Student Guide

For A Successful Job Search

COMPLETING A

JOB APPLICATION

Job Application Information

First thing to remember about job application: When picking up or dropping off a resume or application at an employer's office, it is suggested that you wear semi-casual dress and greet the receptionist politely when requesting or submitting an application. The receptionist's first impressions are often passed along. Purpose of Applications

Obtain information about you Determine how neat you are Find out whether or not you can use standard English

Helpful Hints

Use black ink or type Read carefully whether to write first or last name first Education – write last school attended first Work Experience – write last job held first Careful on reasons for leaving Answer every question. Put n/a if it is not applicable When asked about salary – put open or negotiable Include phone number Always pick up two applications in case you make a mistake on one Get permission from people you will use as references Be honest and accurate Sign and date application If possible, attach a well-written resume for quick review

You Don’t Have To Answer Questions About

Race Marital Status Religion Children Sex Financial Status Age

Top 10 Mistakes Misspelled words Incomplete information Crossed out writing Unanswered questions Failure to print Incomplete work history Wrinkled application Late- know the deadline! Folded application Neglecting to sign

BEFORE YOU WRITE, ALWAYS… Read the ENTIRE application Make several copies

WRITING THE PERFECT

COVER LETTER

COVER LETTER TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS

Your cover letter is a potential employer’s first impression of you and can be the most vital part of the application packet. A well written letter entices the employer to read your resume. A poorly constructed cover letter may doom your resume to the “No Need to Read” pile. The same can be said for a college or scholarship application that includes an introductory letter. It is important to highlight your skills, knowledge, and experience. These will indicate what you can contribute to the company or school. Effective cover letters must convey a sense of purpose and project enthusiasm. A “form” cover letter rarely does this. Researching the employer, college, or scholarship prior to writing the cover letter will give you the opportunity to effectively personalize your letter. 1. Always include a cover letter when mailing your resume. A letter of introduction will prove useful

when applying to colleges. It may act as the basis for a college essay or it may be a useful addition to an application packet.

2. Unless the advertisement specifies “no phone calls please” and the name is not given in the ad, find out the name and title of the individual who will be receiving your letter. Make sure you spell the name properly and get the proper abbreviation (Mr., Mrs., Ms.).

3. Do not use “form” letters or photocopies. Personalize each letter. If possible, explain why you want to work for the organization or attend the school.

4. Use a proper business format for your letters. 5. Make sure the letter is PERFECT! Spelling, punctuation, and grammar count. Have someone

proofread the letter before mailing it. 6. Create the letter on a computer word processing program (Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, etc.)

and use a laser printer, if possible. Use good quality paper. Cheap, flimsy paper makes your application seem very ordinary. However, do not use flashy colors!

7. Utilize a one inch margin on all 4 sides. This white space draws the reader to the body of the letter.

8. In the opening paragraph, tell the reader the purpose of the letter. 9. Use “I” statements and action verbs when describing your experience. 10. Get to the point! Employers do not have the time to read lengthy letters. A cover letter should

never exceed one page. 11. Focus on the specific skills and interests you possess that you can offer the employer or college.

Concentrate on skills which match the advertised employment qualifications or the desired program of study. Stress what you can do for the company or college, not what the company or college can do for you. Sound upbeat and confident. Sell yourself!

12 Don’t mention salary expectations unless the advertisement specifically requests it. In that case, the best strategy is to give a range. For example, “My earnings have ranged from $7.00 to $10.50 per hour in the various sales positions I have held.”

13. End by thanking the reader and stating that you look forward to meeting with them. Make a specific suggestion for the next step of the process and follow up as promised.

Before mailing a cover letter, can you answer the following questions with a “Yes”? • Is it clear? Does it state exactly what I want it to state? • Is it concise? Does it state what I want it to state in the fewest possible words? • Is it well organized? • Am I projecting to the employer or college the contribution I can make? • Have I stressed areas in my experience and/or education that are relevant to the person reading

it?

