The purpose of the cover letter is to convey how you are unique in your ability to add value to the organization, and interest in the position. Cover letters should be tailored specifically for the position to which you are applying for.

It is suggested you send a thank you note within 24 hours of your interview expressing your appreciation and time for the interview.

What’s the best way to stay relaxed and calm during an interview?

• • ReviewÌýyour resume.

• • BringÌýextra resumes, a notepad, and a pen.

• • PrepareÌýa 30 second commercial about yourself.

• • Be polite to everyone you meet at the interview.

• • Project energy and enthusiasm.

• • Do not chew gum, swear, or use slang.

• • IdentifyÌýtransferable skills, key accomplishments, work style, and personal and professional strengths i.e. sales, customer service, leadership roles.

• • Be able toÌýexpressÌýthe unique marketable skills you have to offer.

• • ResearchÌýthe company and the unit or department.

• • Become familiar with the products, services, structure, competitors, reputation, and any recent significant changes.

• • ReviewÌýthe job description to understand the skills required.

• • Know why you want to work for that company.

• • PrepareÌýa list of four or five questions about the department or position.

• • Know the exact place and time of the meeting. ÌýAllow plenty of time to get to the interview and plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early. Plan to arrive at a plant site 30 minutes prior to clear security.
  • Get a good nights’ rest.

• Look your professional best.
• Make eye contact with the interviewer.
• Give a firm (but not too firm or too soft) handshake.
• Be polite to everyone you meet at the interview.
• Project energy and enthusiasm.
• Do not chew gum, swear, or use slang.
• Be aware of the interviewer’s body language and other non-verbal cues.
• Be prepared to tell the employer about yourself. Have a 30 second commercial which includes who you are, where you are from, your education, and hobbies.
• Listen carefully, and take a moment to formulate your answers before you speak.
• After the interview, thank the Interviewer/s for their time, and ask for a business card. Send thank you note via e-mail or by regular mail.

What is Behavioral Interviewing?

As part of the hiring process, you will participate in what is called a Behavioral Interview which is a structured interview process that is used to collect information about past behavior. Because past performance is a predictor of future behavior, a behavioral based interview can help identify your past performance through open-ended questioning.

The STAR Technique

The STAR Technique is a way to frame answers to specific questions in an organized manner that will give the interviewer the most information about your past experience’s.

The following are the components a prospective employer will be looking for:

• What was theÌýSituation in which you were involved?
• What was theÌýTask you needed to accomplish?
• °Â³ó²¹³ÙÌýAction(s) did you take?
• °Â³ó²¹³ÙÌýResults did you achieve?

1. What are your strengths?
2. What are your weaknesses/opportunities: (Don’t be negative but demonstrate how you recognize this area and what you do to compensate for it). Usually your weaknesses are the opposite of your strengths.
3. Give an example of when you have set a goal, achieved, or exceed it.
4. Give an example of being able to come to a fact based conclusion based on a reasoned process (this is critical thinking).
5. Explain how you most recently solved a problem on the job, individually or as a team?
6. Give me an example of a time when you took the initiative to improve a process.
7. Tell me about a time when you had to cope with a stressful situation.

1. How would you describe a typical week/day in this position?
2. What are the prospects for growth and advancement?
3. What do you like about working here?
4. If I am extended a job offer, how soon would you like me to start?

Placement methodology according to the Accrediting Commission Of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)