…because you can’t stay in school forever! Interview Strategies

  3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing Interviewers want to know: 1. Why are you interested in the school or program? 2. Why should they be interested in you? 3. How will you fit in? Give examples. 4. Do you have the skills, knowledge, and experience?

  3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing Before you go to the interview… Know yourself: Strengths, weaknesses, skills, experiences, selling points, etc. Know the school/program: Complete your research online, by networking, requesting information, etc.

  3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing Before you go to the interview…cont. Practice answering questions (Virtual Mock Interview) Map your route, how long it will take, etc. Prepare your interview attire

  3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing Ways to Research Professional Schools MSAR, ADEA Guide, College Information Booklet (CIB) School Websites Speak with your student host in advance Speak to UMD students already attending (ELMS) Attend their visit days and special programs Professional School Fair - April 11, 2012

  3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing Interview Attire Wear attire before the interview (especially the shoes) When in doubt ask Things to remember: Conservative Color for Suit Cologne/perfume Clean finger nails Clean shaven Avoid busy prints Little jewelry Closed-toe shoes Non-scuffed shoe Correct fitting clothes Trimmed hair

  3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing Going into the interview Arrive minutes early Bring breath mints Be pleasant to everyone Visit the restroom one more time Read the school’s material and pay careful attention to all presentations Make eye contact and prepare to shake hands

  3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing General Interview Tips Avoid answering questions with yes/no Be aware of your body language Avoid nervous mannerisms Act with confidence Ask for question clarification, if needed Answer questions in two minutes or less

  3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing General Interview Tips…cont. The STAR Method S = Situation T = Task A = Action R = Result

  3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing Ways to Sabotage Your Interview Lacking enthusiasm Poor interpersonal skills Being unprepared Revealing weakness Unclear goals Gossiping/using bad language in informal settings Not selling yourself Being unclear about interests Not knowing the climate Asking uneducated ?s

  3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing Two questions to prepare for Tell me about yourself. Why do you want to be a XXXX?

  3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing Interviewing Resources Books in Resource Room Virtual Mock Interview Terp Guide: Internship & Job Search Any Questions??

  3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing Contact Us Becky Z. Kenemuth o o Rachel Wobrak o o Wendy Loughlin o o Reed-Yorke Health Professionals Advising Office o 1210 H.J. Patterson Hall o o