Penn State Lehigh Valley - ENGL202D. SUCCESSFUL WRITING AT WORK, 3rd Concise Edition.

1. InterviewingInterviewing
Tips and TricksTips and Tricks

2. PreparingPreparing
• Research the companyResearch the company
• Review the job descriptionReview the job description
• Prepare a summary (1-2 min) of your chief qualifications forPrepare a summary (1-2 min) of your chief qualifications for
the job descriptionthe job description
• Take a portfolio and an extra copy of your resumeTake a portfolio and an extra copy of your resume
• Bring your photo ID and social security cardBring your photo ID and social security card

3. How to Prepare for QuestionsHow to Prepare for Questions
• Practice with a friend or job counselorPractice with a friend or job counselor
• Be enthusiasticBe enthusiastic
• Brush up on business etiquetteBrush up on business etiquette

4. Expect to be asked theExpect to be asked the
following…following…

5. Questions to Expect:Questions to Expect:
Related to the JobRelated to the Job
• Why do you want to work for us?Why do you want to work for us?
• What qualifications do you have for the job?What qualifications do you have for the job?
• What can you offer that other candidates cannot?What can you offer that other candidates cannot?

6. Questions to Expect:Questions to Expect:
About Courses & CollegeAbout Courses & College
• Why did you attend (blank) school?Why did you attend (blank) school?
• Why did you major inWhy did you major in xx??
• Why did you get a C in this course?Why did you get a C in this course?
• What extracurricular activities did you participate in?What extracurricular activities did you participate in?
• Did you learn as much as you wanted from your course work?Did you learn as much as you wanted from your course work?

7. Questions to Expect:Questions to Expect:
PersonalityPersonality
• What is your greatest strength?What is your greatest strength?
• What is your greatest weakness?What is your greatest weakness?
• How would you handle a conflict with a co-worker, boss, orHow would you handle a conflict with a co-worker, boss, or
customer?customer?

8. Other Things to ExpectOther Things to Expect
• Tell me about a time you…Tell me about a time you…
• Failed at somethingFailed at something
• Had to make an unpopular standHad to make an unpopular stand
• Really had to go way above and beyondReally had to go way above and beyond
• Had to show exceptional attention to detailHad to show exceptional attention to detail
• Dealt with a difficult colleague/co-workerDealt with a difficult colleague/co-worker
• Showed that you can multi-task under pressureShowed that you can multi-task under pressure

9. You can ask about…You can ask about…

10. You may ask things like…You may ask things like…
• Will there be any safety, security, proficiency requirements I willWill there be any safety, security, proficiency requirements I will
need to meet?need to meet?
• When is the starting date?When is the starting date?
• Is there a probationary period? If so, how long?Is there a probationary period? If so, how long?
• How will my work be evaluated? (Monthly, quarterly, etc.)How will my work be evaluated? (Monthly, quarterly, etc.)
• What types of on-the-job training are offered?What types of on-the-job training are offered?
• Are there mentoring programs available?Are there mentoring programs available?
• Is there support for continuing my education?Is there support for continuing my education?

11. NEVER Ask…NEVER Ask…
• What does your company do?What does your company do?
• Are you going to do a background check?Are you going to do a background check?
• When will I be eligible for a raise?When will I be eligible for a raise?
• Do you have any other jobs available?Do you have any other jobs available?
• Do you drug test?Do you drug test?
• If you hire me can I waitIf you hire me can I wait xx weeks to start the job?weeks to start the job?
• What are the hours?What are the hours?
• How many sick days do I get? / How much time do I get off?How many sick days do I get? / How much time do I get off?

12. Dos and DonDos and Don’’ts of Interviewingts of Interviewing

13. Do:Do:
• Be on time. Show up 15 minutes early if possibleBe on time. Show up 15 minutes early if possible
• Turn off your cell phone!Turn off your cell phone!
• Dress appropriatelyDress appropriately
• TattoosTattoos
• Greet the interviewer with a friendly and firm handshakeGreet the interviewer with a friendly and firm handshake
• Speak slowly and distinctlySpeak slowly and distinctly
• Maintain eye contactMaintain eye contact
• Thank the interviewer for considering youThank the interviewer for considering you

14. DonDon’’t:t:
• Be a wimp with a fishy handshakeBe a wimp with a fishy handshake
• DonDon’’t sit down before the interviewer(s)t sit down before the interviewer(s)
• DonDon’’t use slangt use slang
• DonDon’’t chew gum, clicking a ballpoint pen, fidgetingt chew gum, clicking a ballpoint pen, fidgeting

15. More Tips toMore Tips to ““OwnOwn”” thethe
InterviewInterview
According to Yahoo! Hot JobsAccording to Yahoo! Hot Jobs

16. • Identify their pain.Identify their pain.
• What is one of the biggest problems that someone with my backgroundWhat is one of the biggest problems that someone with my background
could help alleviate?could help alleviate?
• If I started the job tomorrow, what would be my most pressing priorities?If I started the job tomorrow, what would be my most pressing priorities?
• Find out where the company is going.Find out where the company is going.
• What are long-term/short-term goals?What are long-term/short-term goals?
• Determine whether youDetermine whether you’’d fit in.d fit in.
• Show youShow you’’re really interested.re really interested.
• What additional information can I provide about my qualifications?What additional information can I provide about my qualifications?
• What are the next steps in the selection process?What are the next steps in the selection process?
• Ask follow-ups.Ask follow-ups.
• Can you clarify what you said about…?Can you clarify what you said about…?
• Can you give me some examples of…?Can you give me some examples of…?

17. Questions?Questions?