LP5 – Cover Letters

COVER LETTER GUIDE PARTS OF A COVER LETTER SAMPLE LETTER HEADING INSIDE ADDRESS SALUTATION INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH Tell why you are writing. 1ST MAIN PARAGRAPH Describe your qualifications. Sell your skills and knowledge. Tell why you are interested in the company or college. Point out any related experience you have. 2ND MAIN PARAGRAPH Continue to describe qualifications. Highlight relevant training or classes that relate to the job or major for which you are applying. CLOSING PARAGRAPH Close by thanking the reader and requesting an interview. COMPLIMENTARY CLOSE SIGNATURE NAME ENCLOSURE This indicates that you have enclosed other items (resume, transcripts, etc.) for the reader to see.

Your Mailing Address City, State Zip Code Today’s Date (4 “Return”s or “Enter”s on Keyboard) Employer’s Name Job Title Business Name Business Address City, State Zip Code Dear (Mr./Mrs./Ms.) (Use the name of the person that will read the letter): In response to the February 24th advertisement in the Bangor Daily News, I have enclosed my resume for the Receptionist position. I have two years of prior work experience as a receptionist with XYZ Telecommunications. My work has involved answering ten incoming lines and greeting customers in a fast-paced office setting. I have also been responsible for all incoming and outgoing mail, as well as purchase orders. I am very detail oriented and able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. I am currently completing an Associate Degree in Executive Administrative Assistant at Northern Maine Technical College. In completing this program, I have gained valuable experience in several computer programs including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access. Additionally, my training has provided me with the skills to reach my goal of office management. I welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications with you in person. I can be reached at (207) 555-1234. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, (4 “Return”s or “Enter”s on Keyboard) Joe Doe Enclosure

LP5 – Cover Letters

SAMPLE COVER LETTER #1

5 Atkins Avenue Northville, ME 04400 January 3, 2003 Ms. Christine Bailey XYZ Law Offices 123 Main Street Auburn, ME 04210 Dear Ms. Bailey: This letter is in reference to the paralegal position that was listed through Central Maine Technical College's Career Center. I am familiar with XYZ Law Office's recent growth and I am confident that my skills and qualifications will benefit your company. I am eager to utilize my research and writing skills while working as a paralegal. My academic courses at CMTC have required many research papers and projects. I have a tremendous capacity to undertake research and report findings in clear and concise fashion. I work well under the pressure of deadlines, and I have been involved in many group projects. My work experiences have taught me that one must be prepared to work beyond the typical forty-hour week to achieve success. I am willing and able to do so for XYZ Law Offices. Your consideration of my credentials would be greatly appreciated. I will call you next week to confirm your receipt of this letter and enclosed resume. Please feel free to contact me if you require additional information to support my candidacy. Sincerely, Signature Joseph Smith Enclosures

LP5 – Cover Letters

SAMPLE COVER LETTER #2

60 Treeline Drive Springfield, ME 04040 (207) 555-9335 June 23, 2002 Ms. Jean Quimby Personnel Manager Campbell’s Soup 65 Cedar Grove Ave. Bangor, ME 04222 Dear Ms. Quimby: A mutual friend, Troy McClure, mentioned to me that you may soon be looking for an individual in your Customer Relations Department. Please consider this my application for a position at Campbell’s Soup Limited. I have two years experience as an Administrative Assistant, working with senior staff in the Customer Relations department. I am a well-organized, highly motivated individual who enjoys the challenges of working in a fast-paced office environment. I have strong communication and computer skills, including a working knowledge of Windows 98 and Microsoft Word as well as Microsoft Excel. I also have experience in dealing successfully with a variety of customers. Enclosed is my resume for your consideration. I will call you in a week to further discuss this position and to arrange a time that we can discuss my resume in further detail. I can be reached at the above number day or evening. Thank you very much for your time and consideration. Sincerely Signature Maude Flanders Enclosure

