Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org
INTERVIEWING
TECHNIQUES AND HOW
TO “MARKET” YOURSELF
Della M. Eiche, SNS
Harford County Public Schools
Forest Hill, Maryland
[email protected]
facebook.com/SchoolNutritionAssociation
@SchoolLunch
#ANC15
Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org
Ice-Breaker
Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org
COVER LETTERS
A cover letter should be a brief overview of
“you”
Keep it short, simple and sweet
Note the position you are applying for
How you can contribute to the position
List Qualifications
Close by “Thank You”
WHAT WRITING STYLE IS
APPROPRIATE?
Be polite and be
confident
Always show
respect for the
employer
Be clear and
objective
Think of how you
would “sell”
yourself at the
interview
Be consistent
Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org
COVER LETTER DO’S:
Do:
• Include your phone number and address
•
•
•
•
on the letter
Keep your letter brief and concise
State what you can offer the company
Be error free, spell check
Sign the letter with black or blue ink
Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org
THINGS TO AVOID ON A COVER LETTER:
Don’t:
• Handwrite
• Overuse “I”
• Send a generic cover letter
Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org
LETTER OF INTENT OR INTEREST
Some schools systems require a letter of
intent or a letter of interest before you
intend to apply for a position
Include all jobs that you may be interested in
and qualified for
REFLECTION…
 Write a few things you
would include about
yourself on the cover
letter.
 1.
 2.
 3.
 4.
What are some ideas
you could put in your
letter of interest?
1.
2.
3.
4.
Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org
CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME
Chronological
Most common format
List places of employment and job titles
Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org
EXPERIENCE-BASED RESUME
Experience
Prepare deposits, handle petty cash
Create food orders and manage inventory
Handle personnel issues
Cross-train as regional manager
Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org
FUNCTIONAL RESUME
A functional resume focuses on skills and
strengths
Summarizes your qualifications
Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org
MARKET YOURSELF
Sell your skills and accomplishments
Use short phrases that begin with “action”
verbs
Make sure you include membership in
professional organizations
Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org
PREPARING A PORTFOLIO
Showcases who you are
Takes a snapshot of your professional work
What to include
Pictures
Evaluations
Special Events
REFLECTION…
Write some selling
points about YOU
that you would
include on your
resume
1.
2.
3.
What are some
things you can put
in your portfolio?
1.
2.
3.
4.
Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org
PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW
Do your research!
Visit the school cafeteria or job location prior
to your interview
Introduce yourself to the staff
Get a feel for the location
Drive to the location of the interview
Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org
Practice Makes Perfect
• Practice interviewing yourself in front of a
mirror
THE DAY OF THE INTERVIEW
Your Attire Matters!
 Dress the part
 Avoid casual clothing
and shoes
 Wear professional
clothing OR wear a
clean work uniform
 Be appropriately
dressed
Personal Hygiene is Important
 Take a shower before the
interview
 Men should be clean
shaven
 Women should wear
light make-up or no make
up
 Avoid cologne and
perfume
 Be conservative
WHAT TO BRING TO THE INTERVIEW
A watch
Your portfolio
A pen
Notes….jot down
A notepad
A notebook that
includes extra copies
of the resume
A calculator
some key things you
want to remember to
say at the interview
A list of questions
that you will ask at the
end of the interview
Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org
JUST BEFORE THE INTERVIEW
How to Handle the JITTERS
Arrive early
Drink plenty of water (keeps you cool)
Use the bathroom before your interview
Look at yourself in the mirror, smile and be
confident
Take a few deep breaths and relax
Spit out any gum/mints
Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org
WALKING INTO THE INTERVIEW
Your posture sets the tone, stand up straight
Make eye contact, smile
Shake hands and introduce
yourself
Say hello
Remember, make a
good first impression!
Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org
REFLECTION…
What are some things you would ask
about the job you are interviewing for?
What are some techniques you could
use to relax for your interview?
Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org
THE QUESTIONS
Most interviews involve a panel
Take your time answering the questions
It’s ok to ask them to repeat the
question
Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org
SETTING THE RIGHT TONE
The interviewers decision is based on your
answers as well as your qualifications
Focus on your tone and choice of words
Appropriate posture
Have positive body language
Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org
STANDARD INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Tell me about yourself?
Why did you leave your last job?
What excites you about your current job?
What would your employer say about you?
Why should we hire you (above all other
candidates)?
Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org
EMPHASIZE THE POSITIVE
Keep a positive tone
Turn negative experiences into positive
experiences
Don’t speak negatively about previous
management, workers etc.
Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org
HOW TO HANDLE TOUGH QUESTIONS
It’s ok to ask for time to think about that question
Ask to “come back” to that question
Give the best answer possible
If all else fails, it’s ok to say “ I don’t know the
answer to that question”
Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org
AT THE END…
The interviewers will most likely ask you if
you have any questions
Have a list of questions prepared to ask
Refer to your list for questions
Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org
THE DAY AFTER THE INTERVIEW
Call, write or e-mail the panel and “Thank”
them for the opportunity to interview
Include any information you may have
forgotten to mention in the interview
Breathe and relax…it’s over!
Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org
Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Feel free to grab one of my business cards
and contact me with questions.
I will happily review any materials you are
preparing for an interview
Stay confident, you CAN do this!