1. Chris Robinson Deanna K. Mabe
Adult Career Coach Experiential Learning &
WCC-Wytheville Job Placement Coordinator
WCC-Wytheville
Mary Ann Gillock Margaret Johnston
Adult Career Coach Experiential Learning &
WCC-The Crossroads Institute- Galax Job Placement Coordinator
WCC-The Crossroads Institute-Galax
2. Before The Interview:
Research the potential employer
Google the company website
Glassdoor, Vault
Hoover’s Online Career Center
Research the job and know the duties of
the position
Print the advertisement for the position and
break the duties down
Make the connection. Be able to apply your
school and work experiences to the position.
3. Prepare a Resume
Brief summary of education and training
Work history and experience
Short phrases focusing on active words
and your strengths
Customize it to the position
Go over it prior to the interview
Be prepared to answer questions and
explain details of resume
Bring several copies
4. Know Details of the Interview:
Time, Location, Travel, Parking, etc…
Practice driving to the business so you
know exactly how long it takes to get
there
Know where to park
Find the restrooms so you know where
to go to freshen up
Arrive early
Treat everyone you encounter with
courtesy and respect
5. Prepare your “Elevator Speech”…
Careerbuildeer.com lists the most common interview question is “If we were
riding in an elevator, you would have 60 seconds to tell me about yourself,
What would you tell me?”
Use short phrases, not full sentences
Briefly summarize your education and training
Focus on your strengths
Use examples of your work experience,
accomplishments, job-specific skills
Apply them to the position
Express your interest in the position
Wrap up favorably
6. Dress Appropriately…
Tips for Men
If possible, wear a suit to the interview
Belt and shoes should be same color
Avoid ties with elaborate patterns or too
many colors
A wedding ring and/or watch is generally
the only jewelry that should be worn
Head to Toe: Hair should be well groomed
and shoes should be polished
Avoid scents
8. Tips for Women
A suit or dress is preferable
Pant suits are acceptable
Skirts should meet at the top of the knee
or longer
The amount of jewelry should be
minimized
Make-up should be light
Avoid perfumes and scented lotions or
powders
11. Top Wardrobe Mistakes:
Backpacks, fanny packs Poor fitting clothing
Sunglasses or Headphones Long fingernails, especially
Too-short skirts with bright or specialty
Wrong tie…avoid big or bright polishes
patterns (Image consultants Unnatural hair colors or styles
recommend red or burgundy) Short-sleeved shirts
Bright or overly patterned Fishnets, patterned hosiery or
clothing bare legs
Heavy make-up Socks that do not match, or
Earrings on men socks that leave a gap of
More than one set of earrings flesh when seated
on women Rumpled or stained clothing
Facial piercings, tongue Scuffed or inappropriate
jewelry or visible tattoos shoes (sneakers, stilettos,
Obvious signs of a new suit sandals, flip flops)
(tags, stickers) Strong scents
Jeans are not professional Belts and shoes not matching
12. First Impression: Greeting
Body Language Dress Appropriately
Firm handshake Tailor your outfit for
Eye contact the industry…always
Smile err toward being over-
dressed and
Friendly expression
conservative
When standing, keep
Clean and neat
weight balanced personal grooming
Shoulders squared
Clean and neat
toward the person clothing
Lean slightly forward
Turn off your cell
No barriers, no crossed phone and/or leave it
arms in your car
13. Starting The Interview
Be sure to arrive 10 to 15
minutes prior to the start of
the interview
Greet the interviewer with
a firm handshake
Maintain good eye contact
and posture
Make sure you are
energetic and enthusiastic
Speak clearly
Bring a pad and a pen and
always take notes during
every professional meeting
14. Standard Interview Questions
Would you tell me about yourself?
What is your greatest strength?
What is your greatest weakness?
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
What about this position do you find most
appealing?
Why do you want to work for our company?
Why should we hire you?
15. Behavior-Based Questions
Can you describe the most
valuable criticism you have
received and what you did with it?
Can you tell me about an event
that really challenged you?
Can you give me an example of a
project that required attention to
detail and how you handled the
details?
Can you tell me about a difficult
person with whom you have
worked?
Can you describe the supervisor
that you have liked the least?
16. Communication: Employers look for people
who can communicate effectively verbally and in
writing.
Whether you took public speaking or gave reports to
your supervisor, you have polished some
presentation skills.
17. Critical Thinking: “If you have been to school or worked
in any job field, you can evaluate, analyze, act quickly, and
ultimately make effective decisions.
.
Think of a project or problem with your previous school or
work experience. Discuss how you solved it or overcame it.
Plan to use this example in an interview.
18. Writing: Good grammar is important in today’s marketplace.
All of us have taken a required English course in school and every
job required us to complete paperwork.
Take time to develop your ability to express yourself in a
professional manner. Show your writing skills in your resume and
cover letter. If asked about your written abilities, discuss the
reports and required paperwork that you completed at work. You
can also discuss your computer skills with regards to reports and
paperwork you were required to complete.
.
19. Leadership and teamwork: Employers want people
who can lead and also can work as part of a larger team. Your
degree in school wasn’t earned without group projects and your
past job was not performed in isolation. Most of our previous
activities are experienced as a part of a learning team.
Consider when you worked together on an assignment or project
at work. You may have shown skills in heading up a group or
demonstrated your part in a successful outcome.
20. Multitasking: Many people go to school, work part-time or
full-time, support and raise a family and still find time for church,
charitable or community activities…and personal hobbies. All of
these are examples of multitasking and juggling workloads.
Consider asking former teachers or supervisors for
recommendation letters highlighting moments of success despite
your heavy workload and responsibilities.
Use these successes as examples in your job interview to
highlight your abilities to coordinate and be successful.
21. ALWAYS Ask The Employer a question….
What kind of training will I receive?
Describe a typical day for the person in this
position?
What type of advancement opportunities are
available with your organization?
What is your time table for the remainder of
the hiring process?
Use your pre-interview research to ask questions
that demonstrate your knowledge of their
company!
22. Follow-Up
Be sure to send a
“thank you” after you
have interviewed
A hand-written card is
preferred
If you feel you have
poor handwriting, then
a typed letter may be
a better option
Mail the card or letter
on the same day as
your interview
23. Need Additional Tips or Practice?
Schedule an appointment with a WCC Career
Counselor
We can further discuss interviewing and help to
set-up a mock interview to practice your
interviewing skills
Wytheville Community College
1000 East Main Street
Wytheville, VA 24382
276-223-4700
Smyth County Education Center
300 Gordondale Road
Atkins, VA 24311
2767-783-1777