LP5 – Cover Letters

CREATING AN

EFFECTIVE RESUME

CREATING THE EFFECTIVE RESUME What is a Resume? A resume is a one page summary of your skills, education, and experience. The resume acts much like an advertisement for a company trying to sell something. The resume is your advertisement. Just as a sneaker company spends countless hours (and millions of dollars) designing their latest advertising campaign, you too must spend a good deal of time creating, proofreading, editing, and perfecting your resume. A resume is one of the most important pieces of writing you will ever create. A solid resume is the key that will open the door to good jobs. Don’t cheat yourself...work hard on it. How long do employers typically look at a resume? A. Less than 30 seconds B. 3 Minutes C. 1 Minute If you answered “A”, you are correct. Employers often receive hundreds of resumes for a single position. They do not have time to pour over every word on each one. This increases the importance of the smallest details. What should be included in a resume? Not all resumes are the same, but there are some common elements that they all should include. The necessary elements are: Heading - Your heading should include the essential personal information. Your formal name (not nickname) should appear at the top and it should stand out above all else on the paper. You want them to remember who you are in less than 30 seconds. Also include your address (both permanent and temporary) and phone number. If you use email, include your email address. Objective - (Also called “Career Objective”) Employers often say this is the most important part of a resume. It is generally a one sentence explanation of the type of job you are seeking. Your objective should be fairly specific. If you are applying for different types of jobs, change your objective to match each type of job. If you are uncertain about the specific positions available, note your areas of interest. Education - As students, this should be your next section of information. If you are in college, you only need to include college because it is assumed that you have graduated from high school. For the same reason, high school students should not include information from junior high/middle school. You should specify the dates of attendance or graduation (or expected graduation). As a college student, include your major and the degree you expect to receive. Some people include education-related honors in this section. If your education is particularly relevant to a job, you may want to include a section titled “Relevant Courses.” In this category, you can list classes that might contribute to your employability. Experience - (Also called “Work Experience” or “Employment Experience”) In this section, you should include previous employers, their locations, your dates of employment, and your job title. You may have to create a job title if you did not have one. You should include at least two one-line descriptions of what your job duties and responsibilities were. You can not assume that the job title explains what you did to all readers. Use action verbs to start each of these descriptions. Do not use “I” in descriptions. Activities - Employers like to see people who have been involved in school or community activities. In this section, list special activities you participated in (prom committee) and organizations you joined (drama club, baseball team, etc.). Include the years in which you participated. Be aware, however, that some employers may eventually view this information as irrelevant. As high school students, this should not be a concern. Summary of Skills - Some people use this section to include special skills or talents that are not

LP4 – Resume Writing

CREATING THE EFFECTIVE RESUME included elsewhere on the resume, but would be relevant to the employer. Some possibilities are:

• Type 60 words per minute • Fluent in French

References – Although it is common practice to put “References Available Upon Request” at the bottom of a resume, most career advisors say it is unnecessary. However, there is nothing wrong with taking a nicely printed list of personal references with you to an interview. You should have 2 - 3 people who have observed your work habits (employers, teachers, coaches, etc.) and 2 - 3 people who can speak about your character. Make sure you have asked their permission to include them as references. Only ask people who will speak well of you. Create a separate list of references including their names, addresses, employers, job titles, and phone numbers. It is best to list work numbers since some people don’t appreciate calls at home. You know an employer is interested when they request a list of references. How do I set up a resume? Your resume should be divided into distinct sections. The italicized words above are typical section headings. Do not label the heading section. Headings should stand out as boldfaced, larger text. Employers tend to have certain headings that interest them most. Make it easy for them to find them. Here are some suggested headers: Major Headers (to be used in almost all resumes): Objective, Education, Employment History/Work

Experience, School Activities. Minor Headers (to be used if appropriate): Computer Experience, Associations, Certifications,

Community Activities, Highlights of Qualifications, Honors/Awards, Interests and Hobbies, Projects, Relevant Courses, Summary of Qualifications, Volunteer Experience.

