Searching for a job and preparing for interviews go hand in hand. This presentation suggests five key areas to focus on for your next job interview. Learn how to demonstrate your knowledge of the company and its products. Understand how being confident in your abilities and the value of being actively engaged in your profession is a must. Additional topics include proving you are a problem solver with solid work examples and closing the sale.

1. Bruce A. Bennett
Career Coach Corner
June 8, 2022 1

2. Bruce A. Bennett
Career Coach Corner
June 8, 2022 2

3. NTS
Resource for job seekers
Learn, inquire and advance
Support
Network
A group of individuals
Shared industry, position or interest
Informational interview – Chat about role
This is why you network
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4. June Calendar of Events & Services
Personalized Job Search Assistance Services
To sign up, request the professional directly by email
Resume Review, Mock Interview or LinkedIn Critique
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5. Elena B. – Manufacturing
Jim R. – IT Professional
Liz F. – Graphics Designer
Michael D. – IT Professional
Michael B. – Marketing
Mary M. – Educator
Cheryl W. – Bookkeeping
Kenya B. – Finance
I want to add your name to the list!!

6. http://www.illinoisworknet.com/

7. Introduction
MCWN Volunteer since 2010 & Contractor since 2018
Career Coach Corner Blogger, Podcaster & Presenter
General Notes for Today
My contact info is on last slide
Session is interactive
Link to the presentation will be shared after the session
Networking discussion follows presentation
Share experiences, ask questions, seek advice, etc.
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8. 1. Interview Knowledge - Show the interviewer you know the
company, its products, services and customers.
2. Self Confidence - Be confident in your own skin, abilities and value.
3. Up To Date - Keep pace with industry knowledge and developments.
4. Portfolio - Prove you are a problem solver with solid work examples.
5. Closing the Interview - Excitement with desire for the job in your
voice & demeanor.

10. Research the company and position
Company website: management team, recent
acquisitions, current news, new products, stock
price, etc.
LinkedIn: Company LinkedIn Page, Profiles of people
you are interviewing with, connections who work
at the company, and people who left.

11. Have work history, reference details and copies of your resume.
Dress for interview and overdress rather than underdress.
Have your answers prepared for these most likely opening
interview questions:
1. What can you tell me about our company?
2. Tell Me About Yourself by Pamela Skillings
3. Tell Me About Yourself by John Heaney
4. Tell Me About Yourself by Andy LaCivita
Be prepared to answer general questions: Strength, Weakness,
Why hire you, Ideal job, etc.

12. Interview Knowledge

13. LinkedIn offers Interview Prep under the Jobs tab
More features Skills Assessments & Resume Builder

14. Free accounts provide an answer framework
Interview Prep provides answer framework with video & tips for free account

15. Interview Prep provides sample Q & A with video & tips with upgraded account
LinkedIn Interviewing Resource

16. Categories button offers additional questions for specific roles
LinkedIn Interviewing Resource

17. Self analysis
Inventory your skills
SWOT and positive thinking.
Set goals
Measure success in small steps.
Start Stretching
Increase goals as confidence builds.

19. Smile.
Posture and Body Language.
Speak confidently – slow it down.
Goal setting & achievement.
Do away with a bad habit.

20. Visualize yourself in a positive light.
Prepare mentally for situations.
Muscle and mind memory.
Laugh.
How To Have More Self Confidence and Self Esteem
How to be more confident

21. Up To Date
Staying current in your field.
Google yielded 1,190,000,000 results!
Are You Staying Current In Your Field?
Product/Services websites.
Company websites.
Posts, blogs and other on line activity.

22. Up To Date
LinkedIn activity demonstrates you are current.
Read and discuss merits of books, seminars or
webinars in your industry.
Professional Association Membership webinars,
events and networking.
Being current yields currency.

23. Resume.
Examples of your work, e.g. Spreadsheets,
Memos, Proposals, Presentations.
List of accomplishments.
Letters of recommendation.
Military service.

24. Certificates, Degrees or Licenses.
Transcripts, continuing education classes, or seminars.
Volunteer activities.
Thank you notes from vendors/clients.
Recognition photos or completed team projects.

25. Have questions prepared and printed out with Company logo visible.
Express interest in the company and working for the hiring manager.
Revisit the “tell my about yourself” and why you are a great candidate.
Ask about next steps in the candidate selection process.
Enthusiastic handshake, fist bump or elbow at the end.
Clearly state, “I want this job”.

26. LinkedIn for Your Job Search
Monday June 13, 2022 from 10:00am to 12:00pm
LinkedIn Strategic Guidelines
Wednesday June 15, 2022 from 10:00am to 12:00pm
Resumes, Cover Letters and Applying Online
Wednesday July 6, 2022 from 10:00am to 12:00pm
Guide for a Winning Interview
Monday July 11, 2022 from 10:00am to 12:00pm
Network to Success Job Club
Portfolios - A Tool for Job Search
Wednesday July 13, 2022 at 1:00pm to 3:00pm

27. Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn
Bruce A. Bennett
Mobile: 815-302-9552
Email: BABennett73@gmail.com
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/bruceabennett
Career Coach Corner Blog: http://bruce73.wordpress.com/
https://bruce73.wordpress.com/upcoming-presentations/
Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/b-squared-linkedin

28. General discussion, questions, or comments.
Anyone willing to share a recent experience?
Who would like to share a target company?
Recent job applications?
Anyone have a prescreen call or interview recently?
Anyone encountering road blocks or obstacles?
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