Interviewing The School Board of Broward County

Dislocated Employee Support

Interviewing The final step

before the

Job Offer and Employment

• You get one shot at selling your knowledge, skills,

abilities, and sharing your accomplishments

Preparation for a Job Interview is key

to YOUR success …

• You will be competing with many other candidates

and must stand out in a positive way

• Your First impression really matters …. the way

you dress, talk, body language and even your

personal hygiene all count

• Employers will not just be looking at your skills …

they will also be looking at how well you will fit in

with their organization

• This means that your likability, interpersonal and

soft skills will be critical throughout the entire

process and will carry on even after you get hired

Preparation for a Job Interview is key

to YOUR success …

Types of Interviews

• Telephone Interview

• Skype/Facetime Interview

• Digital/Video Interview

• Face-to-Face Interview

1. Keep your answers brief and concise

2. Include concrete, quantifiable data

3. Repeat you key strengths three times

4. Prepare five or more success stories

5. Put yourself on their team

6. Image is an important as content

7. Ask questions

8. Maintain a conversational flow

9. Research the company

10.Keep an interview journal

10 Rules of the Interview

• Confirm time, date, location & know where you are going

• Arrive to the interview 15 minutes early

• Know the job description for the job you’re applying for

• Learn as much as you can about the company

• Learn your résumé

• Bring three to six extra copies of your résumé

• Be ready with a least three to five questions

• Dress for success- No perfume, gum, smoking, or food

• Go into the interview with the right attitude

• Practice, Practice, Practice

Before the Interview

Professional Image Appearance Matters!

Tips: Make sure your clothes are always clean and presentable

when going to work

Interview Attire

• Choose solid colors over patterns

• Choose neutral over bright colors

• Close toe shoes

• Conservative Jewelry

• Tell me about yourself.

• Why Should I hire you?

• What do you consider your weaknesses?

• Do you prefer working with others or alone?

• How would your co-workers describe you?

• What motivates you on the job?

• How do you react to problems?

• Can you work weekends?

• Are you willing to travel?

• Can we contact your references?

Be prepared to answer common

Interview Questions

When you meet the interviewer:

• Professional hand shake and Confident Body

Language

– Give direct eye contact

– Introduce yourself

– Smile & be confident

– Wait to be seated

– Express that you are happy to have this opportunity

– Be friendly with everyone you encounter … they

may have input on your performance

Beginning the Interview

• Present yourself with good non-verbal communication

• 50-50-2 Rule: listen 50%, speak 50%, speak no longer than 2 min.

• Be polite and keep an even tone to your speech and speak clearly

• Be positive & honest with all answers

• Provide explanations and examples for answers

• Pay close attention to what the interviewer is saying

• If you don’t understand the question, ask ….

• Avoid salary negotiations as long as possible, but be prepared to discuss if the interviewer brings it up

• Express your willingness to learn

• Identify you are the best qualified candidate

During the Interview

Avoiding Interview Mistakes • Poor non-verbal communication

• Not dressing for the interview or company

• Not listening carefully

• Being over-familiar (not your best friend)

• Talking too much

• Using inappropriate language

• Acting cocky

• Not answering the question (jumping in)

• Not asking questions

• Appearing desperate

• Ask the job-related questions you prepared

• Ask if there is anything else you can provide them

• Make sure the interviewer knows how to contact you

• Ask for a business card from each person that

interviews you

• Emphasis you are interested in the job and how you

will contribute to the company

• Indicate that you will follow-up with a phone call

• Thank the person(s) for the interview

• Thank the front desk receptionist

Closing the Interview

• Send a thank-you letter immediately (within 24 Hours)

• Call five days after the interview to follow-up

Find out when they expect to have a decision

• Call (follow-up with) the interviewer(s) every two weeks after the interview … consider also sending a follow-up letter as well

“Remember – You are selling Yourself!”

After the Interview

Use your smart phone now to find out about times and locations for all of our valuable workshops!

Find us at:

CareerSource Broward CareerSource Broward CareerSource Broward

North Center Central Center South Center

4941 Coconut Creek Parkway 2610 W. Oakland Park Blvd. 7550 Davie Road Ext.

Coconut Creek, FL 33063 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311 Hollywood, FL 33024

(954) 969 -3541 (954) 677-5555 (954) 967-1010

www.careersourcebroward.com

An equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers on this document may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711.