WCI

Once you have prepared your résumé and cover letter, the final stage in the job search process is the interview. It is your chance to promote yourself to an employer in person. It is important to be well prepared for your interview to ensure the most success.

 

Feel empowered!  Be CONFIDENT in who you are and what you can offer.  Let's get some tips from the following TED Talk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interview Tips

The following is a list of suggestions to help you prepare for your interview:

• Look your best by styling your hair neatly, having fresh breath, wearing business clothes, polished shoes and little to no perfume or cologne

• Bring a pen and a folder that contains a copy of your résumé, cover letter, and reference list

• Arrive 15 minutes early and be polite to all staff that you meet as you wait for your interview to begin

• Create a positive first impression within the first 5 minutes by smiling, giving a firm handshake, and making eye contact

• Research the organization in advance so that you can demonstrate your knowledge throughout the interview

• Answer each question directly using specific examples from your life that emphasize your skills and work ethic

• Listen carefully and reflect on each question before answering

• If you do not understand a question, ask for clarification

• Prepare a few questions in advance that you would like to ask the employer at the end of the interview

 

Interview Questions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Question: Given the appearence of Will Smith's character in this interview, how does he get the job?

 

Answer: He demonstrates passion, integrity and accountability - qualities that any employer would want in an employee. These can't be demonstrated with a shirt and tie, nor can they be faked.

 

Practicing your interview skills will help you demonstrate your positive attributes in an interview.

 

 

 

 

 

Interview Preparation - Common Questions

Question / Tip

1. Tell me about yourself? 

 

Keep your answers brief. Cover your education and work experience. Emphasize your skills and qualities, which relate to the job for which you have applied.

 

 

2. Have you had other work experience?

 

The interviewer wants to know about your work-related skills. Include experiences such as part time and volunteer work, previous experiences at cooperative education placements.

 

 

3. What did you like the most or the least about your previous work experiences?

 

Be positive. Emphasize the features that relate to the job for which you are being interviewed.

 

 

4. What did you think of your boss?

 

Never criticize a previous employer or supervisor. (If you would talk about him/her, why wouldn't you talk about your new employer as well?) Be positive. Perhaps refer to a skill that you learned in that position which you can now transfer to this position.

 

 

5. If I asked your references about you what would they say?

 

The interviewer is trying to determine how well you can evaluate you own strengths and weaknesses.

 

 

6. What are your greatest strengths?

 

Be specific. This is a great opportunity to speak about your skill and achievements, which will be beneficial in this new position.

 

 

7. What are your greatest weaknesses?

 

Suggest something that you do that could be considered positive by your interviewer. (i.e. I work hard and I need to pace myself)

 

 

8. How do you spend your leisure time? 

 

This question will enable you to indicate how industrious you are. This will also allow you to discuss other activities, which are important to you.

 

 

9. What school subjects do you like most? Least? 

 

Your answer helps the interviewer assess your interests and match those to requirements of the position. Make sure your answers fit the duties and needs of the position.

 

 

10. What abilities and skills do you have that relate directly to the position you are applying for? 

 

Be positive about yourself. This is a perfect opportunity to describe your skills and qualifications.

 

 

 

 

Interview Assigment

Step 1:  Write down 10 quesitons that you think you could be asked in your interview at your potential co-op placement.  Make sure at least 5 of your questions contain specific language that pertains to your placement.  

For example, if your placement is going to be at an Auto Body shop you could ask the following:  "Do you have any experience working on cars?"

 

Step 2:   Print out your questions.

Pair up with someone else from the class.  Tell your partner where you would like to go for co-op and give your partner your list of questions.  Together practice asking and answering each other's questions with the best answers you can come up with.  Give your partner feedback on how they can improve both content and style.  Check to see you are covering all areas of the rubric.

 

Step 3:  You and your partner will now present your interviews you have practiced for the class.  It is VERY important to stay in role the whole time, as your teacher will be marking you and your classmates will be giving you feedback.  For example, to stay in role the employer can sit at the teacher's desk and the interviewee will knock at the classroom door and shake hands as he/she introduces himself/herself.  If you feel you have made a mistake, carry on as if you were in a real interview.  Remember to maintain eye contact with eachother the whole time.

 

Step 4:  Complete the following document to help prepare for your interview