Should items be arranged in any particular order? Yes! You want your resume to be coherently organized. There are two distinct types of resumes. Most young people utilize a Chronological Format. The chronological style is exactly what it sounds like: It follows your work history backward from your current job, listing employers, dates, and job responsibilities. This is the format that you would most likely use if you are new to the workforce and have limited experience. Frequent job changes and work instability show up dramatically with this format. For someone who has held many jobs, the Functional Format is more useful. A functional resume is created without employment dates or company names. This format concentrates on skills and responsibilities and is more likely to be used after you have developed your career skills and have accomplishments to your credit. Should I place Education above Experience or vice versa? Most high school and college students include the Education section directly after the objective. However, if you have experience that relates directly to the job you are applying for, you should place the Experience section above Education. How important is the format? The importance of the format lies in its consistency. There is no one best resume format. Remember to stick to one format. It shows off your organizational abilities. Should I use complete sentences when describing jobs? Not usually. Use action phrases instead. Leave out unnecessary words. Try to match your skills and experience with the employer's needs Do the looks of a resume matter? Absolutely! When sending a resume to an employer or college, don’t skimp. Use white or off-white professional weight paper and black ink. Avoid using colored paper or fancy graphics in your resume unless the job you are applying for is in a career area that might stress this type of formatting (art, graphic design, advertising, etc.) Always print resumes using a quality laser printer.

LP4 – Resume Writing

RESUME TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS 1. Final hiring decisions are rarely based solely upon the resume. The resume is your advertisement

(just like the Nike swoosh or McDonald’s arches) that will get you an interview. The resume should be a concise, factual, and positive listing of your education, employment history, and accomplishments.

2. Make sure your resume is PERFECT! It only takes one error in spelling, punctuation, or grammar

to cause an employer to stop reading. Ask people to proofread your resume. Go over it with a fine tooth comb.

3. Limit your resume to one page. Only people with a great deal of related experience should have

resumes longer than one page. 4. One inch margins around the page and blank lines between sections will make all the information

easier to read. Use a 10-point font size minimum and avoid overuse of italics, bold, and underlining.

5. Since you probably have little work experience, you will want to emphasize your accomplishments

in and out of the classroom. Volunteer activities, hobbies, sports, honor roll, and student organizations are things that help define who you are and should be highlighted. List only recent honors and awards unless they are specifically relevant to the position for which you are applying.

6. Present your job objective in a manner that relates both to the company and the job description. 7. Sell yourself! Create a good first impression by highlighting skills and abilities appropriate to the

position. If you don’t sell yourself, your resume will stay in the pile with all of the others. Separate yourself!

8. Tell the truth and nothing but the truth! Employers will pick up on “little” white lies when they

interview you. 9 Choose your words carefully. In a resume, you need to sound positive and confident, neither too

aggressive nor overly modest. Do not use “I.” Each description of your responsibilities should begin with a verb. The following words and phrases are intended as suggestions for thinking about your experience and abilities:

accomplish; achieve; analyze; adapt; balance; collaborate; coordinate; communicate; compile; conduct; contribute; complete; create; delegate direct; establish; expand; improve; implement; invent; increase; initiate; instruct; lead; organize; participate; perform; present; propose; reorganize; research; set up; supervise; support; train; travel; work (effectively, with others) For more action verbs, refer to the list of Action Verbs to Strengthen Your Vocabulary.

LP4 – Resume Writing

Fill in the Blank Resume Form

_______________________ your name, capitalized, boldfaced and 16 pt. font

_______________________ street address

_______________________ town, ME zip code

_______________________ home phone number

_______________________ email address

EDUCATION (each heading should be in capital letters and boldfaced) Class of ___________, _______________________ High School, _________________________, ME Major area of study (or coursework): _______________________________ WORK EXPERIENCE (list any job you have held) __________________ - __________________________________________ job title business name, location, dates ______________________________________________________________ describe your position duties and skills learned using key verbs __________________ - ___________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ SCHOOL ACTIVITIES (list all sports, clubs, etc. you have been involved with) ____________________________________________ (_________) activity number of years ____________________________________________ (_________) COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES (volunteer work, etc.) ____________________________________________ (_________) activity number of years ____________________________________________ (_________) AWARDS (list any awards or special recognition you have received) __________________________________ - ___________________ title of award month, year __________________________________ - ___________________ INTERESTS (list a few of your hobbies if pertinent) ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________

