Before an Interview: Getting Ready

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Section 7.1
Before an Interview Getting Ready
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WHAT YOULL LEARN

• How to prepare for an interview by rehearsing and
  conducting research
• How to dress appropriately for a job interview

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WHY ITS IMPORTANT
Preparing for a job interview will increase your
chances of getting the job.
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KEY TERM

• interview

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Before an Interview Getting Ready
An interview is a formal meeting between a job
seeker and an employer to discuss possible
employment.
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Know Before You Go
Interviews are usually conducted by a manager or
a member of a companys human resources
department.
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Know Before You Go
Your attention to the small details overlooked by
other candidates may be the deciding factor that
wins you the job.
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Know Before You Go
Be ready to ask intelligent questions about the
company and whats going on in the
industry. Show a willingness to learn and grow.
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Know Before You Go
Here are some smart ways to research a company
before an interview

• Use the library to find books, magazines, and
  newspaper articles about the company.

continued
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Know Before You Go

• Use financial magazines or newspapers to research
  current industry events or market trends.
• Research competitors that affect the companys
  sales.

continued
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Know Before You Go

• Ask the public relations department for the
  companys annual report or press kit. Use these
  resources to learn about the companys history
  and find out who leads the company.

continued
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Know Before You Go

• Visit the companys Web site for
  up-to-the-minute information.
• Talk to people who work for the company.

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Know Before You Go
Researching a company shows that youre
interested in the company, and that youre
the sort of person who is willing to put in
extra effort to make a good impression.
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Know Before You Go
Researching a company might protect you by
revealing that the company is not a good place to
work.
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Rehearsal Time
Practicing for the interview will improve your
performance. Try the following

• Practice your telephone skills.
• Interview with a friend.
• Use a mirror.
• Use a tape recorder.
• Prepare answers to typical questions.

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Dress for Success
The first thing an employer sees when you walk
through the door is your clothes. Dress a little
more formally than you would for an actual day on
the job.
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Dress for Success
When in doubt, dress conservatively. Be neat,
clean, and well groomed, with shined shoes and no
fancy jewelry.
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From Door to Door
Arrive at the interview alone and a few minutes
early. Bring a pen, a notepad, and two copies
of your résumé.
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From Door to Door
Arrive prepared with your Social Security
number. Bring phone numbers and addresses for
all your references.
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Graphic Organizer
7.1
Interview Success
Research

• Learn about the company.
• Prepare questions to ask.

Rehearse

• Practice.
• Prepare answers to tough questions.

Dress

• Be well groomed.
• Dress conservatively.

Get There

• Arrive on time or a little early.
• Arrive alone.

Chapter 7 Interviewing
Succeeding in the World of Work
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CAREER CHECKLIST On the Day of the Interview
Arrive on time, well-rested from a good nights
sleep. Think through the answers that you have
prepared for key questions. Plan to go to the
interview aloneyou can call your friends or
family after to tell them how it went.
continued
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CAREER CHECKLIST On the Day of the Interview
Dress appropriately and with a clean and neat
appearance. Act confident and enthusiasticit
will be obvious to the interviewer if you are
comfortable.
continued
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CAREER CHECKLIST On the Day of the Interview
Maintain a positive and friendly attitude. Sell
yourself! Let the interviewer know why they
should hire you.
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SECTION 7.1 REVIEW
Key Concept Checkpoint
Comprehension

1. How can you research an employer?
2. What methods can you use to rehearse an interview?

continued
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SECTION 7.1 REVIEW
Key Concept Checkpoint
Comprehension

1. Why is it important to dress for success at a job
   interview?

continued
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SECTION 7.1 REVIEW
Key Concept Checkpoint
Critical Thinking

1. Why is it important to arrive at an interview
   alone and on time?

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End of Section 7.1
Before an Interview Getting Ready