Doing Your Best In An InterviewPresented by

A JOB INTERVIEW is the ultimate goal of every job search!

• Everything you do in a job search (research jobs and companies, find job leads, complete applications, submit resumes) is done to get you a job interview

• In almost every case, you won’t get a job offer unless you successfully get through a job interview first

• No matter how many interviews you go through, the job interview you’re in at that moment can either make you or break you – everything counts

Why Do People Get Hired?Two basic reasons why a company hires someone:

They believe the candidate will help their company make a lot of money in a short amount

of time

They believe the candidate will help the company solve problems that they’ll face in business

PREPARATION is the key!

• Know yourself, the job you’ve applied for, and how the job fits into the company – do your RESEARCH before you apply for any job

• What’s in your background that proves you deserve the job more than anyone else?

• Is it your education and job training? Your work experiences? Both?

• Are you able to talk about specific examples from your background that will prove you deserve the job?

Practice Your Interviewing Skills in MOCK INTERVIEWS

• Get someone to ask you questions in a mock interview – this can help you tremendously

• You can also practice answering questions by yourself

• The more prepared you are, the less likely that you’ll mess up

Make Your Answers Provide the Necessary Evidence

• When answering questions, give specific information that shows success on your past jobs (save money, make money, save time, solve problems)

• Use numbers, documentation and concrete, verifiable information as much as possible – emphasize your relevant accomplishments on the job

Be Ready to Set Up Your Job Interview• If you get an interview, you’ll

probably find out by telephone

• Make sure your answering machine / voicemail is properly set up to receive messages

• Make sure the message on your answering machine / voicemail sounds professional

• Clean out your messages to leave room for new ones!

Be Ready to Set Up Your Job Interview• Have paper and something

to write with by your telephone, and take detailed notes (names, addresses, job titles, phone numbers, dates and times)

• Ask if you need to bring anything to the interview (work examples, a portfolio, etc.)

Get Your Interview Wardrobe Ready• Business apparel for “professional

(white collar)”, office environment jobs• Work apparel or business casual for

“blue collar”, non-office environment jobs

• Everything must be cleaned and pressed

• Shined shoes are a must, no matter what kind of job you’re interviewing for!

• New haircut? New interview clothes? A manicure? Take care of these several days before you interview

Before Your InterviewSeveral days before:

• Practice answering questions by yourself or with someone in a mock interview – review your notes

• Drive the route to the interview site, and plan how you’ll get there early

• Get clothes ready, get haircut, etc.The night before:

• Get a good night’s rest (at least 6 – 8 hours)The day of the interview:

• Use excellent personal hygiene!• Get there early (10 – 20 minutes before time)!

When You Arrive at the Interview Site

• Leave your cell phone in your car!• Be nice to everyone!• Go to the bathroom before you go in for your interview

When You Meet the Interviewer

• Speak clearly and avoid slang• Use a firm handshake• Maintain appropriate eye contact• Don’t forget to smile• Take your seat only when offered• Sit up straight, feet on the floor• If you brought a notepad, ask for

permission to take notes

During Your Interview

• Pay attention and listen carefully!

• Always be courteous, respectful and professional at all times

• Act confident in your abilities, and show excitement about being invited to the job interview

• Ask for clarification if you don’t understand something

At the End of Your Interview, Before You Leave

• Prepare 3 – 5 questions of your own to ask about the job, the company, etc.• If you want the job, ask

for it!• If you don’t want the job,

don’t ask for it!

When the Interview is Over• Smile, thank the

interviewer for their time, and give them a firm handshake

• If you haven’t asked yet, ask for the job now

• If a hiring decision won’t be made soon, ask if you can call back in a week

• Sent a thank you note to the interviewer immediately

Need More Information about Interviews?

• Attend our workshop “Interviewing in the 21st Century”

• Offered twice every month at the Amarillo Workforce Solutions office

• Details can be found on your WorkInTexas home page and wspanhandle.com

• Ask the front desk for a workshop calendar