This document summarizes a virtual meeting of the St. Joseph Employment Ministry held on April 1, 2020. It includes an opening prayer to St. Joseph the Worker, information about how to join the ministry's mailing list, announcements about an online well-being course from Yale and an upcoming webinar from the McHenry County Workforce Network, and a presentation by Bruce Bennett on how to ace a job interview with tips on preparation, common questions, and follow up. The presentation covers strengths identification, researching the company and position, practicing answers, and closing the interview.
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Opening Prayer to St. Joseph the Worker
God our Father and Creator, You bestow
upon us gifts and talents to develop and
use in accord With your will.
Grant to me, through the intercession of St.
Joseph the Worker - as model and guide -
employment and work, that I may, with
dignity, provide for those that depend on
me for care and support.
Grant me the opportunities to use my
energy, talents, and abilities for the good of
all and the glory of Your name. Amen.
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St. Joe's Employment Ministry
If you would like to get on our mailing list,
please send an email to:
johnfjennings1@gmail.com
Please include the following:
Name:
Email address:
Phone No. (optional)
Target Job Function (e.g. Accountant,
Marketing Mgr., etc.) (optional)
Previous Company (optional)
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Announcements by Maureen Mueller
The Science of Well Being
Yale University course offered by Coursera
https://www.coursera.org/learn/the-science-
of-well-being
5. Guide to a Winning
Interview
brought to you by
Bruce A. Bennett
Career Coach Corner
April 1, 2020
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Zoom controls are at the bottom of the screen
Moving cursor will display the control bar
Zoom Controls
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The chat feature allows you to ask question
Type message and hit enter to send message
Zoom Controls
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Introduction & Notes for Workshop
Introduction
Professional Career in Media & Marketing Research
MCWN Volunteer & Contractor
Career Coach Corner Blogger, Presenter & Podcaster
General Notes for Today
My contact info is on last slide
Presentation file available upon request
Workshop is interactive, Q/A & Parking lot
Red Arrows
Social Media Revolution
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How to Ace an Interview
Self awareness
Inventory your skills
Strength Finder by Gallup - now CliftonStrengths
SWOT analysis
Preparation
Select 3 to 5 of your key strengths
Use a STAR to illustrate the skill to interviewer
Research company and individuals
Practice
Scripted answers
Mirror or camera
Family, friends or pets
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Key Strengths - STARs or CARs
Relate a memorable story with your core traits
Customer Service
“Are you calling me a liar” story.
Decision Making
Our equipment in the garage appeared to be the
source of the fire.
Computer Software Adaptability
Became the beta tester for new roll outs of
proprietary programs for regional managers.
Training Staff
Coached and developed 22 direct reports into
supervisory role positions.
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Research Company and Position
Research the company
Google the company
Company website, news, management team, etc.
Mission statement and/or core values
Check them on LinkedIn
Research the position
Use Indeed or other job boards for similar positions
for key words or skills not covered in their posting
Check salary.com to get range of compensation
LinkedIn Research
Search for interviewer(s) and company
Find details from their profile and LinkedIn page
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Research Company Exercise
Target company research exercise
Select a target company, e.g. Sage Products
Google the company
Visit company website
LinkedIn
What talking points were discovered?
Mission statement?
Corporate culture?
Management changes?
New product/services launch?
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Research Position Exercise
Target Position research exercise
Select a position, e.g. CSR, Salesman, Manager
Google the position
Check Indeed website
Check LinkedIn
What common elements were found?
Key skills?
Previous experience?
Education?
Industry experience?
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Interviewing Situations
Prescreen Phone Interview
Spur of the moment
Prearranged for a scheduled time
Determines your next step in the process
Follow up with F2F interview
Keep your resume on file
F2F Interview
Job Fairs
On Campus recruiting
Company location
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Interviewing Situations
Video Interviewing
Background & Environment
Practice recording on laptop or tablet
https://www.myinterviewpractice.com/
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Phone Screen Interview Preparation
Schedule the time rather than spur of the moment
Locate to a distraction free environment
No pets, no TV, no Radio, no computer
Have your cell phone fully charged
Have work history and job description handy
Relate the job’s and your key skills
Stand during the phone interview
Smile while on the call
Take note of interviewer’s name
Have a few questions ready for the interviewer, e.g.
Is position new or replacing someone, i.e. budgeted?
Next steps in the application process
Avoid rambling and/or really long answers
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Phone Screen Interview Preparation
Schedule the time rather than spur of the moment
Locate to a distraction free environment
No pets, no TV, no Radio, no computer
Have your cell phone fully charged
Have work history and job description handy
Relate the job’s and your key skills
Stand during the phone interview
Smile while on the call
Take note of interviewer’s name
Have a few questions ready for the interviewer, e.g.