LP4 – Resume Writing

ACTION VERBS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR RESUME

DECISION MAKING MANAGEMENT CHANGES PERSONNEL ACCEPT ADJUDICATE ACTIVATE APPRAISE ACTIVATE ANALYZE COMPARE DISCHARGE APPROVE ANTICIPATE CREATE EMPLOY AUTHORIZE APPROVE DESIGN HANDLE DECIDE DIRECT ESTABLISH INTERVIEW RENDER ESTABLISH IMPROVE PROMOTE REQUIRED EVALUATE MAKE RECRUIT SOLVE EXECUTE MODIFY SCREEN TERMINATE MANAGE STIMULATE SEEK TEST MEET UPGRADE SELECT ORGANIZE TRAIN PLAN TRANSFER SUPERVISION ADMINISTRATION RESEARCH PLANNING & CONTROL ADHERE ADMINISTER ANALYZE ACQUIRE ASSESS ENGAGE COMPILE ALLOCATE ASSIGN FURNISH DEFINE ASSUME COUNSEL INSURE DETERMINE CONTROL DEFINE JUSTIFY DEVELOP EXTEND DELEGATE PROCESS EVALUATE FORECAST DEMONSTRATE PROCURE IDENTIFY FORMULATE DEVELOP PURCHASE INVESTIGATE MEASURE ENCOURAGE RECEIVE PREPARE MONITOR EXERCISE RECLAIM PROPOSE PLAN FOSTER REJECT RECOMMEND PROGRESS MANAGE REQUISITION RESEARCH SCHEDULE MEET SECURE REVIEW PARTICIPATE SHIP SUBMIT REPORT STORE REQUEST SUPPLY SUPERVISE

HELPING PERSONNEL COMMUNICATION EXTERNAL ACTIVITIES ARRANGE APPRAISE CONTACT COOPERATE ASSIST DISCHARGE CRITIQUE COORDINATE CONTRIBUTE EMPLOY DECLARE NEGOTIATE COUNSEL HANDLE DISPLAY PUBLICIZE GIVE INTERVIEW INFORM REPRESENT GUIDE PROMOTE INTERPRET STRENGTHEN INITIATE RECRUIT ISSUE SERVE SCREEN SPEAK SOLVE SEEK TESTIFY SELECT WRITE TRAIN TRANSFER

Excerpted from ACAP (Aroostook County Action Program) Workforce Development Center Resume Transferable Skills For lists of transferable skills that you may be able to apply to your resume, check these sites:

• http://www.dwd.state.wi.us/dwd/publications/223e_28a.htm • http://www.quintcareers.com/transferable_skills_set.html • http://www.placementmanual.com/career/career-11.html • http://www.d.umn.edu/student/loon/car/self/career_transfer_survey.html

LP4 – Resume Writing

[ SAMPLE RESUME ]

JESSICA NADEAU 42 Washington Avenue Auburn, Maine 04240

(207) 555-5555 jnadeau@internet.com

Career Objective: Computer support technician in central Maine

Education: High School Diploma, June 2002 Edward Little High School G.P.A. 3.2 Class Rank: 45 out of 411 Honors and Awards: Honor Roll for last three semesters Perfect Attendance Award for the last two academic years Relevant Courses: Introduction to Computer Repair I Introduction to BASIC Database & Spreadsheets Word Processing I

Computer Experience: Neighborhood "Computer Expert" - 2001-present. Performed troubleshooting for several friends and relatives who were having difficulty with their hardware or software. Resolved the issue 95% of the time. Network Assistant (volunteer) - Edward Little High School. September 2001-May 2002. Assembled 20 computers for new computer laboratory, loaded software on each one, and networked them.

