Page 17 - Vets-Guide

Step 6: Preparing
for the Interview and
Interviewing
While the purpose of your resume is to get an interview, the purpose of the interview is to get a job o er Preparing for an interview is incredibly important because if you take the time to thoroughly prepare the employer will notice e interview is a key opportunity for you to present yourself as organized, punctual, and professional. You want to be able to discuss your quali cations in more detail and with speci c examples based on the information you provided in your cover letter and resume e interview is also an opportunity for you to ask speci c questions about the position and employer to ensure that the opportunity is the right t for you o
5 Steps to Prepare for your Interview:re
Step 1: Gather work samples, whether they be writing samples, a portfolio of design or construction work, or let- ters from former employers and news articles highlighting your work. Not all jobs require samples, but this can be an excellent way to show your preparation and quantify your accomplishments.
Step 3: Learn as much as you can about the employer, including an understanding of their website and employment structure
Step 4: Prepare a list of detailed questions you would like to ask to show your interest and get additional information on the position and employer Avoid questions regarding com- pensation until the employer mentions the topic
Step 5: Make sure you have an accurate set of directions to the interview location, and if you require special access in any way, ask about access and mobility factors Make sure you always have a telephone contact Arrive at the interview location early (no more than 20 minutes but no less than 5) dressed appropriately, with copies of your resume, work samples, and references
Now that you’re prepared for the interview, you will hopefully be feeling more comfortable and less anxious about presenting yourself, your quali cations, and your abilities in a way that will make you stand out amongst other interviewees Even with preparation, however, the interview can still induce some anxiety It’s important to enter the interview with “active con dence.” What this means is that you are not acting too con dent, or being passive by only responding to the employer’s questions, but that you are contributing to the conversation of the interview. e interview is a two-way street where you ask questions and broach topics along with the employer It’s a conversation where both players are asking questions and actively listening
5 Key Interview Tips:
Step 1: Identify and discuss ways in which your military experience relates to the position Mention unique strengths you gained through your military experience that other candidates may not possess
Step 2: Ask questions you’ve previously prepared throughout the interview and adjust those questions based on the ow of the conversation Take a notebook and write down interviewer names and answers to your questions
Step 3: Display your best external qualities—for example maintain eye contact, maintain active posture, and use the names of interviewers when appropriate to show you are engaged
Step 4: Make sure to show some of your best internal qualities when discussing your quali cations—for example, positive experiences working in teams, leading groups, adapting to a changing environment, and motivation
Step 5: Use your common sense to determine the best times to ask questions or make comments about your quali cations, the position, or the employer
Reaching out to Fellow Veterans
Once you begin working at your new job, think about
the successes and failures you faced throughout your job search. Could other veterans bene t and learn from your experiences? What resources did you use that were most bene cial? If you come in contact with other veterans looking for work, share your experiences and lessons learned. No one should face the job search alone, and the assistance and advice you can provide could be the best resource to other vets!
Step 2: ink about questions you will probably be asked and prepare answers prior to the interview as best you can Talk to friends and family about their interview experiences and the questions they were asked e interviewer may request that you “Tell me about yourself” or ask, “Why do you think you are the best candidate for this position?” Have your responses prepared and ready to be tailored once actual questions are asked in the interview
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