Interviews Skills and C.

V Writing
Objective:
The aim of this enjoyable course is to give intensive training and
practice for you to perform effectively in job interviews and to get the job
you deserve. The course covers the entire interview process from the
stage when you are notified of an interview for employment, right
through what you should do after the interview.
The objective of this course is to enable you to have the most effective
strategies for success in job interviews and have the confidence you need
to impress the interviewers and outshine the other applicants.
Learn how to present and sell yourself like a professional.
Handle difficult questions easily and effectively.
Learn how to sell yourself as the best candidate.

Index:
What is an Interview?
4
Types of Interviews

Pre-Interview Preparation
!
Greeting & Introd!tion
"
"ody #angage$
#
Types of Interview %estions
$%
General Interview Strategies
$&
&ressing for S!!ess-'en
$'
&ressing for S!!ess-Wo(en
$4
)*##*W-+P
$
,Thank yo- letter sa(ples$
$!
Sggestions
$"
What is an Interview?
2
( job interview is a conversation which occurs between a potential employer and a job applicant.
)uring the job interview, the employer hopes to determine whether or not the applicant is suitable for the
job, while the applicant tries to learn more about the position while also impressing the employer. (s a
general rule* a job interview is an important part of the process of applying for a job, and it may range in
formality from a casual conversation to a series of serious discussions with a variety of people working
within the company.
+ ,nterviewing is a skill, like riding your bike-
+ ./(0T,01 makes .1/210T
Interviewing is a two-way street.
+ 1mployers are attempting to determine if you are an appropriate fit for the job and their culture.
+ 3ou decide if the environment is right for you.
4o, they should be prepared for you too. 5nless, you may not like their company-
Types of Interviews.
3
*ne-to-one Interview$
This is the most common type of ,nterview. The candidate for employment meets directly with the
interviewer.
Phone Interviews$
(re becoming increasingly popular among large corporations who are conducting a mass+hiring of
employees. These interviews are conducted entirely over the phone and eliminate bias that may arise from
a candidate6s appearance, mannerisms, or ethnicity. 7ften times, phone interview questions are structured
and the question are behavioral in nature* to further eliminate bias.
8hen preparing for a phone interview you should follow all of the steps listed above including getting
dressed for the interview. 4tudies have shown that people who dress professionally for a phone interview
will perform better than those dressed casually.
Grop Interview$
,n the group interview style you will be interviewing simultaneously with two or three other candidates all
contesting for the same position. ,n this interview style one or more applicants may be asked the same
question or the pool of applicants can be broken into teams to determine a solution to a problem posed by
the interviewer. This style of interviewing is most common in the technology fields or any field where
group cohesiveness is of e9treme importance.
The best way to prepare for a group interview is to follow the steps listed above.
Panel Interview:
( panel interview involves three or more members of the hiring organi;ation meeting simultaneously with
the person being considered for the position. This interview style is most common in academia or when
hiring a senior level corporate e9ecutive. The term <search committee= is commonly used to describe a
.anel ,nterview.
,n preparing for a panel interview it is best to understand an organi;ation from every point of view. 2or
e9ample, if you are going to be interviewed by an organi;ation6s 0ustomer 4ervice >anager, 2inance
>anager, and Human /esources >anager* you should familiari;e yourself with current information about
the organi;ations customer service policies, finance policies, and H/ policies.

4
Pre-Interview Preparation
,nterviewing for a job is not easy. However, with good preparation before the interview, you can
count on a successful interview. Here are some guidelines to follow:
#earn a.ot the e(ployer
2ind out something about the employer. 8hat do they make?
8hat services do they provide? 7n your interview, they may
ask what you know about their company.
Wear professional !lothing
3ou never get a second chance to make a first impression. >ake sure that your
clothing is neat and presentable. 8ear a minimal amount of jewellery. @o easy on
the make+up and perfumeAcologne as well.

/rrive 0arly
Bever be late for a job interview. ,t makes a bad impression.
Cnow the e9act location of the interview and allow yourself
enough time to reach your destination. ,t is advisable to drive
to your location ahead of time. 5pon arrival, give your name
to the receptionist.

/llow enogh ti(e for the interview

3our interview may start late or run longer than e9pected. >ake sure that your
schedule is open.

"e patient when waiting for yor interview
(lthough you have an appointment for an interview, your
interviewer may be running late. /emain calm, be polite, and
wait quietly.

