WELCOME. Thanks For Joining Our Interview Webinar Starting at 3:00 pm EDT. Please remember to put your computer in full screen mode

Transcription

1 WELCOME Thanks For Joining Our Interview Webinar Starting at 3:00 pm EDT Please remember to put your computer in full screen mode

2 Our Company Employment Options Inc. is an authorized Employment Network in the Social Security Ticket To Work program. We Provide Free Work at Home and Onsite job placement services In 47 states To qualified persons ages Who are receiving non-retirement SSDI or SSI benefits

3 Interview Tips: What To Do Before, During,and After an Interview

4 Topics to be covered today: Research and preparation before the interview Proven Successful Interview Skills Positive follow up with employer after the interview

5 Presenters Sarah Lind is a Senior Employment Counselor and specializes in helping clients find work in their local communities across the nation. Sarah has been with Employment Options over 6 years. Ethel Lawrence is Senior Employment Counselor who assists clients in finding community employment and work at home positions in the 47 states we serve. Ethel has been with Employment Options 7 years.

6 Introduction You have an interview The company is interested in you hold onto this confidence builder!

7 Introduction There are 3 major steps for a successful interview

8 Introduction Preparation: Before the interview Presentation: During the interview Follow up: After the interview

9 Preparation Research the company Learn everything about the position Learn everything about the company Explore the company s website in depth

10 Preparation Research the company Spend some time on Google Read current articles about the company Check out their social media

11 Preparation Research the company Glassdoor.com has great information Look for common themes to help you develop: Responses to the employer s questions Insightful questions for them

12 Preparation Research the company You ll use what you discover to demonstrate your knowledge of the company during the interview

13 Preparation Research the interviewer Ask for the name(s) of the people you will be meeting with Look into their social media profiles LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.

14 Preparation Research the interviewer Try to find out the interviewer s title, experience, and overall personality This will give you more confidence for the interview, especially if it is face-to-face

15 Preparation Research the position Focus on what helps you align yourself as a strong candidate: Requirements--skills and abilities needed Keywords to include during the interview Job duties--how you can accomplish them

16 Preparation Know Yourself Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Strengths and Achievements Values and Goals

17 Preparation Know Yourself Identify 3 qualities that demonstrate you are a great candidate for the position: Examples: 1. Effective communication skills 2. Ability to work independently 3. Skilled with database management

18 Preparation Express Yourself Prepare a 30-second Key Message Example: I have over 10 years experience as a staffing specialist. I have effective communication skills, proven ability to work independently, and strong recruiting database skills. In my last job I netted a 30-day reduction in full cycle recruiting, which reduced the company s costs by 20%, and I improved retention by 50%.

19 Preparation Behavioral Questions Behavior in past situations = Future performance Behavioral traits = Good match = Success

20 Preparation Behavioral Questions STAR Technique

21 Preparation Behavioral Questions Tell me about a goal you achieved and how you achieved it Use the S.T.A.R. Technique to answer S - When I worked at Care Clinic, T - I had the task of transitioning from paper to electronic records. A - I effectively trained staff on the process, and R - I was able complete the project in half the time.

22 Thinking about your future with company Preparation Prepare your questions Interviews are a two-way street! 1. Determine if the job is a good match 2. Demonstrate you are: Engaged in the interview Interested in the position

23 Preparation Prepare your questions Ask two or three questions about: The role expectations The management style The company s culture Growth opportunities

24 Preparation Prepare your questions Examples: What would a typical day include? What communication method do you prefer? What is your management style? How would you describe your organization s culture?

25 Preparation Prepare your questions Examples: Who are the key internal customers? What are your priorities and goals for this job? How would my job performance be evaluated? What are the career paths from this position? Do you have a staff development program?

26 Preparation Prepare copies of your documents Doing this in advance will prevent last minute scrambling! Resume Cover letter References page Samples of your work, etc.