Other Experience: Waitperson, Rolandeau's, Auburn, Maine. Summer 2001. Provided efficient, friendly, quality service in busy fine dining atmosphere. Child care provider – Freeport, Maine. Summer 2000. Provided safe, warm environment for two children aged 4 and 7. Supervised their self-directed play, prepared meals and snacks, settled disputes, determined appropriate discipline, and followed bedtime routines.

Activities: Soccer Team - 1998-2002 - Co-captain 2000-2002 Civil Rights Team - 2002 Soup Kitchen Volunteer - 1999-2001

LP4 – Resume Writing

PERFECTING THE

INTERVIEW

WHAT EMPLOYERS LOOK FORCan you show ability to do the job?

$ Skills (training, actual or related experience)$ Educational level (GED, high school diploma, college, trade school)$ Hobbies (things you do for fun that may apply to the job)$ Aptitudes (good learning ability, dexterity)$ Interests (shown by reading books, magazines or materials in your field)

Are you dependable?$ Loyal (people can count on you)$ Good attendance (being on the job every day unless excused)$ Punctual (being on time, or even better, ahead of time)$ Motivated to work (self-starter who does not need to be told what to do)

Do you have knowledge of the job or company?$ Familiar with the language related to your area of work$ Ask questions that show knowledge of the job and company

How well do you get along with others?$ Can show consideration for others$ Is cooperative$ Can accept supervision and criticism$ Willing to take part in outside activities - bowling team, etc.$ Does not argue, gossip or complain

Can you create a positive image?$ Give the feeling that you really want the job$ Be willing to work overtime$ Be optimistic - SMILE$ Try to be as confident as possible$ Dress according to what is appropriate for the job, or better$ Be neat and clean

Can you deal with possible problem areas?$ Avoid bringing up problems. They could bee seen as affecting job

performance.$ If an employer brings up a problem, be prepared to briefly explain how

you might handle that problem and how it will not interfere with the job. Some of those problems could be health, transportation, child care,age, work history, chemical dependency, prison record, history ofemotional illness, marital problems, etc.

THE 5-PART INTERVIEW The interview is the final hurdle most people have to cross in getting a job. Some colleges and scholarship committees also require interviews. Being chosen for an interview means someone is interested in your skills, knowledge and experience. However, a great application or resume can quickly find its way into the garbage if you do not come across well in an interview. You now must become a sales person. The interviewer is the buyer. They want to see if your talents meet their needs for the job or for admission to the college. Sell yourself! The interview is when you want to tell the employer or admissions representative about your strengths, skills, education, and work experience. Knowing yourself - positively selling your strong points - is what is going to get you the job or admission to the college. The easiest way to learn something is to break it down into parts. The interview process has five distinct parts.

1. BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

6. Do your homework! Learn as much as you can about the company or college before the interview.

Do some research: ask people who work there, go to the library, look on the internet, make an anonymous call to the secretary. Find out what services/products the company provides, how long they have been in business, whether the company is growing or downsizing, the company’s reputation, etc. An interviewer will be impressed that you have made an effort to learn about the company or college. Read any material they send you!

7. Know where you are going. Drive by the site of the interview a day or two before the interview. 8. Arrive 5 - 15 minutes early. 9. Be prepared when you go to the interview. Bring extra copies of your resume, your portfolio, a

notepad with some questions prepared for the interview, and a pen. 10. Dress for Success! Hair should be clean and combed. Fingernails must be clean with no gaudy

polish. Keep perfume, cologne and aftershave to a minimum. Brush your teeth and don’t forget deodorant.

Women: dress, skirt (not too short), or dress pants with a nice blouse or blazer. No excessive jewelry, make-up, or “big hair.”

Men: pants (not jeans!), collared shirt, tie, sport coat and shoes. A suit is not always necessary. Do not wear loud clothes! Be conservative!

2. THE START OF THE INTERVIEW (BEGINNING)

11. Inform the secretary/receptionist that you have an interview, whom it is with, and the time of the interview.

12. When you meet the interviewer, look straight into his/her eyes, shake hands firmly, introduce yourself, smile, be confident and wait until you are offered a seat.

