Tips for a great interview The Key To Success Tips for a great interview

Top ten tips for an interview Arrive Early – But not too early Make a Great First Impression Everyone You Meet Matters! Use a Firm Handshake NO CELL PHONES! Have Good Energy Know Yourself – Strengths and Weaknesses Know What you Want Come With Questions Follow Up *Adapted from jobsearch.about.com

Arriving On Time Be careful: Too early - implies that the interviewers time is not valuable Too late – demonstrates a lack of interest/reliability 15 Minutes before interview is PERFECT! Why It’s Important: First chance to show interviewer that you are responsible and dependable Shows respect for others

Make a great first impression Presentable outfit No wrinkled clothes Dress nicer than you typically would Professional attire (no tight/ill fitting clothing) No distracting jewelry Grooming Neat hair Brushed teeth Why It’s Important:: First impressions are hard to change – good or bad Gives Interviewer a chance to focus on what you’re saying

Everyone you meet matters More important for future interviews: Interview begins when you step out of the car Be nice to everyone you encounter Why It’s Important: You never know whose opinion will matter Inter-workplace relationships are important Shows your interviewer a respectful attitude

Use a firm handshake Somewhere between wet noodle and bone-crushing SMILE Make Eye Contact Why It’s Important: A strong handshake conveys confidence A warm greeting and eye contact make you seem more friendly/approachable

No Cell phones Leave your cell phone in your locker –avoid the risk of having it ring during your interview If you insist on bringing it, turn it off or at least on SILENT No text or call is as important as the interview Why It’s Important: No need to explain.

Have good energy Enthusiasm shows interest in position/organization Keep all conversation as positive as possible – even when discussing negative past experiences Try to find a positive spin for all challenges/weaknesses Maintain good posture How do you want to be remembered? Why It’s Important: Interviewers want to surround themselves with positive people Having an upbeat attitude conveys excitement for opportunity

Know yourself Come prepared to answer questions about yourself… Know 3 strengths Know 3 weaknesses – be careful! Know what you bring to the table Think of specific reasons why they should choose you – based on description Why It’s Important: How can you expect them to see your value, if you don’t show them? This is your only chance to show them why you are the right choice… Be prepared!

Know what you want Why do you want this position? Make specific references to position details Think about how you fit in with organization Let your interviewer know that this is something you want! Why It’s Important: This shows your interviewer that you are serious about position Details can help them picture you as part of the team

Come with questions Almost ANY interview you will ever have will end with a chance for you to ask questions – NEVER COME WITHOUT QUESTIONS Be careful choosing questions Make them meaningful Don’t ask questions that you should already know the answer to (i.e. what does your organization do?) Don’t ask “Yes” or “No” questions Why It’s Important: It is another way to reinforce interest in the position Shows that you’ve given it a lot of thought

Follow up! Immediately following interview: Send a “Thank You” note – Address all who were involved in interview Use names Should be sent within 24 hours of interview Can be email – but card is nicer Why It’s Important: Shows respect for interviewers time Can help you to be remembered Last chance to reinforce your good interview or fill in gaps you may have left out

Common interview Questions “Tell me your three greatest strengths.” “Tell me you three greatest weaknesses” “Why do you want to be a part of Junior Leadership?” “Tell me about a conflict you’ve had and how you resolved it.” “Tell me about a time you showed leadership skills.” “What is your greatest accomplishment?” “What is your greatest failure?” “Give me an example of a time you’ve worked as part of a team.”