Sharpen Your

Networking and

Interview Skills

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Introduce Yourself

My name is __________________.

One word that describes how I feel about

networking & interviewing is ___________.

INTRODUCTION

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60-Minute OverviewINTRODUCTION

In this session, you will learn about:

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MaterialsINTRODUCTION

At your seat, you should find:

Resources & Notes Handout

Pen

Participant Survey

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Power Pose ActivityINTRODUCTION

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Networking OverviewNETWORKING AS PART OF YOUR JOB SEARCH

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Pop Quiz QuestionNETWORKING AS PART OF YOUR JOB SEARCH

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Pop Quiz AnswerNETWORKING AS PART OF YOUR JOB SEARCH

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Elevator Pitch OverviewNETWORKING AS PART OF YOUR JOB SEARCH

An elevator pitch is a short introduction

(usually about 30-60 seconds) that highlights

what makes you unique

It also can demonstrate the value you can

bring to a company or organization

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Your Personal Elevator PitchNETWORKING AS PART OF YOUR JOB SEARCH

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Draft Your PitchNETWORKING AS PART OF YOUR JOB SEARCH

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Practice Your PitchNETWORKING AS PART OF YOUR JOB SEARCH

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Networking in Three Steps

Identify who you know in your

personal network

Reach out to these people individually

Share that you’re looking for job

opportunities & get their suggestions

NETWORKING AS PART OF YOUR JOB SEARCH

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The InterviewPUTTING YOUR BEST SELF FORWARD

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Bring Your Best SelfPUTTING YOUR BEST SELF FORWARD

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Interview TipsPUTTING YOUR BEST SELF FORWARD

Choose a professional outfit that is currently

in style

Practice walking, sitting & leaning forward in

your interview outfit

Maintain good eye contact & smile

DO:

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Interview TipsPUTTING YOUR BEST SELF FORWARD

Wear an outfit that you’re not confident or

comfortable in

Lean back in your chair & cross your arms

DON’T:

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The HandshakePUTTING YOUR BEST SELF FORWARD

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Interview PrepPUTTING YOUR BEST SELF FORWARD

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PUTTING YOUR BEST SELF FORWARD

“Tell me about yourself.”

“Why are you looking for a

job?”

“You haven’t worked for a

long time. Why not?”

“What are you looking for?”

“Aren’t you overqualified for this position?”

Tough Interview Questions

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Skills to EmphasizePUTTING YOUR BEST SELF FORWARD

Try to emphasize these types of skills:

Critical thinking/problem solving

Professionalism & work ethic

Lifelong learning & self-direction

Remaining calm under pressure

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Questions for the InterviewerPUTTING YOUR BEST SELF FORWARD

Prepare questions in advance

Ask questions that generate a discussion

Never ask about salary in the first interview

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What Employers ValueCONCLUSION

"Our mature workers usually enter the company

understanding organizational values, ethical conduct

guidelines, and broad-based common-sense thinking. They

have been around the block a few times, learned from

mistakes younger workers still have to make, and

understand how and why companies make profit. They

provide stability, experience, and longevity to their

positions, even well past retirement age.”

- Michael, Communications Director at ID Plans

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ResourcesCONCLUSION

aarp.org/SharpenYourSkills aarp.org/Jobs

AARP Learn@50+ AARP Job Board

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SurveyCONCLUSION

We welcome your

feedback on our session.

Please complete

the survey!

Thank You for

Joining Us!