an impact that youll
be hearing from them soon with a job offer.
By focusing on the image of the best possible
scenario, you create a model in your minds eye -
heres what it would look like, be like, is like.
You mentally prepare for the best you can do.
Visualizing a positive outcome can be effective
in that your attitude about yourself can
influence your behavior. When you clearly form
the intent to positively influence the outcome,
you will experience more energy and be better
able to focus and concentrate on listening and
behaving in a congruent manner.
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What To Wear
Researchers tell us that over 55 of the impact
we have in a personal meeting is our nonverbal
presentation. This means the way we look in
total. It includes dress, grooming, body language
and facial expression.
Dress Professionally Like you would if you were
working in the position for which youre being
considered. In your employer research, observe
the dress code. Dress includes your whole
appearance from your shoes to your hair, and
everything in between.
CAUTION Wearing a new outfit for the first time
to an interview is not recommended. Give it a
test run.
YOU NEVER GET A SECOND CHANCE TO MAKE A FIRST
IMPRESSION
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Body Language
This refers to the way we carry ourselves and the
nonverbal messages that are transmitted by our
gestures or mannerisms.
Shake hands. Do not hesitate about taking the
lead by offering your hand first.
Walk and stand straight head erect and
sitting squarely on your shoulders.
Sit upright (avoid slouching), feet flat on the
floor or crossed at the ankles, whichever is most
comfortable.
Sitting up and leaning forward shows interest
and enthusiasm.
Make eye contact with all interviewers.
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Hands and arms should be in an open position,
resting on your lap, arms at your chair or at
your side.
Avoid fidgeting, squirming, rocking, or playing
with objects, your hair, clothing, etc.
Wear a friendly, welcoming smile on your face.
Look confident.
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Arrive five to ten minutes early allows you to do
Get your bearings.
Learn more about the organization and the
people who work there.
Make that last trip to the washroom.
When To Arrive
Collect your thoughts.
Affirm your strengths and your ability to give
a good interview.
Focus on what youre about to do.
BE SURE TO ALLOW YOURSELF PLENTY OF TIME TO GET
THERE, ALLOWING FOR TRAFFIC, WEATHER, PARKING
PROBLEMS, ETC. IT IS A GOOD PLAN TO DO A DRY
RUN A DAY OR TWO BEFORE YOUR INTERVIEW.
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What To Take
A positive, expectant attitude.
Belief that you have something valuable to
offer to this organization.
An awareness that you can handle anything that
comes up in the interview.
Knowledge that youve prepared well for this
big event and youre ready!
Willingness to be yourself.
Additional copies of your resume.
A typewritten list of references with phone
numbers.
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Transcripts and an original of your
degree/diploma/certificate.
A portfolio (if applicable)
A list of questions to ask about the
organization and position.
A pad of paper on which to make a few notes to
yourself of key points you want to cover in the
interview.
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Interviews can usually spot a phony easily.
What they want is to get a sense of the real you.
Their job of assessing your suitability is made
easier when you present yourself as you really
are. Ask yourself What are my strengths? The
five or six that describe you best are the ones
you really want them to see. One of the best ways
to ensure that is what they see is to affirm
those strengths just before the interview.
Your willingness to
BE SPONTANEOUS Say I need some time to think
about that.
How To Behave
ASK FOR CLARIFICATION If you dont fully
understand the questionor to say Thats a tough
one - I honestly dont know.
SHOW YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR To acknowledge that
youre nervous.
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Reframing Awkward Questions
There are a few questions that interviewees
particularly dislike.
TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF? This question is often
used as an opening question. The interviewer
wants you to highlight and summarize your
background (education, training, and experience)
as it relates to the job youre being considered
for. The interviewer will learn how well
youve matched yourself to the job. how
effectively you organize, summarize and
anticipate what she/he needs to know about you.
how well you communicate.
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WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS? This one should be a
snap since the whole purpose of the work search
process is selling yourself, you should able to
answer this one confidently, clearly and with
real conviction. It requires the self analysis
weve mentioned frequently and the practice of
saying your strengths to yourself and to others
until you get comfortable doing it.
WHAT ARE YOUR WEAKNESSES? This question is
difficult because most interviewees understand
that their role is to convince the employer to
hire them. To reveal weaknesses is to supply the
interviewer with information and reasons not to
hire. There is the conflict.
EXAMPLE One of my weaknesses is that my
expectations of others are sometimes to high. I
expect people to do their best and make good use
of time and resources. As a supervisor or team
member, I have to remember that we all have
different strengths and different rates of speed
in completing tasks. Im working on being more
tolerant and patient with others, recognizing my
responsibility.
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Commonly Asked Interview Questions

• Why do you want to work here?
• How do you feel that you can help our
  school/company/organization?
• What are your strengths?
• What are your weaknesses?
• How would you handle this (job related) problem?
• Tell me about your greatest achievement/disappoint
  ment in life.
• What did you like best/least in your last job?
• What else do you think I should know about you?
• Are there any questions you would like to ask
  about the school/job/company?
• How do you spend your spare time?

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Practice Interview Questions
When the employer says He/she is really
asking Tell me about yourself. What kind of
person are you Are you going to fit into
this company? Do you have the right
personality? Why are you interested in
this job? Are you just looking for any job or
are you interested in this field? What are
your strengths? How well do you manage
yourself? How well do you manage your work
with others? What are your weaknesses? What
should I be concerned about? How would you
like to grow personally? What would you like
to learn? Give me 2 reasons why I should hire
you. Are you confident? Can you sell yourself?
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How To Avoid Being Hired
Down below are the reasons to why employers
rejects job applicants

• Poor personal appearance.
• Inability to express self clearly poor voice,
  diction, grammar.
• Lack of interest and enthusiasm passive,
  indifferent.
• Lack of tact, maturity, vitality, courtesy, and
  social understanding.
• Little sense of humor.
• Lack of knowledge of field specialization.
• Lack of planning for career no purpose and
  goals.
• Overbearing, overaggressive, conceited,
  superiority complex, a know it all