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CAREERS FOR SINGLE MOMS

DURING THE INTERVIEW

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Be personable as well as professional   
Be natural
Be aware of body language and reactions    
Most questions are asked for a good reason
Ask for clarification before answering a question
Answer all questions honestly and positively
Remain positive
Express your skills
Before you go

Be sure
Be sure to keep calm, relax and self-confident
If you arrive 10-15 minutes early, find the nearest restroom.  Once inside, take deep breaths, think soothing thoughts and remind yourself that you are confident and strong.  Refresh yourself (hair, makeup, lint off clothes, shoes are shiny, etc.) and make sure you are presentable. Take more deep breaths, think of more soothing thoughts and affirmations.  You're now ready to seize the day!

Be sure you know how to pronounce your interviewer's name correctly
Most people do not like to have their name mispronounced.  Make a good impression by correctly saying their name.  Also be sure to ask how they would like to be addressed - Miss, Mrs., Sir, or by their first name.  Be sure to also repeat their preference and try not to use a nickname.  If you're being interviewed by Mrs. Catherine Smith, who likes to be called Catherine, don't call her Cathy, call her Catherine.

Be personable as well as professional
Someone who is personable is well-liked and agreeable. Be courteous, smile and maintain a positive attitude. Most interviewers will ask other employees (receptionist, secretary or any other employees in the same room you were in) of their opinion of you.  If you smile and greet them with a "hello" and "How are you, today?", most likely they will say that you are friendly or nice.  Don't over-do it though, keep the conversations short and sweet. 

A person who is professional is serious about their work and working environment. Don't slouch, chew gum, swear, use slang, talk over or interrupt the interviewer.  When they are speaking about the position, the company or explaining something to you, don't smile and be sure to maintain eye contact. Show that you are serious about the position and the company.  Take notes and ask questions if you have any. Remember to shake your interviewer's hand before and after the interview.

Be natural
A good interview is one that will leave a lasting impression.  If you are there just to answer questions, chances are you will not get the position.  Keep in mind that the interviewer already knows about your work history and some of your skills.  You are there to expose more of yourself, to show that you a the right person for the job and can easily be a part of their family.  Make sure that you are confident when asked about your skills and experience.  Be proud of your accomplishments and enthusiastic about the opportunities you may have if you are hired. Try not to be overly sincere, too energetic and over the top.  Remain relaxed and on an even level.

• Engage in a conversation

• Don't put yourself in a question/answer mode

• Present your skills and experience with confidence

• Be engaging and enthusiastic

Be aware of body language and reactions  
Most interviewers are trained to interpret body language and reactions, which can reflect a person's mood and thoughts. 

• Sitting still and erect - patient and attentive

• Looking around when not in conversation or personal interaction - observant

• Maintaining direct eye contact - honest, interested

• Firm handshake - confident and strong

• Using the person's name - attentive, considerate and personable

• Leaning or slouching - uninterested, lazy

• Not speaking when spoken to - uninterested, won't follow direction

• Fidgeting or moving around too much - nervous, uncomfortable or impatient

• Crossing your arms - closed to communication or angry

• Looking down or away - hiding something, not telling the truth, uncomfortable around others

• Laughing inappropriately or excessively - not serious or nervous

• Agreeing to everything without hesitation or question - too eager to please, unable to challenge or be challenged, unable to think independently

• Looking out of the corner of your eyes - suspicious or judgmental

• Looking down constantly - low self-esteem and low confidence

• Talking excessively -  too social, may be opinionated and unwilling to listen to others

It's a good idea to practice in front of a mirror and with a friend.  Practice your handshakes and greetings as well.

Most questions are asked for a good reason  
If you are asked a question, answer as thoroughly as possible without going into extreme detail (get to the point and don't beat around the bush or go in circles).  You have been invited to the interview because the company or recruiter feels that you are qualified for the position and can do a good job.  They also would like to meet you in person so you can tell them more about yourself, your skills and experience to determine if you really are the best person for the job. Remember, you are there to highlight and compliment the facts on your resume. 

