Interviewing
Interviewing Overview
We offer interview assistance to participants in the Find Phase. Our support varies from individual to individual. Some individuals want Great Work Staff members to accompany them to interviews. Some individuals want a quick phone call to check in after. There are many different ways to support a participant while they’re interviewing! It’s important to ask.
Make sure you ask your participant about what title they want you to introduce yourself as.
Important Information: We only can offer interview assistance in the Find Phase.
Ideas for interview attire for individuals on a budget
Thrift stores
Discount racks at places that sell clothes
Churches
Jails to Jobs
This resource isn’t just for people who have been incararated. According to the website, “We have created a directory of nonprofits (see below) across the U.S. that are dedicated to giving away professional clothing to those who qualify.”
More information and availability:
https://jailstojobs.org/free-interview-clothes/
Salvation Army
Examples of professional clothing found at Salvation Army
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVnOzQRyqLs
What to wear during an interview?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXCdVn7L-9Y
Questions to ask in an interview to assess if an employer is inclusive
*Generated by Perplexity
https://www.perplexity.ai/search/3e657aa3-c55e-497c-9bf4-05762a63c915?s=u
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Could you share a brief history of the actions the company has taken to create an inclusive work environment?
Do you have a formal diversity and inclusion team? How do employees support diversity and inclusion efforts? Do you have an Employee Resource Group (ERG) for underrepresented groups?
What steps have you taken to create an inclusive work environment?
Can you share your thoughts on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace? Why do you think they are essential?
How do you define diversity and inclusion in this organization?
What diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence training have you received, and how have you applied what you learned on the job?
Can you share a time when you took steps to ensure that everyone felt included? What actions did you take, and what was the outcome?
How does the company ensure that everyone's voice is heard and valued in a team setting?
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Could you share a brief history of the actions the company has taken to create an inclusive work environment?
Do you have a formal diversity and inclusion team? How do employees support diversity and inclusion efforts? Do you have an Employee Resource Group (ERG) for people with disabilities?
What diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence training do you offer? Are they mandatory for all employees?
Tell us about a time when you have taken steps to ensure that everyone (in your class, on your team, in your organization) felt included. Describe the situation, the actions you took, and the outcome.
What steps have you taken at your current or last employer to create an inclusive work or learning environment for people with disabilities?
Can you describe how your company accommodates employees with disabilities?
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Does the company have an LGBTQ+ network and community page? Do they run LGBTQ+ inclusive events and initiatives?
What is the company's commitment to diversity and inclusion, and how does it specifically support LGBTQ+ employees?
Does the company have specific diversity programs and initiatives, such as employee resource groups, for LGBTQ+ workers?
What is the company's policy on gender identity and expression?
How does the company ensure that all employees, including LGBTQ+ employees, feel safe and respected in the workplace?
Does the company offer gender-inclusive benefits?
How does the company handle discrimination or harassment based on sexual orientation or gender identity?
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Could you share a brief history of the actions the company has taken to create an inclusive work environment?
Do you have a formal diversity and inclusion team? How do employees support diversity and inclusion efforts? Do you have an Employee Resource Group (ERG) for people with disabilities?
What diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence training do you offer? Are they mandatory for all employees? Tell us about a time when you have taken steps to ensure that everyone (in your class, on your team, in your organization) felt included. Describe the situation, the actions you took, and the outcome.
What steps have you taken at your current or last employer to create an inclusive work or learning environment for people with disabilities?
Interviewing Resources:
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Interview Practice Questions
Practice questions to help your individual prepare for the interview!
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CareerForce: Questions to ask in an Interview
Sample questions for your participant to ask in an interview.
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Dress for the Job: Interview
Example attire for your participant to wear in an interview.
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The STAR Method for Answering Behavioral Questions
The STAR Method is a great strategy for participants to answer interview questions.
Check out how to use the STAR Method to answer interview questions.
The STAR Method stands for:
Situation
Task
Action
Result
Resources for Individuals with Criminal History
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Criminal Background Cover Letters
This resource has several templates for explaining a prior conviction to employers.
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P.A.A.R Statement Template
This is a template for answering questions about an individual’s criminal history.
Put the Employer at Ease”
Accept Responsibility”
Action/ State Accomplishments
Raise and Reassure Employer Confidence
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Explaining a Felony Conviction
This is a resource to help individuals explain a felony conviction.
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Federal Bonding Program
Attached is a handout explaining the federal bonding program.
This is a no-cost program protecting businesses from theft or larceny of employees for the first six months of employment.
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How to Gather Evidence of Rehabilitation
This is a resource that gives ideas on how to gather evidence of rehabilitation.
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Letters of Explanation
Inside is an explanation of Letters of Explanation and examples of Letters of Explanation for prior convictions.
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Letters of Explanation Handout
This is a hand-out going over letters of explanation.
The E1MN Framework
The Employment First Minnesota Framework (E1MN) is designed to help make sure that Great Work helps our participants explore employment, plan for employment, find a job, and keep a job that is a perfect fit for them! Click below to learn more about each phase:
