Getting the Job

Preparation

Before you go to an interview, it's very important to be prepared!  Do a bit of research on the organization before-hand, and be able to answer the following questions:

·        Why are you interested in this career field?

·        Why are you interested in our organization?

·        Why do you want this particular position? 

When you answer interview questions, think about how your work experience makes you a good fit for the job, and be sure to integrate that into your answers.  For example if you are applying to a cooking position and you have restaurant experience, be sure to mention it!  It is important to sell yourself!!

You should also prepare some questions to ask of your employer.  Usually as a wrap-up, an interviewer will ask if you have any questions about the job or the organization.  It is imperative that you ask questions.  Here are some examples of what you should ask:

·        What are you looking for in a candidate?

·        What are the organizations long term goals?

·        Why are you looking to fill this position?

·        Outside my department, who else will I work with?

·        What is your favorite part about working here?

Answering Tough Questions

It is also important to know how to turn negatives into positives.  Prepare to be asked why you left other jobs, why you weren't working for a period of time, or why you don't currently have a job.  Be ready to answer these questions and shed a positive light on your experiences.   Turn your negatives into positives, and practice your answers!! 

* If you have a criminal record, you should be prepared to answer one big question: "Have you been convicted of a felony?"  If your answer is yes, you need to answer honestly.  However, you should plan a way to answer this question to make the employer see that you are still the person for the job; make sure to express that you have learned from your mistake and changed for the better, and that your experience has made you even more hard-working and responsible. *

What to Bring to the Interview

First of all, you should aim to arrive at least 10 minutes early at the interview site.  Come with a positive attitude, and when you meet an employer, stand straight, make eye contact, and give a firm handshake.

Remember to bring several copies of your most recent resume.  Ask a caseworker to make copies for you!  Also bring any letters of recommendation, a list of references (if requested), and any other materials the employer asks you to bring.

After the Interview

As soon as possible, you should send a thank you note to the interviewer.  This makes you stand out as a candidate and reinforces your interest in the position.  In the letter, take the opportunity to highlight something positive from the interview or clarify something that didn't go as well as you planned.  You can ask a caseworker to help you write the letter or to fax it for you! 

Sample Interview Questions

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