27 Preparation Prepare your outfit DRESS FOR SUCCESS! Polished Professional Clean Comfortable

28 Preparation Prepare your outfit According to one study: 37% of employers decided not to hire an applicant based on how he or she dressed 65% of hiring managers say clothes may be the deciding factor between two qualified candidates

29 Preparation Prepare your outfit Primary goals: Feel good about how you look Convey confidence and competence Project an image that matches the position and company culture

30 Preparation Prepare for different interview formats One-on-one phone or webcam interview One-on-one, face-to-face interview Panel interview Group interview

31 Preparation Prepare your route Use a map program to find best route Check schedules for public transit Do a practice run to find the location

32 Preparation Prepare for a Virtual Interview for a Work from Home position 1. Read the with the interview instructions 1. Don t rush through the , you don t want to miss an important step

33 Preparation Prepare for a Work from Home interview via webcam Ensure that everything, especially your computer, is ready and set to go Troubleshoot potential issues before your interview!

34 Preparation Prepare for a Work from Home interview via webcam Dress professionally Make sure your cell phone is turned off Keep your attention on the camera Be sure your office area is neat and tidy

35 Preparation Prepare for a Virtual interview for a Work from Home position Be in a noise and distraction free environment Prepare your family not to interrupt you during your interview Place your pets in another part of the house and close your windows!!

36 Presentation First Impressions and Confidence Positive Attitude Smile Eye Contact Firm Handshake Confident Body Language

37 Presentation Practice the K.I.S.S. principle: Keep It Short and Simple!

38 Presentation Four things an employer wants to know: 1) Are you dependable? Will you be there for your shift and do your work so the employer will not need to find someone to cover for you

39 Presentation Four things an employer wants to know: 2) Will you be a long-term employee? It costs the employer time/money to recruit, hire, onboard, and train you, so of course they want a return on their investment!

40 Presentation Four things an employer wants to know: 3) Can you do the job? Do you have the skills and abilities and can you learn what you need to know

41 Presentation Four things an employer wants to know: 4) Do you want to work for their company? Employers are looking for motivated, enthusiastic employees, not someone who just wants a job

42 Presentation Interview Question: What were your responsibilities in your previous job? Tip: Be position focused match skills used in your previous job with skills needed in this position

43 Presentation Interview Question: What are your weaknesses? Tip: Mention skills you have improved or turn a negative into a positive

44 Presentation Interview Question: What are your weaknesses? Example: Being organized wasn't my strongest point, so I implemented a time management system that really helped my organization skills.

45 Presentation Interview Question: What are your weaknesses? Another Example: I had a tendency to spend too much time making sure that my work was perfect, and then I set up a system to ensure everything is done correctly the first time.

46 Presentation Interview Question: Why is there a gap in your employment? Tip: You may have been in school, or doing volunteer work, or you may have been taking care of a family member If you are an individual with a disability that family member would be you

47 Presentation Interview Question: Tell me about yourself Tip: This is a business meeting! Focus on things about yourself that align you with the job and company Some personal information is fine, such as you have lived in the area all your life

48 Presentation Interview Question: What is your desired salary? Tip: Ask what the salary range is for the or Let the employer know you are willing to consider their best offer

49 Presentation Interview Question: Are you able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations? Tip: If you can do the job even if you may need accommodations say YES.

50 Presentation Americans with Disabilities Act - ADA The ADA protects you! You do not have to disclose if you are an individual with a disability You do not need to request accommodations before or during the interview, unless needed for mobility

51 Presentation Americans with Disabilities Act - ADA The ADA protects you! Disability and health questions are illegal: Are you disabled? Do you have health problems? How long have you been disabled? Why are you in a wheelchair?

52 Presentation Address the employer s concern Example: Concern: Not mobile enough Answer: Although I use a cane to walk, I can run circles doing this job. I am sure my excellent skills and experience and years of dependability will be an asset to your company.

53 Presentation What are Work from Home Recruiters looking for in the ideal candidate? Enthusiasm Flexibility Experience Work Ethic

54 Presentation WFH Interview Question: Why do you want to work from home? Do not use the same answer that everyone uses -- Because I want to save money on gas, clothes and food

55 Presentation When answering this question, think outside the box \ Examples: I like the idea of not having to drive in inclement weather. I like that I don t have to worry about auto breakdowns making me call in late work.

56 Presentation WFH Interview Question: Why should I hire you? Have your resume on hand and use this opportunity to showcase your skills and abilities Show your enthusiasm, your tone, and how well you are able to articulate

57 Presentation Work From Home Employers look for qualified candidates that are: Articulate Upbeat Outgoing Engaging

58 Presentation WFH Interview Question: Give me an example of a time that you had to deal with an angry customer, what steps did you take to resolve the issue, what was the outcome?

