INTERVIEWS

After you read this information, you can make an appointment for a mock interview with a Career Services staff member. It's a great way to practice your interview skills in a non-threatening situation, get some suggestions for improving your skills, and increase your self-confidence. To make an appointment, call (864) 646-1577, email jobplace@tctc.edu, or visit Career Services in Miller Hall, Room 140.

PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW

Before meeting with an employer, it's essential that you prepare.

• Learn as much as you can about the company, including its history, organization, and mission. Company websites, college placement offices, libraries, and local chambers of commerce are good sources. Check with friends, neighbors, and relatives also.

• Learn everything you can about the job and how your previous experience and training qualify you for the job.

• Gather all the information you'll need to complete an application (your work history, names and addresses of references, etc).

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INTERVIEWING EFFECTIVELY

A job interview is always a challenge, but it can be an exciting challenge, but it can be an exciting challenge if you've spent enough time preparing. Below are some tips for handling the interview.

• Dress appropriately for the interview. As a general rule, dress "one step up" from what you'd typically wear on the job for which you're interviewing.

• Always go to the interview alone. Arrange for baby sitters, transportation, and other pitfalls ahead of time.

• Be on time, but not too early. If you get a chance, stop by a restroom to check your appearance.

• Establish eye contact and greet everyone you meet with a smile.

• Be attentive and sincere. The interviewer is interested in finding out as much about you as possible.

• Make sure you are honest and straightforward. It is standard practice for an interviewer to verify information you provide.

• Find common ground with the interviewer. Pictures, books, plants, etc., in the interviewer's office can be conversation items that make you both more comfortable.

• Express your interest in the job and company using information you gathered to prepare for the interview.

• Answer questions clearly and in a positive manner. Show how your skills and experience will make you productive.

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WHAT NOT TO SAY DURING AN INTERVIEW

Just as you must be careful about the information you include in your resume, you also must watch what you say during an interview.

• Don't speak negatively of former employers and co-workers.

• Don't bring up salary and benefits. Let the employer do this at the appropriate time.

• Don't name a specific salary. Instead, use a salary range which will keep you from being too high or too low in negotiating.

• Don't press the interviewer for an immediate commitment.

• Don't accept an offer until you are completely satisfied.

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NEGATIVE FACTORS THAT MAY LEAD TO REJECTION

An old saying goes, "forewarned is forearmed!" As you look over the list below, identify any negative factors that apply to you. Then start working on improving them!

• Poor attitude

• Lack of interest, knowledge, and ability

• Poor grooming habits and personal appearance

• Inability to express yourself clearly (poor voice, grammar, etc.)

• Lack of planning for career, no purpose or goals

• Lack of enthusiasm

• Failure to participate in activities

• Over-emphasis on money

• Poor scholastic record and attendance

• Unwillingness to start at a lower level and work up

• Lack of tact and maturity

• Lack of courtesy and social understanding

• Poor eye contact

• Limp handshake

• Sloppy, incomplete cover letter, resume, and application

• Only seeking employment for a short period of time

• Lack of knowledge in field of specialization

• No interest in company or product

• No previous work experience

• Low moral standards and/or laziness

• Objection to travel and/or relocating

• Lack of participation in community activities

• Lack of punctuality

• Lack of preparation for interview

• Failure to respond effectively to questions

• Lack of transportation to and from job

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COMMON SHORTCOMINGS OF JOB APPLICANTS

A recent poll by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce showed that most common shortcomings of job applicants were considered to be poor attitude and work habits (43%), inability to communicate well orally or in writing (19%), lack of specific technical skills (17%), and lack of basic reading skills (16%).

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QUESTIONS OFTEN ASKED DURING AN INTERVIEW

Many interviewers ask similar questions. The more you interview, the better you get at answering questions such as these:

• Please tell me a little about yourself.

• What led you to choose your particular field (or academic major)? What do you like about it? What don't you like?

• In what kinds of positions are you most interested?

• Have you had summer or previous employment in this or a related field?

• What have you learned from previous employment in this or a related field?

• What have you learned from previous work experience?

• What are the most important considerations for you in choosing a job?

• What kinds of courses have you taken that you think prepared you for this occupation?

• How did you do in courses related to this job? How did you do overall in high school? College?

• Why did you interview with our company?

• Are you willing to relocate if necessary?

• What do you see yourself doing five years from now? Ten years from now? What are your long-range goals?

• How do you spend your leisure time? Do you have hobbies?

• What would you say is your greatest strength?

• What is your greatest weakness?

• Have you ever had problems interacting with co-workers?

• What are your ideas on salary? How much money do you want to be earning ten years from now? (Remember, use a range!)

• What do you think you can contribute to our company?

• Were you fired from a job? Did you ever quit? Why?

• Do you have any questions?

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QUESTIONS TO ASK THE INTERVIEWER

The questions you need to ask an interviewer will depend on what information you feel you need. Try to think of questions that cause the interviewer to visualize you in the job and demonstrate your energetic work habits. For example, "If I'm hired for this position, what kind of projects would you like me to complete during the first six weeks?"

Another approach you can take is to ask questions that show your long-term interest in the company. For example, "What kinds of advancement opportunities could an effective worker anticipate in three to five years?" Or, you may ask, "What changes do you forsee your company making within the next ten years?"

Regardless of the questions you choose to ask, follow the guidelines below.

• Ask questions that show your interest in contributing to the company (instead of the company contributing to you)

• Plan your questions ahead of time so that you won't be caught off guard (remember, preparation is the key).

• Ask the questions, but don't take up too much of the interviewer's time. Three to five questions are usually okay.

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CLOSING THE INTERVIEW

The interviewer will definitely remember your introduction and your exit. It's very important that you leave with a smile and that the employer knows you're highly interested in the job.

• Ask when you can expect to hear from the employer. You may also ask when it would be appropriate for you to follow-up.

• Write down when, where, and at what time you are to return for another interview (if applicable).

• Show the interviewer that you are interested in the job, that you can do the job, and that you are willing to do the job.

• Thank the interviewer and reaffirm your interest in the job.

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FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW

In general, an employer will interview more than one qualified candidate for a position. The employer wants to find one applicant who will emerge as the front-runner. Now is the time to separate yourself from the pack by writing a follow-up thank you letter to your interviewer(s).

A follow-up letter is designed to demonstrate your energy, thoughtfulness, professionalism, and interest. The letter should be short and simple. If possible, type or print it on the same kind of high quality paper that you used for your cover letter and resume. Send the letter as soon as possible. Try to mail it within 24 hours of the interview, or you may choose to hand deliver it if you prefer.

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SAMPLE FOLLOW-UP LETTER

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