Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
Capstone Experience
Senior Seminar
Department of Health Promotion and Human
Performance
“Hey, I’ve Got A Job Interview!”
Make eye contact at least half to Check your impulse to use other
2/3 of the time. Nod every so person’s name repeatedly. Never
often. use first name in interview.
Smile, even if not in mood. Fake Radiate accessibility. Show
social generosity. interest in others.
Be careful about oversharing, i.e. Match speech cadence to other
disclosing too much. person. Listen closely.
Think Like the Interviewer
What kinds of questions will
What does the manager want
the manager ask?
to know? That:
All interviews are different.
You are the best person to
However, since most
accomplish his/her 3 goals.
interviews are routine, there
You will NOT become his/her
are some routine questions
“worst fear”. you can expect.
You will make Areas the manager needs to
the company better, know about you
the manager’s life easier, Education Experience
the manager become more General intelligence Skills
successful & look better.
Attitudes Personality
Common Questions/ Answers
Tell me about yourself. Tell me about a problem you
Highlight your background as it solved on your previous job.
relates to particular job. Provide information that includes
In what ways will your education problems you have handled,
or training help you in this actions you have taken and the
position? results- premise that past
behavior predicts future behavior.
Demonstrate your capacity to Do you prefer to work alone, or
make practical application of do you to prefer to work as part
formal knowledge & training. of a group?
Why did you specialize in your Double-edged sword; work alone
particular field? could be self starter, work in
group could be team player.
Solicits clues about basic value Stress both attributes.
system.
Common Questions/ Answers
What do you know about our In a job, what interests you
company? most/least?
Use company research. Relate to the position
Why are you interested in Describe your best/worst boss.
working for this company? Keep it positive.
Relate your skills to what you How do others describe you?
know about the company.
Personal traits & characteristics
How does this position fit into adjectives
your future plans?
What do you consider your
Where do you see yourself in single most noteworthy
three years? accomplishment in your last job?
Demonstrate ambition, potential
and flexibility.
Questions
Give me one good reason I Give me two good reasons I
should hire you. should not hire you.
What qualifications do you What would you most like to
have for this job? improve about yourself?
If you were hired, what What could you have done
ideas/talents could you better on your last job?
contribute to this position? What can you tell me that
What do you consider your best illustrates your personal
most outstanding quality? drive and motivation.
What evidence can you cite
that demonstrates your job
effectiveness?
Answers
Strengths Weaknesses - probing
Identify your key strengths technical shortcomings
related to job description (knowledge & skills to perform
Provide evidence of strength job)
utilization (as demonstrated in interpersonal shortcomings
major contributions, job success) (ability to relate to others)
Compare yourself with peers (co- personal shortcomings (personal
workers, other applicants) traits that influence your
Pretend you’re the employer, effectiveness)
what qualities match job Weakness control: turn into
demands. positive
Your Questions ??
Interview is a two-way Company Questions
process. Prepare questions. Is there a career path? Or
Managers want to hear Where can I go from here,
intelligent, well-thought assuming that I perform the
questions. job’s responsibilities?
What is the overall structure
Company Questions
of the department where this
What are the plans of the position is located?
company for the future?
What are some of the
How would someone with my challenges and priorities of
background fit into the the company?
company plan?
Your Questions ??
Job Questions Job Questions
Were there any questions I To whom does this position
didn’t provide an adequate report?
answer? What is the background of
Is this a new or replacement my potential boss?
job? What qualifications does
As you think about this your ideal candidate need?
position, what aspects of this What are the opportunities
job could be performed for personal growth? Or If
better? you were to offer me this job,
What do you visualize as the where could I expect to be in
major opportunity areas for 5 years?
this position?
Your Questions
Compensation Issues
Never ask about salary. The company will discuss salary when
appropriate; usually reserved for the second interview or when there
is a firm offer. When the offer is made, ask: Is there a sign-on bonus
or commission in addition to salary? How often are the reviews?
Benefits questions. Company benefits are often worth 25% to 50%
or more of cash salary offered. Ask: When am I eligible for
the plan? Do I have a choice of benefits available?
Negotiations. Everything can be negotiated after you have received an
offer. Know the market and request consideration in terms of salary,
benefits and perks.