P1/CTIC0 - P1/CTIC0 - P1/CTIC0

/ehearse some of the common questions employers will ask you. /ecite your skills
and abilities that make you qualified for the job.
Greeting & Introd!tion
5
*nly 2 !han!e to (ake a good 2
st
i(pression
+ @reet the receptionist or secretary with respect. ( good greeting should go like this:
@reeting: <Hello= or <@ood >orning=
3our name: <>r. (yman=
The reason you6re here: < , have got an interview
Time of the interview: <(t &:%%=
8hen you go into the interview, it is important that you give important information to your interviewer.
$D @reeting......
&D @ive your name.....
'D @ive your affiliation.....
4D @ive your purpose.
4hake the interviewerEs hand.
@reeting FHello, >r. (yman=
(ffiliation Fand ,Em from Huron High 4chool.
.urpose F,Em here for the &:%% interview for the (uto >echanic position=
Look at the interviewer when you talk with them.
/emember.....you never get a second chance to make a good impression. 4o:
1. 19tend your hand to shake hands with the interviewer.
2. )on6t sit down until asked.
>ost interviewers decide whether or not they are going to hire you within the first three minutes of
the interview, so you see the importance of good greeting-
"ody #angage$
What signals are yo sending?
Positive Signals
6
/r(s & #egs open$ (rms and legs are not crossed. 2or e9ample appearing to hold things
and form more detailed shapes.
#ooking arond and at the other person$ The head may be directed solely towards the
other person or may be looking around. 1ye contact is likely to be rela9ed and prolonged.
3andshake$ (s the other person approaches, move to left side, e9tend your arm
hori;ontally, palm down Gbe first to do thisD. @rab their palm firmly, pull them in and hold
their elbow with your left hand.
Talking & 0(oting$ Talk with confidence and use the body beat in time with assertions.
,t is also powerful to show that you have emotion, but in the right place only.
"reathing$ Hreathing is steady and slower. This may make the voice a little lower than
usual.
4egative Signals
/r(s Cross$ ,n a closed positions one or both arms cross the central line of the body.
They may be folded or tightly clasped or holding one another. There may also be
holding one another.
#egs Cross$ 8hen legs are crossed but arms are not, it can show deliberate attempts
to appear rela9ed. This is particularly true when legs are hidden under a table.
#ooking down or away$ The head may be inclined away from the person, and
particularly may be tucked down.
)ear and nervosness$ 2ear occurs when basic needs are threatened. 19amples are
cold sweat, pale face, damp eyes, varying speech tone, etc.
Types of Interview %estions
,nterviewing is not a science. Bor is it an art form. ,t is simply an imperfect form of human
communication designed to increase the predictive validity of potential employer+employee
relationships. (nd it is very imperfect.
7
There are basically eight types of questions you may face during the course of an interview:
2. Standard 5estions$
This type of question includes 8hat was your @.(? and How long were you at . . . ,ts purpose
is to place objective measurements on features of your background.
6. 07perien!e verifi!ation 5estions
This type of question includes what did you learn in that class? (nd what were your
responsibilities in that position? ,ts purpose is to subjectively evaluate features of your
background.
8. *pinion 5estions
This type of question includes what would you do in this situation? (nd what are your
strengths and weaknesses? Their purpose is to subjectively analy;e how you would respond in a
series of scenarios.
9. &(. 5estions
This type of question includes what kind of animal would you like to be? (nd what color best
describes you? Their purpose is to get past your pre+programmed answers to find out if you are
capable of an original thought. There is not necessarily a right or wrong answer, since it is used
primarily to test your ability to think on your feet.
:. 'ath 5estions
This type of question includes F8hat is $%%% divided by I'?F to FHow many ping pong balls
could fit in a Jolkswagen?F ,ts purpose is to evaluate not only your mental math calculation skills,
but also your creative ability in formulating the mathematical formula for providing an answer Gor
estimate, as can often be the caseD.
;. Case 5estions
This type of question includes problem+solving questions ranging from: FHow many gas
stations are there in 1urope?F to F8hat is your estimate of the global online retail market for
books?F ,ts purpose is to evaluate your problem+solving abilities and how you would analy;e and
work through potential case situations.

