TYPES OF INTERVIEWS

Before we go into interviewing dynamics, let’s review the various types of interview settings so you will know what to expect from each one. Most interviews are conducted with the interviewer and interviewee sitting across from each other. However, there are other types of interview scenarios that you will want to become familiar with, some which are fast becoming very common.

Telephone Interview

A telephone interview is the first step in the interview process. It is a screening process. Usually, a company will contact you and schedule a time to interview you by telephone. However, you should always be prepared for the possibility that the initial telephone contact may be the actual telephone interview. Either way, read the following tips to ensure your own telephone interviewing success.

1. Have a cheat sheet accessible and near the telephone. Keep your resume or list of achievements handy as a reminder of topics you want to cover.
2. Find a quiet place to have the telephone conversation and by all means, ignore the call waiting.
3. Stand-up for the first several minutes of the interview. When you stand, you speak with more authority, and sound confident. Do not speak in a monotone voice. Remember, this is a conversation. Do not chew gum, smoke cigarettes, eat or drink anything while on the telephone.
4. Be an active participant in the conversation. If the interviewer is extremely talkative, you can show interest by answering with a “yes” or “I see.” Demonstrate enthusiasm in your voice and smile. The interviewer will readily notice this enthusiasm.

Panel Interview

A panel interview is a formalized setting with three or more individuals in attendance who are prepared to interview a job candidate at the same time. This is a fairly common interviewing technique for positions in education and government. Often times, for those being interviewed in this setting, it can be somewhat intimidating. To reduce your level of anxiety, keep the following in mind:

1. Obtain business cards if possible from each participant of the panel interview. You will want to place these cards on the table in front of you, in accordance to where they are sitting on the panel. This will help you to remember their names.
2. Use visualization to put yourself in a relaxed frame of mind immediately upon entering the room. It helps if you can picture the interviewers in costume or disguise.
3. Answer each question to the best of your ability. Remember, you can only answer one question at a time. Be inclusive in answering your questions. Make eye contact with all members of the panel when answering any question.

Behavioral Interview

The purpose behind the behavioral interview is to make the interviewing process as objective as possible. To achieve this, the interview questions are designed by a psychologist in order to identify particular personality types. The interview questions are open-ended, requiring an elaboration of an answer relating to your work experience. Questions can also deal with ethical or hypothetical dilemmas or situations. The
interviewer will write down or record your answer verbatim. In a more “traditional interview”, you will also find some open-ended questions. Either way, in a behavioral interview, all questions are recorded in some way.

Reflect on the contributions you have made in your work history, especially where there is measurable or noticeable change. Later on, we will discuss a formula called the 3 Whats. This formula provides a framework for answering behavioral related questions.

Situation Interview

In a situation interview, the work environment is artificially created. It can be something as common as a typing test, or something more elaborate requiring you to spend a good portion of the day in the work environment. The purpose of situation interviewing is for the company to get a good idea of how you would actually react in certain work situations. In many instances, a group or individual will observe you
performing your work. For example, you may be asked to develop a procedure or method, solve a hypothetical problem, write a proposal, or give a presentation. Situation interviews are becoming more common because of the number of individuals misrepresenting themselves on a resume. This type of interview assists the interviewer in observing whether the candidate actually possesses the required skills and/or experiences required.

Meal Interview

You may be asked to go to a luncheon meeting with a prospective employer. This is a less formal method for employers to interview potential employees. Normally, if you make it this far, the odds are in your favor that you will probably be hired for the job.  However, it is still an interview nonetheless and a certain precaution should be followed. Here are some helpful tips for meal interviewing:

1. You will probably be asked to order first. Once you’ve ordered, don’t change your mind on the food item. This could make you appear to be indecisive.
2. Order menu items that are priced in the “middle of the road” and are not “sloppy” foods.
3. Avoid alcohol. If drinks are ordered, politely decline or “nurse” a drink.

JOB INTERVIEWING

Individuals facing a job interview often find the process itself to be more challenging than finding the job itself. A job interview is an employer’s opportunity to assess you and your opportunity to evaluate the employer. In reality, you both want to know if you and the job’s requirements match, if you are motivated to succeed in this assignment, and if your and the employer’s values and styles mesh. When you are invited for an interview, be prepared to give the best interview you can. We’ve included information below on the types of interviews, as well as the most common questions you can expect to be asked in any interview. Keep in mind that an interview is really just an exchange of information. In other words, interviewing is formalized conversation. We say “formalized” because we do not want to use any language that would be considered inappropriate or in bad taste.

