Job Readiness ProgramSPONSORED BY

JOB READINESS PROGRAM

HOW TO PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD

APPLICATIONS AND INTERVIEWS

TIPS TO HELP GET YOUR FOOT IN THE DOOR:

Your first impression will be your application!

Completion

Accuracy

Truthfulness

Grammar/Punctuation

Answers (i.e., answer the question asked)

FIRST IMPRESSIONS MATTER

Whether an employer believes you are a good fit for their organization is influenced by their perception of you as a professional

50% of the time, employers determine whether a candidate will be hired based on their initial impression

WHO PRESENTS A MORE PROFESSIONAL IMAGE?

APPEARANCE How you look and what

you wear shape the interviewer’s perception of you 

Research shows that 75% of a person’s perception is based on appearance

Dress in conservative clothing: nothing tight, low cut, short, oversized (baggy), torn, etc.

GUIDELINES FORMEN AND WOMEN

Athletic wear and shirts with logos should not be worn during any phase of the hiring process

This includes even when going to the company to complete an application or ask questions

MEN Dress slacks should be

worn with a belt and shoes

Dress suit should be navy, black or gray, preferably with one - five buttons

Wear long or short sleeved shirts with a tie

WOMEN Avoid capris or

cropped length pants as these are not appropriate for the interview

Shoes should be professional. That means: No tennis

shoes, sneakers, or flip flops

Heels should not be open-toed or exceed 3” inches in height

Avoid shoes that resemble evening wear

WOMENWear dress blouses or tops that are modest in appearance

Coordinating blazers or dress jackets lend a more professional look to sleeveless tops

Dresses and skirts should be of appropriate length with moderate splits and vents

.

SOCIAL MEDIA DO’S AND DON’TS

Do Google Your Name and Check What’s OnlineThere's a ton of information that can tell employers a lot about you online including tweets

Don't Forget Your Facebook Privacy SettingsYou don’t want a third party to be able to view your photos and posts.

JOB READINESS PROGRAM

INTERVIEW PREPARATION

YOU GOT THE INTERVIEW!

Getting the interview means you’ve passed the first hurdle

During this stage of the hiring process, it is extremely important that you make a good impression

Preparing for the interview will enable you to do just that!

PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW

Having a successful interview is a matter of preparation and knowing what is expected of you

Failure to prepare for the interview will adversely affect your opportunity to secure employment

BEFORE YOUR SCHEDULED INTERVIEW

Do your homework Research the company and position Know your skills and how they benefit the

employer Obtain the interviewer’s name and contact

number

Know where you are going Determine the length of time it will take to

get there Consider making a trial run before the

interview Take into consideration parking issues

and/or obstacles

BEFORE YOUR SCHEDULED INTERVIEW

Find at least 3 professional references

Identify former supervisors, colleagues and/or instructors

Obtain their permission beforehand Verify their names, addresses, job titles

and phone

Plan to go ALONE

INTERVIEW PREPARATION TIPS

BEFORE YOUR SCHEDULED INTERVIEW • Prepare responses to commonly

asked interview questions such as:What are your strengths and

weaknesses? Why do you want to work

here?Tell me about yourself.

• Conduct a mock interviewPractice answering difficult

questions

Discuss with one other person why it is important to be able to articulate your strengths and weakness.

Learning Task

3-STEP PROCESS FOR ANSWERING DIFFICULT QUESTIONS

• Understand what is really being asked

• Answer the question briefly, in a non-damaging way

• Address the real concern by presenting your skills

BEFORE YOU GO INTO SCHEDULED INTERVIEW

• Check your appearance before entering the building

• Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early

ONCE INSIDE THE LOCATION OF THE SCHEDULED INTERVIEW

Notify the receptionist of your arrival • In many cases the receptionist is your

first point of contact - your first opportunity to create a good first impression

Bring necessary documentation • Valid ID, social security card,

references, and extra copies of your resume

Bring a portfolio/folder and pen to the interview• The employer may require that you

complete additional paperwork

WHAT TO DO DURING THE INTERVIEW!• Be aware of your initial greeting

Introduce yourself and shake the interviewer’s hand

• Smile and maintain good eye contact • Be friendly and likable • Stay poised

watch your body language• Speak clearly and audibly

avoid slang and inappropriate language • Give the employer a reason to hire you

Know your key skills Show supporting documents

SELL YOURSELF!

WHAT NOT TO DO DURING THE INTERVIEW!

• Do not forget to turn off your cell phone

• Do not eat or drink during the interview avoid bringing coffee or

soda into the interview area

• Do not chew gum • Do not wear body piercings,

and cover any visible tattoos

SUCCESS DURING THE INTERVIEW • Prepare a set of questions to ask the

employer • Examples:

What are the job duties and responsibilities?

What are the most difficult aspects of the position?

What are my opportunities for advancement?

When do you anticipate making a final decision about this position?

CLOSING THE INTERVIEW

• Address any outstanding questions • Close the interview on a positive, upbeat

note • Recap your interest and desire for the

position • Thank the interviewer for his/her time and

indicate that you look forward to hearing from them

• Don’t leave the interview without asking the following questions:

If I have any additional questions, may I contact you?

What is the best method to contact you?

AFTER THE INTERVIEW

Don’t forget to send a friendly email thanking the interviewer for their time and consideration

Restate your interest, commitment and unique qualifications for the position

• Don’t delay, do this immediately following the interview!!!

LEAVE BEHIND

First impressions can be made when you complete the application!

Dress for Success for your interview - appearance is important!

Look good and sound informed! Study the organization - be prepared to ask questions

Be prepared to answer questions about yourself

You have impressed your interviewer… now provide the names of others that can provide good references

Send a thank you note or letter – within 24 hours

DISCUSSION & QUESTIONSLearning

Task