Is position new or replacing someone, i.e. budgeted?
Next steps in the application process
Avoid rambling and/or really long answers
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F2F Interviewing Preparation
Prepare story examples that illustrate skills and
capabilities
Interview practice with family, friends, etc.
Have work history and reference details
ABCs of references
Take several copies of resume
Dress for interview
Over dress rather than under dress
Appropriate for position, e.g. Ad Agency
Research the company and position
Google it
Check them on LinkedIn
Check company’s webpage
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F2F Interviewing Process
Turn on positives, creative, am quick learner,
relationship builder, etc.
Eye contact
Self on shoulder alter ego (good/bad angel)
Humor ok!?!?
Know the corporate culture
Personal branding - Portfolio
Ideal or dream job
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Standard Questions
Why did you leave your last job?
What did you learn at your last job?
What level of education did you achieve?
What is your greatest strength?
What have you been doing since being laid off?
Why were you fired?
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Behavioral Type Questions
How did you handle a difficult situation with a
supervisor?
Give me an example of how you set goals and
achieve them.
Teamwork is important to the position. Give me an
example of your working with a team.
Tell me about how you worked effectively under
pressure.
Relate when you had to enforce a company policy
that you did not agree with personally.
Pamela Skilling Discusses Behavioral Questions
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Oddball Questions
How much does the earth weigh?
What would you expect to pay for the empty lot next
to our company?
How far away is Alpha Centuri?
What animal or tree would you like to be?
What kind of cookie would you like to be?
What is your spirit animal?
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Five Tough Questions Videos
John Heaney offers advice for these tough questions
“Tell me about yourself!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhWq1Q8uGg4&t=2s by John Heaney
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmFuWmzeiDs by Pamela Skillings
“What are your greatest weaknesses?”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhTbeeUtWKs&t=3s
“Why should we hire you?”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yx1_CZTdKAc&t=8s
“Why do you want to work here?”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g619eeLPSi0&t=81s
“Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRURxgW4eBE&t=3s
Search Google and YouTube for additional interview Q & A
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Do You Have Any Questions For Me?
You better!!
Be prepared with questions to ask the interviewer
A printed list will demonstrate your preparation and
interest in the company and position
Questions can range from evaluations to
management style.
Is Corporate Culture is another potential topic?
Interview Questions MarketTools
Google for other questions to ask the interviewer
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Interviewing Closing Suggestions
John Heaney suggests to not ask these questions
10 Questions to Never Ask on a Job Interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNW8u1yC4Bg 7 minutes
Don Georgevich advises never ask these questions
NEVER Ask These Questions in a Job Interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPRG7_fXe_E 8 minutes
Closing statement?
Elevator speech repeated with knowledge gained
through the interview
Express interest in the job, “I want the job!”
Next steps in candidate selection process
“Can I have your business card?”
Handshake
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Interview Do’s
Bring a notebook to take notes
Press your clothes and shine shoes
Be aware of your body posture
Turn off your phone
Be friendly with everyone you meet
Smile
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Interview Don’ts
Do not be too early or late
Do not answer cell phone or texts
Do not wear perfume or cologne
Do not disparage your previous employer or boss
Do not leave your notebook at home
Do not cross your arms
Do not answer with simple yes or no
Do not fidget
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Post Interview Suggestions
Debrief yourself
Keep a journal of interview questions & answers
Rate your answers to learn from interview to
interview
Thank you letter
Personal Thank you card best
Email note is acceptable
Follow up with phone call
Lastly, remember the Challenging interview
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Success Stories
Michele N. – Medical
Attended Resume & LinkedIn workshops and gained confidence
Mary M. – Educator
Changed her resume after Resume, CL & ATS workshop and got 9 interviews
Stefanie S. – Pharmacy Technician
Prepared effectively after Winning Interview workshop and was hired
Nick C. – Retail Loss Prevention
Attended all workshops and incorporated learnings to get hired
Samantha B. – Senior Year College Student
Incorporated my recommendations, found on LinkedIn and offered job
I want to add your name to the list!!
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Upcoming Events
McHenry County Workforce Network
500 Russel Court, Woodstock IL 60098
Start with a Resume and Finish with an Interview
April 13, 2020 from 9:00am to 12:00pm
Click here to register in advance for this webinar
LinkedIn for Your Job Search
April 27, 2020 from 9:00am to 12:00pm
Click here to register in advance for this webinar
Getting Started with LinkedIn Webinar Available on Google Docs
McHenry County Workforce Network
April Calendar of Events & Services
38. Open Discussion and Networking
Feel free to follow up or
connect with me on LinkedIn
Bruce A. Bennett
815-302-9552
Email: BABennett73@gmail.com
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/bruceabennett
Career Coach Corner Blog: http://bruce73.wordpress.com/
Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/b-squared-linkedin