13. Be positive in your communication (Remember: You’re selling yourself!!), don’t slouch, try not to be too bold or too shy. Let the interviewer lead the interview. Express that you are happy to have the opportunity to interview.

14. When all else fails: SMILE!! 15. DON’T:

Smoke, chew gum, curse, slouch, put your hands on items on the interviewer’s desk, fidget with rings, pens, ties, change, or other things in your reach.

3. THE INTERVIEW (MIDDLE)

16. Always face the interviewer with good posture and body language. 17. Stay positive with your attitude and your answers. Let the interviewer know about the skills,

knowledge and experience that make you a qualified candidate.

LP6 – Interviewing Skills

THE 5-PART INTERVIEW 18. Know your resume and portfolio well and be prepared to answer questions about them. 19. Don’t be a know-it-all! Express your willingness to learn! 20. Be honest with all answers. Experienced interviewers can see right through “little white lies.” 21. Be thorough with your answers. Never answer with just a “yes” or “no.” Always provide explanations

and examples. 22. If you don’t understand the question, ask the interviewer to explain. 23. Pay close attention to what the interviewer is saying. 24. Organize your thoughts before speaking. Feel free to think for a moment about tough questions.

Silence is not a bad thing as long as you do not take an excessive amount of time. 25. Watch for illegal questions, such as information about your age, religion, race, ethnicity or marital

status. 26. DON’T: Emphasize your weaknesses. Draw attention to negative attributes such as poor attendance, grades, being fired, etc. Criticize former employers, co-workers, or school personnel. Discuss personal issues, good or bad, which are irrelevant. Discuss salary or benefits unless the interviewer brings it up first. 27. Remember that you represent a risk to the employer. A hiring mistake is expensive. Show you are

highly motivated and energetic.

4. THE INTERVIEW (END)

28. Ask the job-related questions you prepared for the interview. 29. You may be offered the job immediately. In that case, you should ask about specific salary, benefits,

and work hours. You do not have to give them an immediate answer. Ask for a day to think about it. 30. If you are told you will be contacted, ask about how long it will be. Offer to call in a few days to find

out the decision. This shows your continued interest. 31. Make sure the interviewer knows how best to contact you and that you are available for any

additional information that may be needed. 32. Thank the person for the interview and their interest in you as a potential employee or student.

Shake hands firmly on the way out.

5. THE FOLLOW-UP

33. Send the interviewer a thank-you letter soon after the interview. 34. Call the company or college about a week after the interview to find out if they have made a decision.

If they have not, find out when they expect to have a decision.

WHY PEOPLE AREN’T HIRED

♦ Poor personal appearance ♦ Inability to communicate clearly, poor voice, and grammar ♦ Lack of planning for a career...no purpose or goals ♦ Lack of enthusiasm and confidence in the interview ♦ Condemning past employers ♦ Failure to look the interviewer in the eye ♦ Limp handshake ♦ Late to the interview ♦ Does not thank the interviewer for his/her time ♦ Asks no questions ♦ Lack of knowledge about the business or the position

LP6 – Interviewing Skills

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT

Questions Often Asked By Employers Questions Often Asked By Applicants 1. Tell me about yourself. 1. What are the strengths of the organization or

department? 2. What are your short-range and long-range

career goals, and how are you preparing to achieve them?

2. What are the career opportunities for someone entering this position?

3. Why did you choose this career? 3. What kind of orientation and training is available to new employees?

4. What do you consider to be your greatest strengths? Weaknesses?

4. How large is the company/college? How large is this particular department/major?

5. How would you describe yourself? How would a friend or professor describe you?

5. To whom would I be reporting and what kind of communication channels are there?

6. How has your college experience prepared you for your career?

6. What are the long-range plans for this organization?

7. Why should I hire you? 7. How long was my predecessor in this position? Why did he/she leave?

8. How do you determine or evaluate success? 8. How will I be evaluated? How often? 9. In what ways do you think you can make a

contribution to our company? 9. Is there an opportunity to transfer from one

division to another? 10. Describe the relationship that should exist

between a supervisor and those reporting to him/her.

