TIPS AND TECHNIQUES SUCCESSFULINTERVIEWING

How You Really Sound in Job Interviews

Commonly Asked Interview Questions Education- How has your education prepared you to pursue your career interest? Work Related- How have your previous experiences prepared you for this position? Career Plans/Goals- What are you short and long term career goals and objectives? Personality Qualities- How have you dealt with receiving constructive criticism? Specific to Organization- Why are you interested in this position with our organization? Behavior Based- Do you prefer to communicate in person, by phone, or via ? Question to ask the Interviewer- How would you describe a typical day in this position?

Interviewing: The Before Practice Meet with a career counselor for a mock interview Be aware of questions that may be specific to company Know the position responsibilities and the skills needed to be the ideal candidate PRACTICE with family or friends Make a Good Impression Dress professionally Cover piercings and tattoos that may not be appropriate Be well groomed! Wear simple jewelry Bring a portfolio or briefcase Know Yourself What do you have to offer? 5-10 work or school experiences that demonstrate your skills and accomplishments What do you want to do? How are you perceived by others? Research the Employer Learn key information Review responsibilities of position Utilize JOBSs to review company profile & visit prospective websites

Interviewing: The During Be Prompt and Prepared Arrive minutes before the scheduled interview time Turn OFF your cell phone Give a firm handshake and sincere smile Bring extra copies of your resume and a list of references Answering the Questions Answer thoroughly and concisely Speak slowly and clearly Be honest! Smile and be enthusiastic Ask meaningful questions! Closing Be prepared with closing statement by reiterating your interest Be prepared to ask questions to the interviewer Thank the interviewer and ask for a business card!

Interviewing: The After Send a thank you note right away- formal response Jot down analytical perspective about your interview, and also begin evaluating if this is the right job for you Prepare a potential salary negations by researching salary information. (Available in JOBSs and on the Career Service webpage) is an excellent resource for up to date salary ranges for most occupational areas.

Interviewing Myths & Facts Myth: If the interviewer asks if I have any negatives or weaknesses, I should indicate I have none Myth: The candidate with the best education, skills, and experience will get the job Reality Check: Employers hire individuals for many different reasons. Education, skills, and experience are only a few of the several hiring criteria. If employers hired only on the basis of education, skills, and experience, they would not need to interview candidates. Such static information is available on applications and resumes. Employers interview because they want to see how you look and interact with them, how you would handle various work situations, and how well you fit into the organization. Reality Check: You should be honest. Everyone has negatives. If you indicate you have none, the interviewer knows you are being less than candid. But neither should you blurt out your worst negatives. Identify a weakness and talk about how you are working to overcome it. Myth: I’ll be at a disadvantage because I’ll be nervous Reality Check: If you practice some stress reduction techniques, such as taking deep breaths and focusing attention on the questions, you should be able to project confidence in the interview. Keep in mind, many interviewers are under pressure to hire the right candidate.

For More Information: Aimee Piccin Associate Director of Academic and Career Advising Wintergreen Building (203) All undecided sophomores All sophomores-senior students in the School of Arts & Science and School of Education All graduate students in the School of Arts & Science and School of Education All alumni in the School of Arts & Science and School of Education John Rochette Assistant Director of Academic and Career Advising Wintergreen Building (203) All sophomores-senior students in the School of Health & Human Services and School of Business All graduate students in the School of Health & Human Services and School of Business All alumni in the School of Health & Human Services and School of Business Kelianna Bonn Graduate Assistant Wintergreen Building (203) All freshmen students Search: SCSU Career Services