Interviewing 101 Darton College Career Development Building C

What is an interview? An interview is a strategic conversation. An opportunity to make a good first impression. Two types: –Individual –Panel They are opportunities for: –employers to meet you and assess your abilities –you to sell yourself to the employer –you to learn about the position and determine if you’re interested

Preparing for the Interview Find the Location Get Directions Know where you are going and who you are meeting Research the company Figure out WHAT TO WEAR Prepare your resume and cover letter

Before the Interview Understand the new opportunity: –Research the company What is the size and structure of the company? What type of training do they offer? Where are the locations? Who are their clientele? What are they known for? –Familiarize yourself with the job description and the tasks of the job Use the Occupational handbook to research the position ( –Prepare questions for them –Be knowledgeable of your skills, abilities, interests, and values and be prepared to articulate how they fit into the position

During the Interview Ask Questions –Inquire about daily tasks and responsibilities Exchange information and discover mutual interests –Understand career ladders and advancement opportunities –Find out about growth opportunities –Ask the interviewers for contact information

After the Interview If you received contact information send specific thank you notes via , phone, or through the mail. Debrief: make notes so you don’t forget what happened Keep job description in a folder with contact information

10 Keys to Successful Interviewing 1.Practice 2.Be concise and limit your responses 3.Concrete Information-Provide details of your experiences 4.Make a good first impression-5% of your messages are non verbal 5.Discuss short stories- be prepared to offer examples 6.Put yourself on their team. 7.Maintain a conversational flow. 8.Ask questions at the end of the interview. 9.Recognize your stress and nervousness. 10.Find opportunities to mention strengths.

What are Employers Looking For? Written and Verbal Communication Skills Interpersonal Skills Work and Internship Experience Motivation and Initiative Team Players Computer Skills Flexibility

Nonverbal Communication Be pleasant to absolutely everyone Project enthusiasm and confidence Make eye contact Greet the interviewer Provide a firm handshake Sit upright and avoid fidgeting Remember to smile Handshake is very important

Come Prepared BE DRESSED APPROPRIATLY Bring an extra resume Bring a portfolio, notepad, and pen List your questions about the position Tissue or handkerchief (you can never be too prepared)

What to Wear Do’s and Don’t of What to Wear Do Go with a conservative business style Wear a suit-dark colors are preferred Wear polished shoes Be clean and neat Have a fresh hair cut Women- hair off of your face Men- dark socks not white Women-flesh toned hosiery Shower, shampoo, and shave Iron all of your clothes Do Not Wear excessive jewelry Wear perfume, cologne, or scents Wear excessive makeup Wear loud ties Wear flamboyant nail polish Wear short skirts Do not go bare legged

Questions Asked by Employers 1.Tell me about yourself. 2.Describe your ideal job. 3.Why did you leave your previous job? 4.What salary range are you looking for? 5.Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 6.Name 3 adjectives that best describe you and explain why. 7.Discuss a program that you organized and developed. 8.What are your greatest strengths? Weaknesses? 9.Give an example of a time when you worked under pressure. 10.What presentations or workshops have you developed? 11.What skills do you think are necessary to do well in this position? 12.Describe a multi-cultural environment in which you have worked. 13. What computer programs do you use regularly? 14.What type of work environment do you prefer? 15.Discuss a difficult situation you have been in with Company X, and tell me how you handled it.

Illegal Questions How old are you? Where were you born? Do you have any children? Are you married? How is your financial status? Where does your spouse work? Have you ever been arrested? What holidays do you observe? Tell me about your religious views? –Questions that can be asked Are you eligible to work in the US? Can you submit a birth certificate and proof of age if necessary? Have you ever been convicted of a crime?

Questions to Ask Employers 1.How did this position come available? 2.What are you looking for in a candidate for this position? 3.What are your expectations for this position? 4.Is there training involved in this position? 5. What type of growth is available within the company? 6. Is this a team oriented position or would I work individually? 7. Do I receive healthcare with this position? (Be careful) 8. What are the daily responsibilities of this position?

Things to Remember Practice Be organized Stay positive Always be aware of your strengths and weaknesses (give examples of how you counter balance them) Be prepared Sell yourself Be patient, you will find the right path. Work on your greeting (Handshake, Tone, Body Language, and Eye Contact)

Directions for Mock Interviews I am going to break you into teams to practice panel interviews. One person will be the job candidate the other two will be the employers Discuss the position for which you are applying before beginning this exercise Use the sheets to assist you in developing questions but remember to keep eye contact

Thank you for attending Please fill out the satisfaction survey and sign in before you leave. Darton College Career Development Center C-228