Legal Questions
Item Can be asked Cannot be asked
Age Whether you are above Age, birth date, birth
minimum or maximum age certificate, high-school
graduation date
Criminal Record Conviction record, if it relates Arrest record
to ability to do job
Disabilities Anything that relates to ability Anything that does not relate
to do the job to ability to do job
Marital/ Family Nothing Anything
Status
National Origin Whether candidate can legally Anything
work in the US
Race, Religion, Nothing Anything
Sex
Tips
Bathe and use deodorant-antiperspirant before
the interview.
Bring only essential items to the interview (resume, references,
portfolio, datebook, transcripts of college work, licenses, etc.).
Organize items so can refer to them readily in interview.
Know location of office and how to get there. Make a trial trip getting to
the interview.
Arrive 15 minutes early for actual interview.
Be pleasant, polite and friendly but businesslike to everyone you meet,
including office staff.
Check your appearance before going in.
If you have bad breath, take a breath mint.
Professional Dressing
Dress Up even if Casual Environment
For women For men
Wear a suit, skirt and tailored jacket, Wear a suit, blue or gray, in
dress with sleeves, or dress with jacket conservative style. Blazer, slacks and
in conservative style, color and fabric. shirt with collar but w/o tie are
Be feminine, but business-like. Do not acceptable in few instances. Freshly
dress sensually unless sex appeal is part pressed.
of the job. Shirts solid color; ties conservative.
Hair in conservative style; nails Eliminate earrings, flashy jewelry or
manicured, short to mid-length, clear or strong after-shave.
light color polish.
Conservative style hair, beard.
Keep make-up and accessories to
Dress style shoes, polished and
minimum; less is more.
repaired.
Non-verbal
Always offer your hand; use a firm, but not
crushing handshake.
Use eye contact without staring; avoiding contact is a sign of
deception, disinterest, or lack of confidence.
If a place of sitting is not indicated, choose a chair closest to the
interviewer.
Sit relaxed, but do not slouch. Leaning slightly forward shows
interest, but do not lean on desk or knees.
Use hands naturally to emphasize a point; do not cover
mouth, hold your head or twist hands.
Summary
Deadly Interview Mistakes
1. Arrives late for the interview.
2. Indicates he is late because the directions he was given were not
good.
3. Looks disheveled and inappropriately dressed.
4. Slouches in his seat.
5. Does not maintain good eye contact with interviewer.
6. Assumes he will find out about the company in the interview.
Asks interviewer “What do you do here?”
7. Does not link what he can do with the needs of the employer.
8. Brags about how great he is , but cites no evidence.
Summary
Deadly Interview Mistakes
9. Responses have no clear focus, seem disorganized and rambling.
10. Is low-key; does not project enthusiasm nor appear to want the
job; what are you going to do for me attitude.
11. Answers most questions with short “yes” and “no”.
12. Appears desperate for a job – any job.
13. Calls the interviewer by his first name repeatedly or uses the
wrong name.
14. Badmouths his former boss and the company.
15. Gives memorized responses and forgets parts.
16. Asks “How am I doing? Are you going to hire me?”
After the Interview
Review & analyze your performance. Take notes, modify any
items to improve your next interview.
Send a thank you note to the manager immediately after the
interview. Don’t put this off!
Make a return visit or a telephone call two or three days after
your interview.
Reintroduce yourself and remind which job you interviewed for.
Add any additional thoughts you may not have covered when
interviewed.
Emphasize your strengths for the job.
Find out if a hiring decision has been made. If decision has been made
and you’re not it, ask for suggestions for creating a better impression.
Thank the interviewer for speaking to you & for his time.
100 Marion Street
Liberty, MO 64068
816-792-2000
March 17, 2010
The position sounds very interesting, particularly since it would be an opportunity for me to use
my skills in designing sound individual exercise prescriptions and administering safe, specific
activity programs. I am eager to develop and deliver exercise programs to your clients.
Dr. Lambert, I want this job. I can quickly become a member of your team if you’ll give me a
chance. If I may, let me call you in a few days to see if you have reached a decision favorable to
both of us. I look forward to talking with you. Thank you again for your consideration.
Sincerely,
(written signature)
Cynthia L. Smith