<. "ehavioral 5estions
This type of question includes 0an you give me a specific e9ample of how you did that? and
8hat were the steps you followed to accomplish that task? ,ts purpose is to anticipate future
behaviors based upon past behaviors.
8
=. Co(peten!y 5estions
This type of question includes F0an you give me a specific e9ample of your leadership skills?F
or F19plain a way in which you sought a creative solution to a problem.F ,ts purpose is to align
your past behaviors with specific competencies which are required for the position.
,nterviewing is a game in which , deal the cards, but you hold the aces. ,tEs up to you to play them.
%estions asked .y the interviewee
To determine if you are an appropriate fit for the company and position, prepare a list of questions for the
interviewer
Sa(ple %estions
8hat type of assignments can , e9pect within the first year?
8hat do you like most about this company?
8hat is the biggest challenge facing this department right now?
8hat skills are you looking for in this position?
8hat is the ne9t course of action?
General Interview Strategies
+ He prepared to talk about yourself and your e9periences.
+ >aster the art of storytelling.
9
+ .rovide specific and concrete e9amples of your results A accomplishments.
+ /emain positive, enthusiastic, poised, and confident throughout the interview process.
+ /emember an interview is a formal conversation++avoid filler words like <5m=, <(h=, K <3ou
know=.
+ (void indecisive phrases like: <, think,= <, guess,= <probably,= or <pretty good=.
+ Think before speaking.
+ (void long verbose answers++limit your response to $+& minutes.
+ ,f you do not hear or understand a question, ask them to repeat or clarify it for you.
+ @eneral ,nterview 4trategies.
+ /emain calm, rela9ed, and be yourself.
+ Try to focus on the message you are trying to convey, B7T how well you are doing-
+ )onEt swear or use slang words.
+ )onEt slouch in your seat or do anything else that makes you look disinterested.
+ )onEt smoke.
+ )on6t lie.
+ )onEt be arrogant and assume youEve got the job.
+ )onEt discuss controversial topics such as religion, politics and gender relations or personal ones.
+ )onEt read from notes or your 0J.
+ )onEt critici;e former employers or colleagues.
+ )onEt argue with the interviewer, no matter what.
&ressing for S!!ess-'en
+ 4uit+4ingle or double breasted.
+ .olished shoes.
+ Long sleeve shirt.
+ 0onservative tie.
10
+ Helt.
+ )ark socks, conservative leather shoes.
+ Beatly groomed hair, beard, and mustache
+ (void strong colognes, earrings, and body piercing
+ Limit the aftershave.
+ Beatly trimmed nails.

