Interviewing Skills & Guidelines
The interview is a vital step to obtaining a job, and is really a two-way discussion between the employer and the job seeker. The goal of this discussions is to determine whether the job is a fit for you and you have the right qualifications for the position.
Before the Interview:
- Prepare your resume and references
- Research the company ahead of the interview
- Prepare questions to ask the interviewer that relate to the position, such as:
- What are the primary responsibilities of this job?
- What qualifications are you looking for in the person you hire?
- What is the process for training or learning the job?
- Are there opportunities for advancement?
- How do you measure employee performance?
- How would you describe the company culture
- Wear workplace-appropriate clothing* (link to fun workplace clothes for interviews)
- Arrive 10 minutes early and attend the interview alone
- Take an extra resume and references in a folder (have a pen handy, too)
Interview Dress Code Suggestions
Your first impression matters most, so what you wear to an apprenticeship or a skilled trades job interview is very important.
Simply wear business-casual clothing and outerwear that is appropriate for the occasion, such as:
- Pants or skirts. Khakis, dark slacks or skirts in similar colors.
- Tops. Long-sleeved, button-up dress shirts, sweater or cardigan. Depending on the climate, polo shirts may also be appropriate.
- Footwear. Shoes should be clean, polished and closed-toed. Choose “dress” shoes over “athletic” shoes. A flat or a low heel is appropriate.
- Accessories. Belts should be low-key and fit correctly. Avoid distracting jewelry – simple is ok.
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At the Interview
- Use a firm handshake and make eye contact
- Place personal items next to your chair
- Answer questions accurately, honestly and promptly
- Be honest and stick to the facts
- Avoid negative language
- Answer from their perspective – what do they want to hear?
- Provide fact-based evidence for specific history and facts
- Relate to the job – limit open-ended response
- Establish your qualifications with every answer
- Answer the question – don’t get into a drawn-out story
- Stick to the facts and avoid unnecessary comments
- Avoid discussing personal problems or situations
- Maintain a professional composure
- If asked a question about past mistakes or failures discuss examples of improvements you’ve made from those experiences
- Ask to repeat a question or explain in more detail if you’re unclear how to answer
- Thank employer, express that you are very interested in the position and ask about next steps – get employer’s email address if you don’t already have it
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After the Interview:
- Send thank-you note via email within 24 hours
- If you don’t hear back in a week, follow up with an email or phone call to find out the status of the opportunity
