ACE THE INTERVIEW By Career Services Refer to pages of the Career Services Career Guide

Understanding the Interview n Purpose of Interview – To determine if you are the best candidate for the position or the best “fit” for their organization n Selling a product - YOU! n Buying a product - The Company!

Where Do I Start? n Do your homework n research the company n research the position n research yourself

Suggested Sources for Researching the Company n The Internet n Chamber of Commerce n Better Business Bureau reports n College Placement Annual (College Placement Council) n CollegeGrad.com

Researching the Employer: Important Information n Understand the mission of the company and what exactly they do. n How is the company structured? n Who are their competitors? n Company Size – in terms of profits, current employees & growth n Locations outside your community n Be prepared to articulate why you desire employment based on your research

Who Am I? Researching Yourself! n Have information at your fingertips- n Employment Records n Volunteer Activities n Extracurricular Activities n Honors and Awards n Military Records n Language Skills n Abilities

Researching Yourself n Be ready to give specific examples n Be able to recall related stories or experiences that are relevant to the posted position n Be able to verbalize goals, both short and long term

Researching the Position n What are the responsibilities of the job? n Obtain a job description if possible n Prepare to match your qualifications to those listed on the job description n Know how the position fits with your goals

What’s Next? n Prepare - Review possible questions & formulate - Review possible questions & formulate answers answers - Have examples ready to back up your - Have examples ready to back up your answer. Do not completely memorize answer. Do not completely memorize answers answers - Be prepared to respond to follow up - Be prepared to respond to follow up questions questions - Develop a list of questions to ask the employer - Develop a list of questions to ask the employer

What’s Next? n Practice! –Mock interview at Career Services –Friends/Family –In front of mirror

How to Handle Salary Questions n Do not ask or mention Salary during initial interview. Focus on selling your experience, skills & abilities n Rule of thumb – discuss salary only after an offer is made n Research appropriate pay in your industry including pay for credentials & experience n If asked, give a range starting with the employers probable salary & ending a little above what you are willing to settle for; know your absolute bottom line

Types of Interviews n Phone Interview – Often used as a screening process n Interviewing In-Person –One Interviewer –Panel Interview

Are You Prepared? n Mentally –know your strengths/weaknesses –prepare good answers to the questions –prepare good questions for the recruiter n Physically –sleep and eat well –dress appropriately

Do’s and Don’ts for Women n Do Wear –Suit/Tailored Dress n not too short –Neutral hose –Hair up if long –Low heals (2” or less) –Light perfume if any –clean,subtly polished nails n Don’t Wear –Lots of Makeup –Lots of Jewelry n 5-7 pieces –Open toe shoes

Do’s and Don’ts for Men n Do Wear –Navy, charcoal, gray, or pin-stripe suit –over the calf. dark socks –Neat hair n get a hair cut before if possible –Dress shoes n polished n Don’t Wear –Casual Attire n tennis shoes n jeans, dockers n open collared shirts –Flashy jewelry n cuff links, ring, or chains –Strong cologne

In the Interview n Be Positive –about yourself and others –about your experiences –Never speak negatively about former employers n Show Energy and Enthusiasm –for your field of interest n i.e. being a counselor –the job n i.e. being a counselor for the University

Be a Good Listener n Follow the Interviewer’s cues –Listen carefully and give clear concise, and thoughtful answers –ask if you are unclear about a questions –Never use slang or incorrect grammer

Nonverbal Language n Be aware of your body language –Be sure to Smile –maintain good eye contact –practice a good handshake

It Ain’t Over! Follow Up! n Write a thank you letter - the same day of the interview! n Contact your references n Supply any additional information requests from the employer promptly!

Reflection Time! n What were your impressions of the people you came into contact with? n Did you “boss” seem like a workaholic? Did he talk about long hours and a mountain of duties? n What does your instinct tell you?

Come See Us! n Career Services –University Center, Suite 304 –