Today we will be creating a portfolio cover page.  As I have said, you probably won't be leaving your portfolio with prospective employers [if you do, keep a backup of everything] but a cover page will keep your portfolio looking professional.

Requirements for the cover page:

• NAME (all caps)
• EMPLOYMENT PORTFOLIO (all caps)
• e-mail address (something appropriate... not underlined)
• Date (i.e. February 26th, 2010) -- You can update this as you update your portfolio
• Font and size may vary depending on your own personal style

I will be returning your résumé to you today.  Make needed corrections and put your updated copy in your portfolio.

Also, make sure you are uploading all of your documents (résumé, cover letters, etc.) to Google Documents and/or emailing them to yourself.  This makes it a LOT more convenient in the future when you need to apply for a position.

Finally, use extra time to complete any missing assignments (i.e. the 5 letters we did this week) and pick up any graded assignments from the basket on the counter.

Download and edit the following "Summary of Skills and Experience"

• Summary of Skills

Today we discussed the importance of "cover letters" (see previous post).  I gave every student a packet containing three (3) cover letter examples, including a referral, a cold contact, and a personalized ad response.  The packet also included a sample follow-up letter.

Your task today is to begin writing these letters using your own name, address, and phone number as well as the name and address of a company for which you would like to work.  Do not simply copy the letters -- you are creating letters that are personalized about you.

We will have today and tomorrow to write the four letters.

When finished, print, sign, and turn in your letters.  Next, log into your Google/Gmail account and go to "Documents" (Google Docs).  Upload your letters, résumé, and references to your Google Docs space so you can access them later.

Remember, you are getting points for turning the letters in this week, but you are also going to be putting these into your portfolio (which we will be grading next week).

COVER LETTERS

Never submit any resume without a cover letter. The cover letter is a brief introduction to your resume. It is a way for you to convey particular information about yourself that may not be covered in a resume. Cover letters can be prepared in a variety of ways to accomplish different tasks. A cover letter can be targeted t oward a particular job posting, a networking opportunity, or a cold mailing. Let’s look first at some
basic “do’s” and “don’ts” in writing cover letters.  (Note that these are recommendations from one author and not intended as the "only way")

Cover Letter “Do’s”

• Address your letter to a specific individual.
• Send an original letter to each employer.
• Use simple language, action verbs, and keep it brief and to the point. Eliminate all unnecessary words and be sure to check for any repetitive wording.
• Write targeted cover letters that are unique to each situation.
• Refer to the job requirements and relate them to your skill set.
• Keep your letter brief and never go beyond one page! Each paragraph should have three to four sentences at the most.
• Tell the employer how you can meet his or her needs and contribute to the company.
• Refer to specific achievements and accomplishments and set yourself apart from other job seekers.
• Make sure your letter answers the question that the employer will be asking while reading your letter: “Why should I hire this person?”
• Never bring any negative tone into a cover letter.
• Be sure you are providing all contact information, such as home phone, cell phone, and email address.
• Keep any e-mailed cover letter shorter and more concise than a letter being postal mailed.

Cover Letter “Don’ts”

• Don’t send a resume without a cover letter.
• Don’t use a sexist salutation, such as “Gentlemen” when answering a blind ad.
• Don’t waste your first paragraph by writing a boring introduction. Use the first paragraph to grab the employer's attention; give the employer the reasons you are qualified for the position.
• Don’t use such clichés as “Enclosed please find my resume” or “As you can see on my resume enclosed herewith.” Employers can see that your resume is enclosed; they don’t need you to tell them. Such trite phrases just waste precious space. And don't use pleonasms (wordy phrases), which also waste space.
• Don’t depend on the employer to take action. Request action. Request an interview, and tell the employer when you will follow up to arrange it. Then, Do So. It is imperative that you follow up. You will greatly increase your chances of getting interviews if you call the employer after writing instead of sitting back and waiting for a call. Those who wait for the employer to call them will generally have a long wait.
• Don’t send a cover letter that contains any typos, misspellings, incorrect grammar or punctuation, smudges, or grease from yesterday’s lunch.
• Don’t rehash your resume. You can use your cover letter to highlight the aspects of your resume that are relevant to the position, but you’re wasting precious space -- and the potential employer’s time -- if you simply repeat your resume.
• Don't forget to personally sign the letter, preferably in black ink.

Simply put, your letters should tell the reader why you are writing, what position you are applying for, what you have to offer, and why this organization is of interest to you. You should close any letter by advising them of your intention to call them in several days, to arrange further discussion of employment opportunities.