59 Presentation WFH Interview Question: Use the S.T.A.R. Technique to answer Situation - Task - Action - Result S - Customer was unhappy T - Child purchased movie ticket without permission A - Gave credit for movie and set up PIN # for account to prevent unauthorized charges R - Customer was happy, especially with the added security

60 Presentation WFH Interview Question: You may be asked to do an internet search Have your computer ready to search with an open Google or other web browser search page

61 Presentation WFH Interview Question: You may be asked a technical question Examples: What is an ethernet cable? What is a URL?

62 Presentation WFH Interview Question: Role play! You may be asked to role play This will involve the recruiter giving you a scenario and asking you to pretend that you are a customer service agent assisting a caller with a certain topic

63 Presentation Closing with Confidence Ask the next step in the process Recap your Key Message Ask for the interviewer s card Smile and say Thank you

64 After the Interview Immediately review the important points discussed during the interview Send a thank you within hours Call and check status of the process Respond positively, even when not offered the job

65 After the Interview Send thank you for interview note Example: Dear (use person's name), Thank you for meeting with (or calling) me to discuss the Customer Service Representative position. I enjoyed our conversation, and I am very excited about the opportunity to join the (company name) team.

66 After the Interview Thank you example continued: I know what it takes to provide high quality customer service. Throughout my career, I have been in positions that were customer- service oriented. I am known for being courteous and professional in all my customer interactions. In addition, I am highly organized and am able to multitask in a fast paced workplace.

67 After the Interview Thank you example continued: Again, thank you for considering me for this opportunity with (company name). I look forward to hearing from you soon. Best regards or Sincerely, Your name Phone number

68 Our Company Employment Options Inc. is an authorized Employment Network in the Social Security Ticket To Work program. We Provide Free Work at Home and Onsite job placement services In 47 states To qualified persons ages Who are receiving non-retirement SSDI or SSI benefits

69 Ticket to Work - Why Choose Us! 20 years of Expertise Long Standing Employer Partnerships Personal Job Counselor Assistance Benefits Specialist On Staff Many Staff are TTW Participants We Practice the Personal Touch

70 Connect With Us! My Employment Employment Options MyEmploymentOptions

71 Resources EMPLOYMENT OPTIONS: The Ultimate Resource for Job Seekers with Disabilities and other Challenges by Paula Reuben Vieillet, MA, CVE Order through our website or Inquire about these resources at your local library

72 Questions & Answers We will now address some of the questions we received from you!

73 Questions & Answers Q: Cheryl from Michigan wanted to know: How do you quantify your experience without subjecting yourself to ageism? A: You probably want to change your verbiage and instead of saying you have 25 years experience, you could say extensive experience or over 15 years of experience.

74 Questions & Answers Q: Steven from Nevada asked: How can candidates better prepare for staffing agency interviews, which often do not identify the agency's client upfront? A: When interviewing with a staffing agency, remember at least initially they are the employer. Use information from the job posting, and what was included about the company, to align yourself as a strong candidate.

75 Questions & Answers Q: Lori from Arizona wrote: Do you have advice on how to be less nervous and anxious for an interview? A: Those feelings are the same that we feel when we are excited, so tell yourself that you are excited! Also focus on your breathing and body language--keep your arms open

76 Questions & Answers Q: Becky from Tennessee asked: How do you handle when the interviewer asks you about past employment where you have been FIRED? A: It s unfair, but employers may make judgements if you are unemployed. If you re so great, why hasn t somebody else snapped you up yet? Maybe it was your issue or maybe it was the company s issue. Either way, you have to be able to explain why it was a reasonable separation and why you are a fantastic and very attractive candidate.

77 Questions & Answers A: Examples: It became clear that the new manager had expectations for my role that didn t really mesh with my strengths. Ultimately, she decided to bring in someone who had more sales experience. The experience taught me that my real talent is in customer service, and I know I would be a major asset in this position. Let me tell you more about my experience in this area...

78 Questions & Answers A: Examples: I am looking for a company that values teamwork and is employee friendly I am looking for a company with management that values my ability to make sound, independent decisions...

79 Thank You! Thank you for attending our free webinar! Best wishes for success with your next interview! Ticket To Work website: