Interview skills

Question 1

WHAT TO WEAR - Girls

Answer 1

Girls - No hats, jeans, athletic pants, yoga pants, tights, t-shirts, tight shirts, belly shirts, low rise pants, shorts, shoes with heels higher than 1 inch, sandals, flip flops, or running shoes!

Question 2

WHAT TO WEAR - guys

Answer 2

Guys - No hats, jeans, athletic pants, shorts, t-shirts, sandals, flip flops, or running
shoes!
Dress pants or khakis, collared shirt (can be a nice polo shirt or dress shirt), longer length socks that are the same colour as pants, shoes should be clean

Question 3

WHAT TO BRING

Answer 3

Pen/paper
- portfolio (something with a hard cover in case you need to use it on your lap as a backing to write something down)
- copy of your resume and cover letter
- questions to ask the employer
- list of references (3 minimum)
- copies of any certifications/awards that might be relevant
- copy of your credit counselling summary or transcript (if graduated)

Question 4

WHEN TO ARRIVE

Answer 4

-10 min. early is acceptable
-Arriving too early may make employer feel rushed to start interview
-Arriving just in time will make you feel rushed and anxious (before the interview
even starts!)
-Arriving late is the worst possible first impression and no excuse will make it better….you may as well go home!

Question 5

INTERVIEW QUESTION PREP.

Answer 5

• Be prepared and rehearse answers to common interview questions (ex. Tell me something about yourself.
What are your strengths?
What do you know about our company?)
• Think about what the interviewer is looking for so they hear what they want to hear from you when you respond to their questions.

Question 6

GREETING / HANDSHAKE

Answer 6

look at the person in the eyes, say hi or hello

handshake should be firm

Question 7

BODY LANGUAGE

Answer 7

Stand tall, shoulders back
• sit up straight, slight forward lean
Avoid - crossing your arms, playing with your hair, leg jiggling, fidgeting, swaying constantly, putting hands over mouth, resting head on hands, slouching, drumming fingers, clicking pen
• Keep eyes up, don’t stare into eyes of interviewer (creepy) but keep focus up in general area of the interviewers head
• Nod to show agreement when appropriate (shows you’re listening)
• Smile and show honest interest in the opportunity they are giving you

Question 8

RESPONDING TO QUESTIONS

Answer 8

Sook pat interviewe wind resonatinin don ese orlook down
Show enthusiasm by having intonation in responses (don’t be monotone)
• Make sure your voice has appropriate volume
Preparation is important!

Question 9

ETIQUETTE / MANNERS / RESPECT

Answer 9

• Turn cell phone off! Only bring it out if needed and you ask them (ex. Using calendar to put in an orientation appointment for a later date)
• Holding the door for another employee or interviewer
• Standing if another person comes into the office and you are introduced to them
• Saying please and thank you when appropriate

Question 10

ENDING THE INTERVIEW ON A POSITIVE NOTE

Answer 10

• At the end of an interview often interviewers will ask if you have any questions. This is your time to shine!
• Have a prepared list of questions to ask.
Examples - Who would I be reporting to? What work schedule fits for this position? Is there a dress code?
• Be sure to thank the interviewer and let them know how interested you are in this potential opportunity. And let them know you look forward to hearing from them (if they said they will let you know their decision).
Shake their hand again when interview is over.
Say goodbye to the receptionist as you pass by them (if applicable)