INTERVIEWING GUIDELINES

Before the Interview

· Practice introduction or “Tell me about yourself” statement beforehand.

· Research the company (Location, Size, Products, Financial History, Culture and Atmosphere, Union Involvement, use Networking strategies, read Job Descriptions and Ads, Website).

· Prepare notes and questions about the company ahead of time.

· Know the exact time of the Interview and where you need to go. You may want to travel to the site to see how long it takes and where the building and office of the interview is located.

· When the interview time is set up, ask the person any questions you have about the interview. (Type? length? Who? Testing? What is the interview process, How many, etc.?)

· Get a good night’s rest and avoid using any drugs or alcohol both the night before and day of the interview.

Day of the Interview

· Take at least 2 resumes in case the interviewer doesn’t have one ( or more if panel interview).

· Turn off or remove watches, telephones, pagers, etc. that might go off and create a distraction.

· Good impressions come from your inner attitude (positive energy, motivation, enthusiasm) and from your outer presentation (well-groomed and neat appearance).

· Take a notepad and pen, carry a folder to hold resumes, etc.

· Show up a bit early to compose yourself before going in. Go over your resume, “tell me about yourself” introduction, and notes and questions you’ve prepared.

· Introduce yourself to the people you meet, including secretaries and receptionists. Smile, be friendly, and tell them why you are there.

During the Interview

· Relax, knowing you have the answers about yourself, your skills, qualifications, personal positive characteristics, and hopes…right with you at all times.

· Begin and remain positive and enthusiastic. Be positive about former bosses, co-workers, and companies. Complainers tend to have longer job searches.

…..Continued on next page 2

Interviewing Guidelines continued… During the interview

· Use a firm and natural handshake.

· Ask if it’s okay to take some notes.

· Actively listen to what the representative is saying. Share appropriate comments and questions.

· It’s fine to take time to think before answering.

· Be clear, concise, and confident when talking about yourself.

· Talk about job positions, your qualifications and skills, not $ or benefits. This is an initial interview that might lead to a second interview.

· Admit to things you don’t know. No one knows everything.

After the Interview

· After leaving the building, let out a nice sigh of relief!!!

· Write down any notes or thoughts when you get back to your car while the interview is fresh in your mind, including how it went.

· Follow-up !!!!

· Write a thank you letter or card using your notes to mention something specific from the conversation.

· If you mentioned or talked about a future contact or the next step, be sure to follow through.

Possible Questions to Ask the Interviewer

· What would my key responsibilities be?

· How would you describe the duties of this position?

· Describe a typical day for a person doing this job.

· What is the reason for this opening?

· How is a person evaluated in this position? How often? What criteria?

· What major challenges do you anticipate a person would face in this position?

· How often has this position been filled in the last five years? What were the main reasons?

· Where does this position fit into the organizational structure?

· How would describe the way the company is managed; Team-oriented?

· To whom would I report (and how many people would I be supervising)?

· How is good performance recognized in this organization?

· What would my first project be?

…..Continued on page 3

Interviewing Guidelines continued… Possible questions to ask

· What are the advancement opportunities for the person who is successful in this position?

· Are there any plans that you know of about the company selling or being acquired by another company?

· Outside of the people in my department, with whom would I be working?

· To what do you attribute the success of this organization?

· How would you describe the mission of this company and how is it fulfilled?

· How long have you been with the company? What attracted you to the company?

· What is your time frame for hiring someone for this position?

· What specific strengths are you looking for?

· What is the reporting line for this department?

· What is our next step? Will I be talking to others in the organization?

Possible Questions the Interviewer May Ask You

· Tell me about yourself.

· How would you describe your work style?

· What are your two greatest accomplishments during the past two years?

· Where do you see yourself five years from now?

· Why should we hire you?

· What do you know about our company?

· How would you describe yourself?

· What are your strengths? Weaknesses?

· Are you willing to work shift work? Overtime?

· What can you do for us that someone else can’t?

· What qualifications do you have that would indicate you will be successful working here?

· What three things are most important to you about your next job?

· Tell me about a situation where you were a member of a team; and what contribution did you make toward the team’s success?

· How much money are you looking for?

· Why are you looking for work at this time?

· What did you enjoy most about your last job? Least?

· What has irritated you about your past work environment?

· Do you have a reference list with you? (Offer this only if asked.)

……Continued on page 4

Interviewing Guidelines continued… Questions you may be asked

· What would you do if you come across a problem you can’t solve?

· Do you have any questions for me?

· How much money have you been earning?

· If you overheard some confidential information while doing your job, what would you do with the information?

· How old are you?

· If you could change one thing about your work career so far, what would it be and why?

· Can you explain your wage or salary history?

· What would you consider to be one of your greatest strengths and how did you use it in your last job?

· How would your co-workers evaluate you?

· What type of benefits do you expect if we offer you this job?

· Are you willing to relocate? Where? When?

Potential Illegal or Discriminatory Questions

· Any question about Disabilities or Physical Skills, such as: Do you work out regularly? Did you get any worker’s comp from your last job? What color are your eyes? Is it true that you have the HIV virus?

· Questions about your Personal History, such as: How old are you? When was the last time you were thrown in jail? Do you rent or own your home? Have you ever declared bankruptcy? Are you really a man?

· Questions about Race, Creed, and Color, such as: Where are your parents from? Do you consider yourself a minority? Is English your first language? What religion are you? I can’t tell if you’re Korean or Chinese. Which is it?

· Questions about Family & Relationship Issues, such as: Do you have dependable child-care set up? How many times have you been married? We were just wondering. Are you gay? How does your spouse feel about you working here? Are you in a committed relationship right now?

· Remember!! If nothing in your life logically prevents you from doing the job well, then they can’t ask about it! Anticipating these forbidden areas keeps you alert during the interview process and may even improve your chances of getting the position.

Jhhetal.04.01ukiah