Labour Adjustment Services

Congratulations, your resume and cover letter worked! You've got an interview. Now what?

There are a variety of interview situations. You may start with an individual interview and move to a panel interview or visa versa you may start with a screening interview (usually about 20 mins) followed by a more in-depth interview. (individual or panel)

You may also have to complete a written test as a screening method followed by a personal interview.

Interviews in the retail sector are more and more becoming group interviews where many people are being screened at the same time.

Thorough preparation for an interview is essential.

The interview is a source of new job leads. It is not the final step. Many jobs are created when an employer "comes across an good person"; no openings existed until the employer met a person who could do something for the company.

Even if there are no job openings at this time you may be considered when the next job opens up.

View the interview as an opportunity to provide useful information about yourself and not simply a test. You have many useful skills and experience, desirable work attitudes and varied personal experiences that could not be discussed in sufficient detail on an application form or even in your resume.

The interview is a very predictable experience for which you are well prepared. Since the questions asked to obtain information are fairly standard and predictable, you can think about your answers beforehand and eliminate the fear of the unexpected.

• Find out as much as possible about the company, size, product, mission statement, advertised position
• Find the best bus route, where to park, etc
• Prepare questions that you will want to ask
• Try to find the names of the people who will be doing the hiring
• Anticipate employer's questions as much as possible and prepare your answers. Be prepared for unexpected questions
• Review your letter of application and your resume so you remember what you told the company about your background
• Bring the names and addresses of your references
• Think in terms of what you can do for the company
• Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early so that you will have time to compose yourself
• Be prepared with a paper and pen to jot down pertinent information
• Expect a certain amount of nervousness
• Get a good nights rest the evening before

Dress according to the position you are applying for.

NEAT, CLEAN, TIDY is extremely important

• extra copies of your resume
• copies of your references and letters of recommendation
• paper and pen (don't take notes during the interview, write down next appointment, start date)
• copies certificates / diplomas that apply to the job
• portfolio of sample work
• company information you have gathered and a list of questions you have prepared (like hours of work, who you will be working with, etc. NEVER ask about money. If they have already answered all your questions say "You have been very thorough .. I understand it will be shifts, etc." Play back information you have received.

• Go alone
• Allow time to figue out bus routes. If you are driving allow time for traffic and finding parking. Locate the building in advance so you don't have trouble finding it. When asked if you had any trouble finding us, you will impress them with you ability to locate them and your preparedness
• Wipe your feet
• Check out your appearance in a rest room if possible; don't make an employee leave their station to take you though
• Relax, be friendly with the receptionist. Don't let yourself get into a conversation while you are waiting. Think work, not personal issues. Keep it light.
• Never butt your cigarette on the ground
• Know the company's mission statement
• Don't arrive more than 10 minutes early

• Be on time
• Greet the interviewer and introduce yourself, be ready to shake hands
• SMILE!
• Speak clearly, take a moment to compose your answers
• Don't be afraid to be sociable, the employer wants to know that you have a pleasant personality
• If asked if you would like a coffee or cigarette, say no thank you
• Look for common ground
• Be a good listener. If in doubt about a question, request clarification
• Stay on topic
• Follow the lead of the interviewer, provide a copy of your resume when asked or if you feel it is necessay
• Leave you personal troubles at the door
• Show interest in the company. Think about and invite discussion on what you could do for them
• Volunteer positive information about yourself. lead the interview toward a discussion of your strengths
• Respond to questions in a straight forward manner. Some questions may only require a very brief answer. (NO one word answers) With open-ended questions, the interviewer is looking for insight and information. Take your time, collect your thoughts and answer with clarity. Tell the interviewer fully about your qualifications, experience and strengths
• Carry yourself with an air of confidence. Think about how wonderful it would be to work there
• The interviewer may present hypothetical situations. Think before you answer and keep in mind that there is no "right" or "wrong" answer
• Maintain eye contact
• Be attentive to body language. Never sit with your arms crossed
• Watch for termination clues
• Thank them for the interview
• Repeat the time they say they will be contacting you about their decision
• Always ask when you can expect to hear from them
• Ask for a business card
• Shake hands if appropriate and say goodbye. Address them by name

• Ask if you may sit down
• Keep good posture, don't lean or slouch
• Feet flat on the floor, knees together. Don't cross your legs
• Hands in your lap, don't cross your arms
• Put your folder on the floor beside you, not on your lap or the interviewer's desk
• Your hands should never be on the interviewer's desk or table

• Review the interview mentally and ask yourself how you could have been better. Be objective
• Write down all of the information about the company that you learned. Also jot down all the questions you were asked
• Send a thank you note to the interviewer
• If you haven't heard anything by the time they said they would be making a decision, phone and ask when a decision will be made
• If you don't get the job, ask for feedback from the Personnel Officer, this could be helpful on your next try

• Arriving late
• Referring to yourself as Mr, Mrs, Miss or Ms
• Using profane language
• Using slang
• Acting like someone besides yourself
• Emphasizing how much you need the job
• Bringing a friend or relative with you
• Interrupting the interviewer
• Indicating that you are restless by moving about in your chair
• Criticizing your former employers or co-workers
• Indicating you are nervous
• Being negative or critical about any subject
• Touching the interviewer's desk or anything on it
• Giving a sloppy handshake
• Acting friendlier than appropriate
• Giving false answers
• Giving unimportant excuses
• Expressing the idea that you are the most important
• Telling jokes
• Reading personal property on the interviewer's desk
• Having the odour of liquor on your breath
• Not wearing your presciptive eyeglasses if you need them
• Asking unimportant questions
• Talking to anyone who enters the room
• Initiating a discussion about wages, work conditions, holiday or vacation policies

Anything you say in an interview can be used to ask another question. Only give positive answers. You control what information will be used.