Also keep in mind that some questions are illegal to ask by the interviewer (race, color, religion, sex, disabilities, etc.- go to www.eeoc.gov for more information), unless it directly pertains to any safety issues or government regulations (flight attendants have height requirements and limitations, drivers are required to reveal their driving history and convictions, etc.). If asked any illegal questions, simply respond, "I'm sorry, I don't believe my answer to that question would have anything to do with this position or my ability to do a good job." for more information), unless it directly pertains to any safety issues or government regulations (flight attendants have height requirements and limitations, drivers are required to reveal their driving history and convictions, etc.). If asked any illegal questions, simply respond, "I'm sorry, I don't believe my answer to that question would have anything to do with this position or my ability to do a good job."

Ask for clarification before answering a question
Take notes and ask for clarification if you are unsure of something.  This won't make you seem like you are unintelligent.  On the contrary, it will demonstrate that you are interested and like to be informed before making a decision.

Answer all questions honestly and positively
Remember that most of the information you provide can and most likely will be verified.  Most questions are also asked to determine your personality and gauge your interactions.  Stay focused on your body language and reactions.  You're doing fine!

Don't be so negative, remain positive
When you are asked why you left your previous position, or to give an example of how you handled stress or conflict, remember to remain positive.  It's not a good idea to badmouth previous employers, jobs and co-workers.  If you do, most interviewers will immediately come to the conclusion that you may have a negative influence on the position, co-workers, the company and that you do not handle stress or difficulty well.  If you can demonstrate to the interviewer that you were able to handle adversity and maintained a positive attitude, you will show them you are mature and strong. Try using more less-negative words for unpleasant situations:

Fired or terminated - I had to leave
Did not get along - Could not see eye-to-eye
Unappreciated - I was not recognized, My skills and achievements went unnoticed
Missed too much work - Schedule was not flexible

Don't give an open-ended response and leave room for more questions, especially if you were uncomfortable with the situation. Remain honest and truthful. Most questions will be asked to determine how well you deal with tough situations and stress, or to clarify your previous work history.

Express your skills
Remember that this interview may be a one-time opportunity to demonstrate that you are the right person for the job. To fully prepare for any interview you should be able to identify these things in yourself:

• Key accomplishments (educational, professional and personal)
  - Any certificates, recognition awards, merits or promotions you have earned
  - Any programs or services you started or participated in to help your previous school, employer or community
  - Any professional organizations you may belong to

• Transferable skills
  Point out any skills you have learned from your previous experience that can be used and applied for the position.

• Unique features 
  Be sure to express what makes you special (high typing speed, knowledge of computers, familiarity with the product or market, etc.) or any special qualities that might make you stand apart from the other candidates.

• Personal and professional strengths
  Express what makes your skills and abilities special and how it may benefit the position and company.

You must be able to express the key aspects of yourself and highlight or compliment your resume during the interview. An inability to express yourself clearly can get in the way of this opportunity. One of the best ways to prepare for this is by rehearsing your answers to key interview questions. It is also important to look and act the part of a self-confident and successful person even if you don't feel like it.  

Before you go
Always leave the interview with knowledge of the next step and with a sense of how you will be evaluated. Ask the interviewer a few more questions.

• Have I provided you with the information you need?

• Where are you in the process?

• What's the next step?

• When should I plan to follow up?

• When will the final decision be made?

Remember to ask for a business card, thank your interviewer and shake their hand.

The final step
O.k., you took some notes, have your interviewers business card and felt that the interview went well. You go home and wait by the phone, right?  Wrong. Immediately go over your research you had compiled on the company and position, as well as the notes for the interview and start writing a thank you letter.  Make sure to highlight any applicable experience and skills, and that they are easily read in the letter (using a bulleted list).  This letter should also reflect some key points in the interview, your availability, and personal information (address, phone number, cellular phone number, voice mail and e-mail). If you have made a good impression, your letter will be received well. Follow up with a phone call around the time your interviewer had specified that a final decision will be made.