Interview
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People forget that the purpose of a job interview is not just to get the job. Sound strange to you? It’s not. You go to a job interview to discover whether your talents, abilities, interests and direction are a good fit for the job, the company, and the company’s mission.
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Useful Interview Tips
• Any job interview question should be treated exactly as you would treat a job situation, because that's exactly what the question represents. Just give the normal, correct response you'd give your boss.
• The same issues are involved in a job interview as on the job.
• You're giving answers to questions which would be pretty normal in any job. These are theoretical questions, in most cases, but they all have practical elements you know well.
• You're doing the interview because you know your job, and because you have the skills and experience required.
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It's easy to beat interview nerves. Don't let them beat you.
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Ex-offender interview tips
When looking for work as an ex-offender the most important aspect is the interview. Making the interview work is of key importance for any person seeking a job. What ex-offenders need for an interview will basically be the same requirements which every job applicant will need.
In your efforts to make the interview work for you, you will need to begin preparations for the interviews from the moment you receive notice that you have an interview. If you get called for an interview here are some tips you should follow.
• Write down the name, day, time, and place
• Repeat the information back to ensure accuracy
• Ask for directions if you are not familiar with the location
• Write down a phone number to contact the interviewer if there is a concern or problem
• Immediately begin reorganizing your schedule
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What tips ex-offenders need for an interview when it comes to overall strategy concern basic observation and interaction. Some of the tips which will help you here are the following:
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• Take note of the dress code or common attire
• Take note of any awards or notices on the walls
• Read any sales or company materials available while waiting
• Greet the interviewer with a smile and firm handshake
• Respond to small talk politely but refrain from unneeded conversation
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Making the interview process work for you also includes being prepared both physically and mentally the day of the interview. When you are going for an interview, especially as an ex-offender, you need to be ready for anything the day of the interview. Here are a few tips to help in this area.
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• Do not schedule anything within an hour before or after the interview
• Figure how much time it will take to get to the interview, then add at least 15 minutes
• If you are driving, have bus fare in case of breakdown
• If you take the bus, have cab fare if you miss the bus
• If someone is driving you, have a back up driver
• Do not drink alcohol before the interview
• Try not to smoke immediately before the interview
• Be sure to eat something before the interview
Making the interview work for an ex-offender will mean being aware of questions regarding your convictions and gaps in employment.
With this in mind, here are some interview tips specifically for ex-offenders on how to handle the questions concerning your incarceration.
• Acknowledgement of the conviction, when, where and for what
• A comment that you have successfully completed the terms of the sentence
• How you took advantage of programs and opportunities to work while completing your sentence
• Your promise that you are ready to work as a team player and you are not likely to cause problems for the employer
While some of these interview tips may sound basic, remember that you have been out of the workforce for awhile.
The needs for an interview are what an ex-offender must consider when looking for that first opportunity.
You're strongly advised to get training anyway, from a professional trainer. There's no real substitute for practical experience,
and that's what you get.
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You need training if:
• You lack confidence doing interviews
• You've been getting interviews but not getting the jobs
• You haven't done an interview for more than 3 years
• Your performance isn't up to par, in your opinion
• You've had feedback from interviewers indicating problems
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