Interviewing for Nontraditional Employment An interview is an opportunity for you to meet your potential employer, find out more about the job you are interested in, and convince the employer that you are qualified for the job. It is also the employer's first impression of you. So, it is important that you follow the suggestions below so that you can make a positive impression. Preparing for the Interview The Interview Return to top Preparing for the Interview Find out as much about the company as possible. The local employment office is a resource for information about companies in the area. You may wish to search the Internet or the periodical section of the public library to see if there has been any negative news coverage of the company on issues like sexual harassment or race discrimination. Prepare questions you may have about the company and any negative information you discover. Prepare questions about the job itself. Be sure to ask about wages, benefits, career advancement potential and retention strategies such as job shadowing, on-the-job training and mentoring. You will also need to know if you will need a car, whether travel is involved and, if so, how many hours you will be working. Ask to tour the work site and meet the workers. Role play the interview with someone and encourage that person to ask you difficult questions such as "what are your weaknesses?" so that you can practice answering the questions in the most self-assured and positive way. Obtain the proper attire for the job. Employment counselors at the local employment office can provide you with information about the clothes you will need for the interview. Find out where the interview will be so you will not get lost or be late. Return to top The Interview Arrive 10-15 minutes early Provide your resume to the interviewer Be polite, relaxed and natural and do not rush your answers Maintain eye contact with the interviewer and do not make any nervous movements Remain confident and assertive Listen carefully and give answers that are complete and show you in your best light Do not let the interview end without raising the questions you have Ask when the decision on the position will be made and whether it is appropriate for you to follow up Thank the interviewer for the interview and remind the interviewer of your interest in the company and the position Send a brief thank-you letter to the interviewer on the same day as the interview Return to top     | Home | Contact | Search/Sitemap | User Guides | Events | Internet Guide | Email Lists | Copyright © 1998, Wider Opportunities for Women, All Rights Reserved.