23 THE BEGINNING PHASE This phase is very important. You want to make a good first impression and, if possible, get additional information you need about the job and the company. MAKE A GOOD IMPRESSION: NON-VERBAL CUES The interviewer's first impression of you is based mainly on your body language. The interviewer is assessing your overall appearance and behavior. When greeting the interviewer, be certain your handshake is firm and that you make eye contact. Wait for the interviewer to signal you to sit down before taking a seat. Once seated, your body language is very important in conveying a positive impression. Find a comfortable position so that you don't appear tense. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer. Try to smile at appropriate times. Show that you are open and receptive by keeping your arms and legs uncrossed. Avoid keeping your briefcase or your handbag on your lap. Try to appear relaxed and confident. Most importantly, be a good listener and follow the interviewer’s cues. WHEN TO ASK QUESTIONS During a traditional interview, you are often given the chance to ask questions late in the interview. The interview conversation may answer some of your questions or may provide details that you can use to ask additional questions. An interview is a two-way conversation. As you answer questions from the interviewer, you may ask questions relevant to the topic at hand much like you would in any friendly conversation. Imagine you are interviewing for a plant manager position. The interviewer informs you that you would be expected to conduct monthly safety trainings and wants to know about your experience delivering trainings. Being prepared, you are able to give a short 2-3 minute story about your experience delivering trainings. It would be entirely appropriate to follow up your answer with a question to the interviewer about training opportunities that would be available to you as plant manager so that you too could stay up to date with your knowledge of the industry. THE EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION PHASE During this phase of the interview, you will be asked many questions about your work experience, skills, education, activities and interests. You are being assessed on how you will perform the job. Employers look for evidence of your skills. COMMONLY ASKED FIRST QUESTION There is no one response to the statement, “Tell me about yourself.” Respond by explaining your strengths and accomplishments that would be useful in the job you want. One approach to responding to “Tell me about yourself” is by using the “Elevator Pitch.” Briefly describe your professional experience and background. The interviewer is looking to learn about who you are in the context of work. Answering this gives the interviewer insight into how you may fit into the organization. Do not talk about personal information, such as marital status or children. BEFORE YOU START ANSWERING A QUESTION When a question is asked during the interview, take a moment to think about what exactly is being asked and what response might be expected. Sometimes the questions might seem repetitive. Be aware that you can guide the answers to direct the conversation and focus on your takeaway points that were not emphasized in previous answers. Be sure to do the following: 1. Listen to the question intently. 2. Ask yourself: What is the employer really asking? Is this a behavioral question? What story or evidence can I provide to answer this question? Which skills does the employer expect me to discuss to answer this question?
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