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Where do you begin?
The first impression
You have only one chance to make it!
When does the first impression begin?
- On first contact, be it
- in person
- by letter
- by e-mail or
- by phone
Personal contact:
Visit the place of business.
Ask to see the person in charge of hiring; the person at the front desk may not know about openings.
Introduction by a mutual friend.
Look them in the eye and shake their hand.
What kind of first
impression does this
person make? | How about this one? |
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Which person is the employer most likely to consider hiring?
How long did it take you to decide?
 Appearance is important! 
- Clean up
- Comb/brush your hair
- Dress nicely—even if the position is doing work that will get your hands/clothes dirty!
- Smile!
 By letter
Introduce yourself and state your purpose:
“ I am writing to you to inquire about the welding position I saw advertised in The Welder magazine . . .”
By e-mail
Generally, this method should follow the same format/ guidelines as the contact by letter and should be used only if the employer states that this type of contact is solicited.
By Phone:
- Address the person by Mr. or Ms. and their name, if known.
- Be to the point:
- Introduce yourself.
- State the reason you are calling.
- Ask how you may apply for
the position.
- Ask when you may meet for an
interview.
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Prepare for your interview:
Do you have the proper skills?
Is this the type of work you would like?
Try to become familiar with the type of work your prospective employer does.
Are there opportunities for advancement?
Typical interview questions 
Sample questions
- Tell me about yourself – briefly tell about your accomplishments and skills.
- Why do you want to work here?
- What are your qualifications?
- What do you plan to be doing five years from now, or what are your long-range goals?
- Do you belong to any organizations?
- Tell me about your education or training?
- Tell me about your current (or last) job?
- Why are you leaving it?
- Do you work well with others?
- Do you plan to continue your education?
- What are your strengths?
- What are your weaknesses?
During the interview, try to relax, smile, use humor when appropriate, and answer questions to the best of your ability.
Following the interview, most employers will ask if you have any questions. Ask intelligent questions that show you’re looking out for your own welfare—avoid questions about salary, vacation, holidays with paid, or paid sick days.
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The Interview 
Inter - between
View - two people looking at each other
It may seem as though the employer is looking you over--
He or she probably IS!
But . . . .
Try to project yourself into the interviewer’s place:
- Perhaps they don’t have a lot of experience interviewing.
- They need to make the right decision for their employer.
- Perhaps they are on the spot, too!
Interview types – 3 basic types
- Meet with the person who needs someone.
- Meet with someone who is screening for interviews (human resources manager).
- Group interview.
Answer questions briefly and honestly in a non-damaging way.
HOW?
- You don’t need to tell your life story, or your family details; concentrate on the training and experience you have that qualifies you for the job at hand.
- Concentrate on your strengths; but, if you have a weakness, explain it with a bit of humor.
- Ex: My former boss said I had my own filing system; but, I explained I knew exactly where everything was and we didn’t have to worry about anyone else finding anything in our confidential files.
?1. How will you handle child care? 
Ans. Since my children are in school, that is where they will be most of the time. My sister has agreed to care for them during the summer and school vacations, or when they are ill.
?2. You’ve changed jobs several times in the last several years. Why?
Ans. My husband has been promoted and transferred several times. The position he has this time, however, is permanent.
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What is the employer really seeking?
- A dependable, good worker with job-related training.
Use concrete examples of the skills requested.
You are seeking a bookkeeping position.
In your last job you
brought a 6-month
backlog of postings
up to date in about three week’s time.
Tell the interviewer!
At your last, or
current, position,
you implemented
changes that saved
the company
thousands of dollars.
Tell the interviewer how you did it.
Under your watch, your ideas for marketing merchandise doubled the number of customers who came into your store.
Briefly explain what
you did.
Don’ts
- Don’t talk negatively about your former employer.
- Don’t overblow what you’ve done.
- Don’t specify a salary.
Do’s
- Sell yourself and your skills.
- Be sincere and enthusiastic.
- Use a sense of humor.
- Let the employer know you want to work.
It is possible for you to “take charge” of the interview by volunteering information you want the interviewer to know.
You don’t have to be over-bearing; tell the information you want known about yourself, emphasizing your education and experience.
What about money?
If you are asked what you require for pay, avoid answering the question.
How?
By throwing it back in the employer’s court!
Ask, “What do you normally pay someone with my qualifications?, or
“What is the usual pay range for this position? ”
References:
Have at least three references for the employer to call.
Always ASK the person whom you wish to serve as a reference before you use his/her name.
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What if you are offered the job, but are not sure you want it?
- Ask for 24
hours
to think about it.
- Weigh your options--
- Make a list of pros
and cons.
- Could the job offered lead to another position you prefer later on?
Call the employer in the agreed time period to give your decision.
Generally, however, the employer will call you . . .
You may call the employer if you have not heard anything by the agreed time.
You may wish to write a letter thanking the employer for the interview.
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In summary:
- Make contact with the potential employer in person, by letter, by phone or by e-mail, if acceptable.
- Learn something about the business to be informed.
- Avoid asking for a specific salary.
- If you’re offered the job and aren’t sure you want it, ask for 24 hours.
If you don’t get the job,
don’t give up!
Finding the right match is something that both you and the interviewer are trying to do.
Think about how you would change your interview answers
If you don’t get the job, keep trying.
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