Resources for improving interview skills

[jlaok]

I don't know if you guys remember but my parents have been separated for a year and my mom is having to re-enter the workforce with a degree and a lackluster career history.  I get the feeling from things she says that she isn't interviewing well.  Does any one have any sort of resources for a way to improve interviewing skills?  She is applying for some jobs at the local county office that I think would be a great match for her so I want her to go into the interview(s) well prepared. 

[Covergirl82]

jlaok, not sure where your mom lives, but in Michigan we have something called Michigan Works! Association that helps job seekers get their resume updated and work on interviewing skills. Maybe check to see if there is something similar in her area? Otherwise, maybe she could check with her college or university, as they usually have those services available to alumni. Best of luck to your mom!

[2chatter]

My firm has a return to work program for exactly these scenarios - it's happening right now (it's annual). She may want to look into that?

For interviewing, our library does this as does the local workforce program.

[welly01]

My sister recommended this book and I found it helpful. smile.amazon.com/gp/product/0071738886/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If she's open to your help, after each interview I would ask her which questions/topics tripped her up and then help her come up with better responses. When I was interviewing last year during/after a layoff, I typed up all the standard interview questions I could think of and typed up my answers. I kept reading that sheet over and over again to help me remember my answers so during the interview hopefully I could get my point across.

[akafred]

There are a million books and audiobooks with sample interview questions. Behavioral interviews seem to be the thing lately, where they ask what you would do in a given scenario. That could be an opportunity to share how her experience both professional and otherwise would be an asset. I just checked YouTube and there are a ton of videos too: m.youtube.com/results?q=behavioral%20interview%20questions%20and%20answers&sm=1

I also recommend the book "48 Days to the Work You Love", which helps with everything about changing careers, reentering the work force, etc. It is older but still very good IMO.