Interviewing Techniques: Preparation is the Key

When CTWorks Career Counselor Gordon Gross spoke to the Underemployed and Unemployed Support group in February he explained that a résumé doesn't get you the job, it gets you the interview. This month he detailed how to prepare for the interview to better your chances of getting the job.

About 15 people gathered at the L.P. Wilson Community Center  to hear Gross give 90 minutes of insight into the interview process. Normally the seminar is hosted at the CTWorks site in Hartford and lasts 3 hours, but the abbreviated version was well received by the support group. Gross came with a full supply of pens, sticky notes and an Interviewing Techniques workbook, which is only available to participants.

To get started, Gross noted that when you get a call for an interview, be sure to have your calendar ready so that you can confirm the date and time. Also record the name of the person who will interview you and write the name phonetically so that you'll be able to pronounce it properly.

If you haven't already, research the company; find out about all of their products and services, look for press releases and news stories about the company, talk to people you know who may have worked for the company or know someone who does.

You'll want to learn about the company history, corporate culture and future plans, along with locations, mission, goals, and financial statistics. This will prepare you for the initial question of " What do you know about us?" and will make you look very smart to have a well founded answer.

The other tough question is "What can you tell me about yourself?"  Gross recommends preparing a one minute speech about your accomplishments, goals, and your reasons for wanting to work for the company. Be sure to mention the skills and experiences that are most valuable to the job you're seeking.

Now you're ready to dress for success. The rule of thumb is to dress one step higher than the job you are seeking. Which means if you are going for a construction job wear a button down shirt and a pair of khakis. For white collar jobs dress conservatively - a suit or blue blazer for the men and a suit or appropriate coordinates for the women.

Ladies need to pay attention to necklines (keep them up) and hemlines (knee length or longer). Women should keep makeup and nails as natural looking as possible and jewelery should be minimal and quiet —no clanging bracelets or earrings that visually scream. Leave your purse at home or in the car, and put your necessities in a briefcase.

Gentlemen need to have neatly trimmed nails, well managed hair and no hats when they come to an interview. Also, baggy pants are not allowed; they can be considered an accident waiting to happen and will detract from your better qualities.

Both men and women should wear clean and just shined conservative shoes. High heels and sneakers are not considered work appropriate, and if you want the job, dress the part. Cell phones are never appropriate accessories for interviews — leave them in the car or at home.

Gross strongly suggested that everyone carry a portfolio and pack it with 5 copies of their résumé, their list of references, a note pad, a calendar or day planner, work samples (if appropriate), copies of occupational licenses, and a completed master application to use as a reference in case you are required to fill out a job application.

In your pockets or your briefcase have pens and cash. You'll need the pens to take notes and fill out paperwork. The cash will cover you for things like tolls, parking, and possibly lunch.

The day before you interview Gross encourages a dry run. Try on your interview clothes. Make sure they fit, that there are no spots, rips or buttons missing, and that you are comfortable. Then take a trip to your interview spot at the time of your interview. This will give you an idea of the traffic and you'll know where to park. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early to catch your breath, and use the restroom to confirm that you look as good as you did when you left home.

Gross also reviewed the different types of interviews, many of the most common and difficult interview questions and how to answer them, how to recognize and manage illegal interview questions, and how to follow up after the interview.

One of the interview questions that resonated with many of the Underemployed and Unemployed group was: "Why have you been out of work so long?" Gross a suggested an answer and then gave a brief pep talk, "It is not because you are inadequate... There are lots of people out there, you are good, but sometimes you're beat by someone better."

To attend the full Interview Techniques seminar, go to the  CT Works website or call  (860) 256-3673.