Learn—Maximum Time: 45 Minutes

Read:A successful job search follows this simple formula:

Act in Faith + Work Hard + Work Smart = Success

Interview skills help you work smarter. Because interviews are so important, we will spend the next three chapters learning and practicing interview skills.

Josh’s Job Search

Read:More good news. Julie from ABC Marketing called Josh after she received his résumé and cover letter. She scheduled an interview with him two days from now for the help desk technician job. Josh has always been nervous during job interviews and is concerned about what questions Julie might ask him. He is pretty sure that he didn’t do well in the two interviews he has had so far, but he isn’t sure what he could improve. Josh wants to be prepared.

Discuss:In what ways can you relate to Josh?

Watch:“The Interview,” available at srs.lds.org/videos. (No video? Read page 109.)

Read:Interviews are one of the last steps in getting a job. The purpose of an interview is to get a job offer. The Lord has promised, “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear” (D&C 38:30). If you prepare well, you can replace fear with confidence.

In this chapter, you will learn to work smart by developing the following interview skills:

1. Prepare before the interview.

2. Open the interview effectively.

3. Use your Me in 30 Seconds.

4. Use power statements.

1. Prepare Before the Interview

Read:Wouldn’t it be nice to know what questions you were going to be asked in an interview?

You can.

Most interviewers will ask a combination of common interview questions and job-specific questions. You already know how to identify the employer’s needs, so you can use that skill to figure out what the employer will probably ask you. For example, Josh is pretty sure he will be asked about customer service, troubleshooting, and communicating technical things in simple terms.

Activity (3 minutes)

Look at the job description you brought with you, or think of the job you want. Write two questions you think an interviewer might ask you, then share them with the group.

1.

2.

2. Open the Interview Effectively

Read:When you open an interview, there are some simple things you can do to make a great first impression. As a group, take turns reading the list of do’s and don’ts below.

Do	Don’t
Dress one level above the company’s dress standard.	Dress too casually.
Arrive 5–10 minutes early.	Be late or more than 10 minutes early.
Use positive body language.	Use negative body language.

Activity (3 minutes)

Compare the pictures below. In both pictures, the person on the left is there for an interview. As a group, discuss what kind of impression the job seeker is making in each picture.

3. Use Your Me in 30 Seconds

Read:Often one of the first interview questions you will be asked is, “Tell me about yourself.” A Me in 30 Seconds adapted to an interview setting is a great response to this question. The Me in 30 Seconds for an interview is slightly different. For example, you don’t usually need to use your name. And instead of asking for referrals like you would with networking, you close it by showing interest in the company or position.

Activity (4 minutes)

Let’s read through two examples of people responding to the opening question of the interview. Choose roles and act out the following.

The Bad Example

Interviewer: “Before we get started, please tell me a little bit about yourself.”

Job Seeker: “Well, I grew up in Kansas as part of a large family. I am married and have three kids and a puppy. We love to travel, and we spend as much time at the lake as possible. Just last year we bought a new boat. It was pretty expensive, which is part of why I am looking for work. I have a lot of experience working with people. I started out 20 years ago, when I was 19, as a teller in a bank. So I learned quite a bit about money and finances. For example, I learned that banks don’t hold your money; they just take it and then lend it out again to make interest. Anyway, I did that for a few years, and then I went to college. I wasn’t very good at school. I really don’t like studying. I got a job at a friend’s marketing business. I did mostly administrative stuff—you know, like answer phones, mail, meetings, that kind of thing. But working with friends doesn’t always work out, so I left that position and looked for something better. Let’s see … I worked at a few other places, but I can’t remember their names. Oh, the best job I had was this customer service position where I got to work from home. I could work in my pajamas, answer the phone, and just work on my computer. That was really nice. Anyway, I like working, and I like people. I will do a good job for you.”

The Good Example

Interviewer: “Before we get started, please tell me a little bit about yourself.”

Job Seeker: “Well, my 20-year career has largely been in finance and banking. I began as a teller in a local bank and then progressed into management. Early on I realized the value of education and completed a degree in finance. I excel in managing people, costs, and reaching sales goals. For example, in my previous position I took over a struggling branch, and within six months we were exceeding our sales goals. I am interested in this position because it sounds like this may be a similar challenge.”

Discuss:Why was the second example better?

Activity (4 minutes)

Look at the job description you brought, or think about the job you want. Imagine you have an interview in two days for that position. In the space below, write a Me in 30 Seconds in response to the request, “Tell me about yourself.” Then pair up and share it with your action partner.

4. Use Power Statements

Read:Power statements should be used to answer most interview questions. They are memorable and powerful and will help you stand out as the clear choice.

Remember to follow the power statement formula:

Activity (4 minutes)

Let’s read through these interview examples from chapter 4 again. Choose roles, and act out the following.

The Average Example

Interviewer: “Tell me about a time you provided great customer service.”

Job Seeker 2: “Customer service is very important to me. The customers are key to our continued success. I have always found that if you treat the customers right, they will reward you with continued business. I have a lot of experience with customer service, and I am very good at it. Customers want to be heard and know they are listened to. It is important that we do our best to get it right the first time and make it right as quickly as possible when we make a mistake. I believe in the mantra that the customer is always right.”

The Good Example

Interviewer: “Tell me about a time you provided great customer service.”

Job Seeker 3: “I am very skilled at customer service. For example, when I worked for YZ Sales, we had a long-term customer who, on one occasion, did not get what he had ordered. When he called me, he was upset and threatened to cancel all of his business with us. I took time to listen and understand his situation and then provided a solution that worked for him. As a result, we not only retained the customer but he increased his orders with us by 200 percent. I am confident I can put these same customer service skills to work for you.”

Discuss:How did using a power statement make the second example more effective?

Activity (6 minutes)

Imagine you are now deeper into the interview. The interviewer will likely ask you some other common interview questions. Write power statements for each of the questions below.

What is one of your strengths?

What is your greatest professional achievement?

Why should we hire you?

Activity (6 minutes)

As a group, read all of the instructions, then begin the activity.

Step 1: Everyone stand up and move to an open space for a speed practice. Each person should face another person.

Step 2: The first person asks one of the three questions from page 105.

Step 3: The second person answers the question using a power statement.

Step 4: Provide feedback:

• Did the person share an example with a result?

• Were you impressed?

Step 5: Switch roles and repeat.

Step 6: Change partners and repeat the activity five times.

Conclusion

Discuss:What were some of the most important things you learned from this chapter?

Read:You have begun to learn some interview skills that will help you work smart.

Act in Faith + Work Hard + Work Smart = Success

If you are prepared, there is no need to fear. Pray for help, and then prepare and practice as much as possible. In the next chapter, we will learn more interview skills.