Tips for Effective Interviewing

First Impressions It only takes about 15 seconds to make a good first impression. This includes: proper attire, professionalism, correct interview responses, communication, and etiquette.

75%-to sell yourself to the employer 25%-to learn MORE about the company Objective of the Interview

Give an example of a time when you showed initiative. Tell me about a time when someone on your team wasn’t pulling their weight and how you handled it? Describe a time when you had to handle multiple tasks and how you managed it. Give detailed and specific real life experiences to demonstrate key competencies and skills. Provide answers in STAR format: –Explain the Situation –The Task or problem –The Action(s) you took –The Results of your actions Managing Behavioral Interviewing Questions

They are just as important as any other interview. If you can not speak comfortably when the first call arrives, ask the interviewer if you could schedule a specific time for the phone interview. The goal of the phone interview is to be invited for a more in-depth meeting. Telephone Interviews

Let your voice convey enthusiasm and confidence Keep your résumé and the job description nearby Sit up straight, or stand up and walk around while interviewing Conduct the phone interview in a quiet room Keep relaxed and professional Don’t eat or chew gum Keep water nearby Ask for a face-to face interview Tips for Effective Phone Interviews

Do: Research the organization Arrive at least 15 minutes early for your interview Be courteous to everyone because you never know who will have input in hiring Know your strengths and be prepared to sell them to the employer Be positive, confident and assertive Job Interviewing Do’s & Don’ts

Don’t: Ask about salary or benefits Tap your feet, fiddle your hands, twirl your hair or give in to any other nervous habits Rush into your answers Interview unless you’re interested in the position Arrive unprepared to talk about the job and how you meet the qualifications Job Interviewing Do’s & Don’ts

Expand your answers, avoid just saying yes and no. Tie in your strengths to jobs and activities. Weaknesses - go full circle. How did you learn from this? If stumped, ask for a few seconds to think. Avoid slang expressions (um, yeah, like, gonna, kinda) Convey sincerity and enthusiasm. Tips for Answering Interview Questions

Practice! Schedule a mock interview in Career Services. Think about how your experience in work, classes and activities can relate to the job you’re seeking. Plan your interview attire in advance and make sure your clothing is pressed, your shoes are shined, and your hair and nails are well groomed. Don’t attempt to memorize your answers. Wait until you are invited to sit down before doing so. Job Interviewing Tips

Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake and smile! Be honest. Don’t try to cover up mistakes. Instead, focus on what you learned from them. Bring extra copies of your resume and a list of references in a portfolio along with any proven successes! Ask the interviewer for a business card and follow up by sending a thank-you note or as soon as possible. Job Interviewing Tips

Let’s Practice! Tell me about yourself. What are your strengths? What is your greatest weakness? Video-Interview Do’s and Don’ts

Keep all appointments: interviews, meetings, etc. If you absolutely have to miss one, call ahead as early as possible, apologize gracefully, and promise to follow-up as appropriate. Once you have accepted a job offer, you should consider yourself off the market. Remove your application from any ongoing searches. You represent not only TCU, but yourself and your own professionalism. Keep your individual standards in mind, remembering that “ethical” is the most basic requirement good employers have for their candidates. Ethical decision-making

MALE Look for 100% wool looks Solid colors are best, go with black, navy or charcoal gray, single breasted, 2 or 3 button suit. Shirts should be solid white long sleeve and always ironed, cuffs should extend ¼” below suit sleeve. Ties should be a silk blend. When tied, the end of tie should touch belt of pants. Go with a solid color. Shoes should be polished and socks should match color of suit. Avoid wearing cologne. FEMALE Select black, navy, or charcoal gray wool or wool blend suit. Go with a 2 piece skirt or pants suit with white or ecru blouse. Select leather pumps that are the same color as your suit (closed toe) Wear minimal jewelry. Wear light make up and be sure your nails are well manicured. Select a skirt length that compliments your build – no more than 2” above the knee Always wear hose. Business Professional Attire

Business Professional Fashion Issues Men??? Women??? White socks Low-cut shirts Short skirts

16 Interview Attire for Women

Interview Attire for Women???

18 Interview Attire for Men

Interview Attire For Men???

Questions to ask at the interview Is there a formal training program? What would your ideal candidate look like? What would a typical day look like in this role? What do you like most about the company? What are some challenges I might encounter? What is the typical career path for someone in this position? What is the next step in the hiring process?

Common Interview Questions Tell me about yourself. What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses? What do you know about our company? How do you work under pressure? Why should we hire you? What are your salary expectations? How do you handle deadlines? What’s your toughest subject? What questions do you have?

Visit our Career Resource Center in Jarvis Hall, which includes: Computer access to search for career opportunities Employer directories Specific career options for all majors Guides on effective interviewing, writing a résumé & cover letter, networking, internships, career decision making, graduate school and more! Schedule a mock interview with a Career Advisor. Register on Optimal Resume! An online resource that helps you design résumés and conduct practice interviews. For more information…..