Why are you writing - Let the reader know what has prompted you to communicate with them. Was it something you read or heard, if so, paraphrase the content. If your correspondence is in regards to an advertisement, clearly indicate what position you are applying for and where the advertisement was found.

Promise a benefit - Specify special skills, training, or educational experience that may increase the reader’s interest in you. Cite a particular example of a recent accomplishment in a way that will wet the reader’s appetite and help him/her see the benefits that you can bring to the company.

Refer to your particular interest in an organization - Here is an opportunity for you to tell them where your special skills can best be put to use. Through the use of words, create a picture that will actually assist the reader in imagining you as a member of their team.

The closing - This area provides the writer with an opportunity to control further communication and follow through between the writer and the recipient. Always make certain to request an interview. Give an approximate time in which you will contact the company. Never ask them to contact you at their convenience (with exception to executive recruiters and blind ads).

Although a cover letter is not intended to land you the job, it most definitely can either increase or hurt your chances of your resume being read.

As we have been discussing since January, your portfolio is the major project of this semester.  Most of what we have been doing has been leading up to this project.  


Some of the things I will be looking for in your portfolio include:

• Title Page
• Résumé
• Cover Letters (Referral, Cold Contact, and Ad Response)
• Follow-Up Letter (to a job application)
• Thank You Letter (for an interview)
• Sample Application / Summary of Skills and Experience
• Typing Certificate
• Letter of Recommendation
• Handshake Etiquette Handout
• Interviewing Types
• Interview Prep
• Interviews: Questions to ask during an interview
• 25 Most Common Interview Questions
• 25 Most Common Interview Mistakes
• (More coming soon)

If you have questions or concerns, please let me know ASAP.

Sample Resume

As we have been discussing for several weeks now, your final project will be a portfolio.  I recommend a nice 3-hole binder with several sheet protectors to hold documents.  A solid-color binder (i.e. black) can also be used.

You will keep résumés, references, job search tips, typing certificates, awards, etc. in your portfolio.  Portfolios will be something you can use to assist you in filling out applications, provide you with a place to keep extra résumés, and help you prepare for interviews.

Some of the things I will be looking for in your portfolio include:

• Résumé
• Cover Letter
• Sample Application
• Typing Certificate
• Letter of Recommendation
• (More coming in the next few weeks)

If you have questions or concerns, please let me know ASAP.

Today we will be watching the documentary, "Maxed Out".  We will be pausing the movie for brief questions/discussion, but we will use the entire period.  Your task today is to watch the movie and take notes which you will turn in at the end of class.  These notes will be "extra credit", but I do recommend that everybody do them.  This is an important subject which we will finish talking about on Friday.

Today we received a handout called "Handshake Etiquette" which we read and discussed in class.  We also received forms to begin our Family Tree research.

The idea behind doing our family tree is that it makes Internet research more personal and connects us with where we come from.  In my experience, students develop Internet research strategies as well as a better understanding of history and where we come from.

Students who are uncomfortable researching their own family tree are more than welcome to research a friend.  If you have any questions or concerns about this project, please feel free to contact me.

• Thursday and Friday were spent reading and discussing the "When you become 18" booklet and the Personal Finance workbook. 
• Our homework ["What do you wish you had learned in high school?"] was due on Friday as well.
• Also, students need to bring a "portfolio" of some sort and two [or more] sheet protectors.

Congratulations to everybody on your typing certificates!

Today I will give you a copy of "when you become 18" -- a newspaper-like paper we will be using for a few days.  Today we will discuss the paper and read pages 2 & 3 which relates [mostly] to driving.

Reminder: Your list of "Things every person should know before being on their own" is due Friday.  I'm hoping the ideas you get will help you help me guide the rest of this class.

• Begin practicing MicroType Pro (Lesson R -- Measurement Writing) for 10 minutes. 
• I will then have everybody get set to begin the official Typing Exam.  When I say "Begin" you will begin the exam.  Everybody will wait as I check each score.  Then we will begin again.  We will take this test three times.  I will take your best of three.

Obviously today is our Typing Test which will determine the speed printed on your typing certificate.  If you are not satisfied with your typing score today, just let me know that you aren't ready to receive your certificate and you can take the test again when you are ready.  Remember, I will only issue one certificate for each student.

• Spend this period practicing MicroType Pro (Lesson R -- Measurement Writing).  Show me your score (when you have a score with 2 errors or less) and I will enter it into the gradebook for today's assignment.

We will have our Typing Test tomorrow which will determine the speed printed on your typing certificate.  If you are not satisfied with your typing score on Friday, just let me know that you aren't ready to receive your certificate and you can take the test again when you are ready.

• Take 10 minutes to practice MicroType Pro (Lesson R -- Measurement Writing).
• Complete the price comparison project from yesterday and add the following:
• Just considering formula and diapers, what is the approximate daily cost of a newborn?  A 2 month old?  A 4 month old?  A 6 month old?  An 8 month old?  A 10 month old?
• What would be the approximate monthly cost for each group?
• What other costs might there be for caring for a baby?  Give specific examples.

We will have our Typing Test on Friday which will determine the speed printed on your typing certificate.  If you are not satisfied with your typing score on Friday, just let me know that you aren't ready to receive your certificate and you can take the test again when you are ready.

• Take 5 minutes to practice MicroType Pro (Lesson R -- Measurement Writing).
• Open Microsoft Word and do some price comparisons:
• Disposable Diapers (Kmart, Walmart).  Compare the same sizes from both stores and make a note of how many diapers are in each package.  Calculate how much each diaper costs.
• Figure out how many diapers per day a baby uses (BabyStory, KidsGrowth, Babblesoft) -- Newborn, 1-3 Months, 4-6 Months, 7-9 Months, 10-12 Months.  Calculate how much it costs per day (for each section) to diaper a baby.
• Figure out approximately how much baby formula a baby should use per day (BabyCenter) for a 6 pound baby, a 10 pound baby, a 15 pound baby, a 20 pound baby, and a 24 pound baby.  Compare that to the estimates for a newborn, 2 month, 4 month, and 6 month baby (KidsHealth).  On average, how many ounces (approximately) does a baby need each day?
• To prepare formula, you will mix one ounce of powdered formula with two ounces of water (to make 3 ounces of formula).  You will need to divide the total formula needed per day by 3 so you know how much powdered formula you need to buy.  Check out Amazon.com and find a good price for baby formula -- you might want to figure out the price per ounce to find the best bargain.  How much does each ounce of powdered formula cost?  Go back and add the daily cost of formula to the previous step (6 pound, 10 pound, 15 pound, 20 pound, 24 pound, newborn, 2 month, 4 month, and 6 month).

We will have our Typing Test on Friday which will determine the speed printed on your typing certificate.  If you are not satisfied with your typing score on Friday, just let me know that you aren't ready to receive your certificate and you can take the test again when you are ready.

• First, work on MicroType Pro (Lesson N Measurement Writing). When you have a score (with 2 errors or less) show it to me and I will write it down for todays typing grade.  If you increase your speed and/or accuracy, show me your updated score.  
• Next, we need to do your final "Well Baby Checkup".  I will sign your paper as I check your typing score.
• You will also need to update your "Baby Blog" [or Baby Book if you aren't doing the blog] as follows:
• Add pictures of your baby's Spring Break with a description of the picture.
• Discuss you experience with the baby project over Spring Break.
• What [if anything] have you learned from the project?
• Did you have any "close calls" (dropping the baby, forgetting it somewhere, etc.)?
• What could we have done to make the experience better -- or more useful?
• Check your 3rd Quarter grade on PowerSchool and let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

We will have our Typing Test on Friday which will determine the speed printed on your typing certificate.  If you are not satisfied with your typing score on Friday, just let me know that you aren't ready to receive your certificate and you can take the test again when you are ready.

Again we have several things to get done:

• First, we need to do your "Well Baby Checkup".  
• Next, you need to work on MicroType Pro (Lesson M Measurement Writing -- see picture below). When you have a score (with 2 errors or less) show it to me and I will write it down for todays typing grade.  If you increase your speed and/or accuracy, show me your updated score.  You will have a typing grade for Monday, today, Thursday, and Friday.

• Check your grade on PowerSchool and let me know if you have any questions.

Again we have several things to get done:

• First, we need to do your "Well Baby Checkup".  Bring your baby to me with your paper for me to initial.
• Next, you need to work on MicroType Pro (Lesson J Measurement Writing -- see picture below).  When you have a score (with 2 errors or less) show it to me and I will write it down for todays typing grade.  If you increase your speed and/or accuracy, show me your updated score.  You will have a typing grade for Monday, today, Thursday, and Friday.

• Add a new post to your "baby blog" answering this thought: "Things I plan to do over Spring Break -- with my baby."