MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR INTERVIEW

Passport to Internship Success

Developed by SFUSD Career Technical Education

Do Now Activity!

List 4 ways

you can

prepare for

a successful

interview

Do Now Possible Answers

Dress appropriately

Learn about the company/job you are interviewing with.

Do a test transportation journey

Practice sample questions you may be asked

Think about the skills you may already have which you can use on this job

Visit the job site prior to the interview- observe the dress style

Present Yourself Professionally

Arrive early (5-10 minutes)

Offer a firm handshake at the beginning and end of the interview

Maintain eye contact throughout the interview (strong, not aggressive)

Remember to smile and be friendly

The interview requires your full attention!

What to Take to Your Interview

Have a copy of your resume and cover letter Place your documents in a folder

• Take your portfolio of your sample work (optional)

• Take a pen or pencil and note paper

• Prepare a reference list and take to your interview

The Interview Questions!

TELL ME ABOUT

YOURSELF?

Answer the following question:

Tell Me About Yourself:Things You SHOULD share about yourself

Be sure to include…

NameSchoolHobbies or school activities, clubs, organizationsWhat are your future goals? (i.e. college/career)

Keep it to 60-90 seconds only.

WHAT ARE YOU

MOST PROUD OF?

Answer the following question:

What are you most proud of?

Tips:Awards at school, your involvement (leadership) in

a club, organizations, sport teams, or tutoring someone

Caring for a family member, An accomplishment: school, work, or personal

Note: the “what are you most proud of” question is meant to tell the interview about your values - what is most important to you as a person.

WHY DID YOU

APPLY FOR THIS

JOB?

Answer the following question:

Why did you apply for this job?

Tips:

I have applied because it is an excellent match for my skills.

I have a great respect for the companyI am confident that I will be able to make a

major contribution.

Note:The employer wants to make sure if you know what the job involves. You will feel more confident and show you are interested if you have done your research about the job. Better yet, visit the job site if you can!

TELL ME ABOUT A

TIME YOU OVERCAME

A CHALLENGE

Answer the following question:

Behavioral Interview Questions

Organize your response!

Problem - Action - Result (PAR)

Problem (P): Explain what the challenge was (20 seconds)

Action (A): What action did you take to overcome the challenge (45 seconds)

Result (R): What was the end result (20 seconds)

Note: Make sure the result ends positively

Problem - Action - Result (PAR) Example:

P: Not doing well in mathA: Went to tutoring and met with the teacherR: I earned a B in my math class

Make sure to…

Pick an appropriate example Pick something not too emotional Pick something that is legal

Fill in the blanks with your own answers

P

A:

R:

Problem -Action -Result (PAR)

DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?

Answer the following question:

Do you have any questions?

Tip: Always have some question prepared to ask the interviewer about the company.

What are your typical shift times?

What type of training do you offer?

Do you have dress requirements?

Note: Having prepared questions will let the interviewer know you are interested

How to Appropriately End the Interview

• Thank them for the opportunity to interview

“Thank you for taking the time to interview me”

• Express interest in the position

“ I would love to work for your company”

• Ask about the timeline for hiring

“When will you make your decisions

• Shake hands with everyone present

• Don’t forget to send a thank you letter/email

The Day of the Interview

Dress for Success

Men should wear:

Clothes that are wrinkle free and clean

Neat and professional hairstyle

Trim and/or cut facial hair

Use a light amount of cologne to none

Dress for Success

Picture 1

Picture 2

Picture 3

Dress for Success

Women should wear:

Tops or bottoms that are not “too” revealing or tight

Clothes that are neat and wrinkle free

Daytime makeup

Low high heel shoes

Light or no perfume

Jewelry that doesn’t make too much noise or too big

Dress for Success

Picture 1 Picture 2 Picture 3

Tips for Success

Dress appropriately. Make your first impression a professional one.

Arrive 15 minutes early. Late attendance is never excusable.

Turn off your cell phone when you enter the building.

Conduct yourself professionally.

Ask for the interview’s business card so you can write a thank you letter as soon as possible.