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Helpful Tips
Visit us each month for some helpful tips on
making your job search or current employment successful.
Interviewing is a Two-Way Street
By Mary Bauer, Career Development Specialist
Arizona Women’s Education & Employment (AWEE)
Ever been so nervous at an interview
that you gave answers that you later regretted or even forgot totally
what you answered? Are you getting interviews, but not offers?
It’s time to review the interview process, your answers, and your
attitude.
The interview process is an
opportunity for both the employer and potential employee to determine
if there is a “good fit.” As the potential employee, you
will want to observe the workplace environment & dynamics. What is
the atmosphere? Is it calm or hectic, friendly or reserved? Are the
employees smiling? Do you feel comfortable in the setting? Is the
environment a good match for you? At the end of the interview you will
have an opportunity to ask questions. Make good use of this time. Not
only will you want to clarify the wages and benefits but also find out
what a typical work day would be like in your position.
Employers in turn want to learn
about you and if you are a”good fit” with their environment
as well as the other employees. The most commonly asked question
is “Tell me about yourself." Prepare a quick summary of
your skills, experience and how you are a good match for the job. Do
not delve into personal issues. Many interview questions are meant to
really get to know you and are behaviorally based. You will want to
have examples from your experience to reply to these questions. Have
ready to provide examples of how you worked in a team or resolved a
conflict with a fellow employee. Always turn a negative answer into a
positive one and never talk badly about a past employer. They
will be accessing your appearance as well, so be neat and clean and
dress appropriately.
The keys to a successful interview
are being yourself, giving open, honest concise answers and taking the
opportunity to observe. Remember they are interviewing you, but you are
also interviewing them. It’s a 2-Way street. Enjoy this discovery
process as every interview is a learning experience. It is not
about right and wrong answers, it is about finding a “good
fit.”
Contact AWEE
today to learn how we can support your search for employment, a new career or expanded educational opportunities.
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