The mission of Women In Charge is to help women in need heal their spirits, prepare for a successful move into the marketplace through HISET/GED classes, and raise their self-esteem through tutoring and mentoring. It is important for us to start with teaching how to be successful in a job interview. We teach the women who participate in our program the following four principles in preparing for an interview.
1. Professional presence is of utmost importance and a primary focus of our work in this program. The women who participate become much more confident when they know how to introduce themselves, using good eye contact, having a firm handshake, and then communicate with a positive attitude. Before they interview, the women are encouraged to research the company, which helps them to realize that the more they learn about the business, the more they will feel empowered.
2. Listening is the key to good communication. Making a great first impression to establish a good connection is so important. It is very difficult to put the best version of yourself out there during an interview with a stranger. The key then, is to learn how to take deep breaths and listen to what the interviewer says he or she is looking for in a candidate. In-depth listening can be one of the best tools used in a quest for job success. Good listening enables the candidate to get a good sense of the interviewer, and how best to communicate and establish rapport with that person. Pay attention to your body language and what it says to the listener.
3. Leave a lasting and good impression. The sad truth of interviewing is that they will not remember a lot about each candidate so sometimes the intuitive connection may be the only thing they do remember. Sometimes you may be identified by something you wore, an outside interest, or an unusual fact that would set you apart from everyone else. Try to create an anchor for interviewers to remember you – that could make all the difference in the outcome.
4. The telephone is a vital source of communication. The way you conduct yourself on the phone may be a key factor in a future employer’s decision to hire you on a permanent basis. Saying the right thing is important to making the right impression. Your employer may have a specific way he or she would like you to answer the phone. If they haven’t told you specifically what they prefer, take the initiative and ask, proving that you care about your performance. Many jobs include answering calls from people who are unpleasant, or too demanding, so it is essential to learn how to be polite and helpful, but with a firm and professional response.
At Women In Charge, we understand that the struggle does not end once HiSET or GED is obtained, which is why our program includes job placement guidance and counseling.
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