10. What are the prospects for promotion in the future? What are some of the qualities or accomplishments you would consider important for promotion?

11. Describe your most rewarding high school/college experience.

11. What is the management philosophy of this organization? What is the general philosophy?

12. If you were hiring for this position, what qualities would you look for?

12. In what areas of the organization do you expect growth?

13. What led you to choose your field or major? 13. Is continuing education encouraged? Is tuition reimbursement offered?

14. What have you learned from participation in extracurricular activities?

14. Can you tell me about the history of this position, and changes anticipated?

15. How do you work under pressure? 15. What are your expectations of the person in this position?

16. Describe the ideal job/college. 16. Is overtime the norm in this office? 17. Why did you decide to seek a position with

this organization and what do you know about us?

17. What kind of support staff is available? What is the ratio of support staff to professionals, and how is work distributed?

18. What major problems have you encountered and how did you deal with it?

18. Generally, what percentage of time will be devoted to each of my responsibilities?

19. What criteria are you using to evaluate the company/college for which you hope to work/attend?

19. Do you work with daily, weekly, monthly, or annual deadlines?

20. What salary do you want? 20. Does the organization have a process for sharing creative ideas?

LP6 – Interviewing Skills

HOW ARE YOU RATED DURING THE INTERVIEW?

ATTITUDE40%

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

25%

APPEARANCE25%

10%

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

LP6 – Interviewing Skills

MOCK INTERVIEW EVALUATION

INTERVIEWER: _________________________________________________________ STUDENT: _________________________________________________________ DATE OF INTERVIEW: _________________________________________________________ Rate the student interviewee on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) in the following areas of interviewing skill.

NONVERBAL BEHAVIORS 1. Dressed appropriately 1 2 3 4 5 2. Firmly shook hands of interviewer before and after 1 2 3 4 5 3. Maintained eye contact with interviewer 1 2 3 4 5 4. Maintained good posture 1 2 3 4 5 5. Did not fidget 1 2 3 4 5 6. Used hands for emphasis where appropriate 1 2 3 4 5

VERBAL BEHAVIORS 1. Listened closely to questions 1 2 3 4 5 2. Answered questions completely, yet briefly 1 2 3 4 5 3. Greeted interviewer by name 1 2 3 4 5 4. Thanked interviewer 1 2 3 4 5 5. Emphasized qualifications 1 2 3 4 5 6. Pointed out work-related skills 1 2 3 4 5 7. Displayed enthusiasm 1 2 3 4 5 8. Focused on strengths; avoided weaknesses 1 2 3 4 5 9. Acted in polite manner 1 2 3 4 5 10. Stayed calm 1 2 3 4 5 11. Responded to questions promptly, but not hurriedly

1 2 3 4 5

12. Knows when a decision will be made 1 2 3 4 5 13. Asked appropriate questions of the interviewer 1 2 3 4 5 14. Spoke clearly and at a reasonable volume 1 2 3 4 5 15. Demonstrated knowledge of the field/company 1 2 3 4 5 16. Avoided use of phrases such as “um” & “you know”

1 2 3 4 5

17. Stated career goal(s) and related it to position 1 2 3 4 5

LP6 – Interviewing Skills

Sample Thank You Letter

13 Main Street Springfield, ME 04007 June 2, 2003 Mr. Joe Smith Saco Defense 122 Main Street Saco, ME 04072 Dear Mr. Smith: Thanks you for the opportunity to speak with you last Monday about the exciting possibility of an internship position in the Drafting Department at Saco Defense. After our conversation, I was extremely interested in this apprenticeship and would be proud to work for such a reputable company. I feel confident that my work experience and coursework in drafting would be beneficial to the company. I am available to provide any other information you may need and am looking forward to hearing from you. Once again, thank you for your time, attention, and interest in me as a potential intern. Sincerely, Waylon Smithers

LP6 – Interviewing Skills