&ressing for S!!ess-Wo(en
+ .ant or skirt suit.
+ The suit skirt should be long enough so you can sit down comfortably.
+ 0oordinated blouse.
+ .rofessional hairstyle.
+ Beatly manicured clean nails.
+ .umps with small to medium heels.
+ Light makeup, perfume, and jewelry Gno dangling earrings or arms full of braceletsD.
+ 8ear neutral color hosiery.
)*##*W-+P
8hat happens between the first job interview and making the hiring decision will vary from company to
company and position to position.
8hen closing the interview you probably asked for information about what happens ne9t in the interview
process. How do you conduct yourself in terms of this process? 8hen and how should you follow up to
keep the focus on your application but to avoid becoming annoying.
11
,f you know appro9imately the time frame for the hiring decision you will have a better idea of how soon
to follow up. 2or e9ample if they have told you they e9pect to make the decision within the ne9t week you
will need to follow up more quickly, after a couple of days. ,f it is a longer time frame or they have not
given you a specific time frame it is usually best to wait about a week before making contact by:
+ ,nterview thank you e+mail.
+ 2ormal ,nterview thank you letter .
8hatever the time frame, you should not wait for the interviewer to contact you. 3ou need to make contact
to know what is happening and to keep yourself in contention for the job. 5se this initial job interview
follow up to highlight your enthusiasm for the position and to get more details about the status of the hiring
decision.
)uring the follow up call you can thank them again for the interview and restate your interest in the
position. 2ind out if you are still under consideration for the position. (sk if there is any further
information they need. 2ind out when you can e9pect a final decision. 3ou want to show the interviewer
that you are interested in the job but avoid sounding desperate. He polite and professional.
,Thank yo- letter sa(ples$
Thank >o letter 2$
12
I @reenway 0ourt
1ugene, 7/ #I4%$
%'++%'%'
>r. (rchie 8eatherby
0alifornia ,nvestments, ,nc.
& 4acramento 4treet
4an 2rancisco, 0( #4$%&
)ear >r. 8eatherby,
Thank you for taking the time to discuss the insurance broker position at 0alifornia
,nvestments, ,nc., with me. (fter meeting with you and observing the companyEs
operations, , am further convinced that my background and skills coincide well with
your needs.
, really appreciate that you took so much time to acquaint me with the company. ,t
is no wonder that 0alifornia ,nvestments retains its employees for so long. , feel ,
could learn a great deal from you and would certainly enjoy working with you.
,n addition to my qualifications and e9perience, , will bring e9cellent work habits
and judgment to this position. 8ith the countless demands on your time, , am sure
that you require people who can be trusted to carry out their responsibilities with
minimal supervision.
, look forward, >r. 8eatherby, to hearing from you concerning your hiring
decision. (gain, thank you for your time and consideration.
4incerely,
Lohn 7akley
Thank yo letter 6$
4%%0 Hunter /idge
Hlacksburg, J( &4%!%
G4%D +$$$$
bolesMvt.edu
13
7ctober &!, &%%!
>s. @lenna 8right
Human /esources >anager
2ashion )epartment 4tore
&%%% Line )rive
2airfa9, J( &&%'%
)ear >s. 8right:
, enjoyed interviewing with you during your recruiting visit to Jirginia Tech on
7ctober &. The management trainee program you outlined sounds both challenging
and rewarding and , look forward to your decision concerning an on+site visit.
(s mentioned during the interview, , will be graduating in )ecember with a
Hachelor6s degree in 2ashion >erchandising. Through my education and e9perience
,6ve gained many skills, as well as an understanding of retailing concepts and
dealing with the general public. , have worked seven years in the retail industry in
various positions from 4alesclerk to (ssistant )epartment >anager. , think my
education and work e9perience would complement 2ashion6s management trainee
program.
, have enclosed a copy of my college transcript and a list of references that you
requested.
Thank you again for the opportunity to interview with 2ashion )epartment 4tore.
The interview served to reinforce my strong interest in becoming a part of your
management team. , can be reached at G4%D +$$$$ or by email at bolesMvt.edu
should you need additional information.
4incerely,
>arianne Holes
Thank yo letter 8$
3our Bame
3our (ddress
3our .hone Bumber
3our 1mail
14
)ate
Bame
Title
7rgani;ation
(ddress
0ity, 4tate, Nip 0ode
)ear >r.A>s. Last Bame:
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to talk to me about the
OOO position with OOO 0ompany. , appreciate your time and consideration in
interviewing me for this position.
(fter speaking with you and the group, , believe that , would be a perfect candidate
for this position, offering the quick learning and adaptability that is needed for a
diversified position.
,n addition to my enthusiasm for performing well, , would bring the technical and
analytical skills necessary to get the job done.
, am very interested in working for you and look forward to hearing from you once
the final decisions are made regarding this position. .lease feel free to contact me at
anytime if further information is needed. >y cell phone number is PPP.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
4incerely,
3our 4ignature
3our Typed Bame
Sggestions & )inal re!ap$
Lob interviewing never seems to get any easier + even when you have gone on more interviews than you
can count. 3ou are meeting new people, selling yourself and your skills, and often getting the third degree
about what you know or donEt know. Here are job interview tips to help prepare you to interview
effectively. .roper preparation which helps lessen some of the stress involved in job interviews.
15
Pra!ti!e
.ractice answering interview questions and practice your responses to the typical job interview questions
and answers most employers ask. Think of actual e9amples you can use to describe your skills. .roviding
evidence of your successes is a great way to promote your candidacy.
Prepare
.repare a response so you are ready for the question F8hat do you know about our company. Cnow the
interviewerEs name and use it during the job interview. ,f youEre not sure of the name, call and ask prior to
the interview. Try to relate what you know about the company when answering questions.
Wat!h
Take a look at my Lob ,nterview Tips Jideos, so youEll be sure to da;;le a potential employer and leave the
right impression.
Get 1eady
>ake sure your interview outfit is neat, tidy and appropriate for the type of firm you are interviewing with.
Hring a nice portfolio with copies of your resume. ,nclude a pen and paper for note taking.
"e *n Ti(e
He on time for the interview. 7n time means five to ten minutes early. ,f need be, take some time to drive
to the office ahead of time so you know e9actly where you are going and how long it will take to get there.
Stay Cal(
)uring the job interview try to rela9 and stay as calm possible. Take a moment to regroup. >aintain eye
contact with the interviewer. Listen to the entire question before you answer and pay attention + you will be
embarrassed if you forget the question-
Show What >o ?now
Try to relate what you know about the company when answering questions. 8hen discussing your career
accomplishments match them to what the company is looking for.
16
)ollow +p
(lways follow+up with a thank you note reiterating your interest in the position. ,f you interview with
multiple people send each one a thank you note.
"est 1egards
The 0nd@
References
+ www..est-Ao.-interview.!o(
+ www. Ao.sear!h.a.ot.!o(
+ www.Ao.-interview.net
+ www.Ao.interview5estions.org
+ www.!ollegegrad.!o(
+ www.Ao.skills.info
17