 Preparation  Interview tips  Professional dress  Following up

 What Employers Want  Interpersonal Skills  Communication Skills  Self Management  Critical Thinkers  Leaders  Technical Skills

 Update your resume and cover letter  Highlight your education and experiences  Submit through Optimal Resume  Research  Become familiar with the company and industry Browse the company website Ask questions Use search engines Read related publications

 Public or privately held?  Local, regional, or international?  Year founded?  Basic philosophy?  Growth patterns, number of locations?  Size, number of employees, sales, assets, and earnings?  Services, products, or projects?  Career path, training, and development programs?  Industry trends and competition?

 Research potential questions  Gain an understanding of various types of questions (traditional, behavioral, and case)  Schedule mock interviews  Outline your responses  Use the STAR method

 Traditional  Goals, Values, Strengths/Weakness, Qualifications  Behavioral  Specific examples or experiences related to the job  Highlight experiences and coursework  Be specific!  Case  Interviewer asked to solve a problem or complete a task

 S - SITUATION  T - TASK  A - ACTION  R - RESULT U of M Interns

The Art of Interviewing

MEN  2-piece suit in black, navy, or charcoal  A simple tie  A white dress shirt  Coordinating belt  Polished shoes, dark in color WOMEN  2-piece suit in black, navy, charcoal  Skirt length no more than 1” above the knee  Blouses should be cotton or silk (white or pastel)  1-2” heels (closed toe)

 Skirt or pant suit  Conservative in style and color  Muted patterns Images courtesy of

 Wear closed toe shoes  Polished and cleaned  Conservative in style and color Images courtesy of

 Wear dark socks or skin tone hosiery  Wear solids or muted patterns Images courtesy of

 Wear limited accessories  Conservative tie  Discreet and conservative jewelry

 Nails should be neatly manicured  Make-up and perfume/cologne should be applied appropriately  Hair should be neatly styled  Tattoos should not be visible  Non-traditional piercings should be covered or removed

+ + Maintain good posture + + Tuck in shirt for polished appearance + + Clothing should fit properly (not too baggy, not too tig tight) + + Wear appropriate pant and skirt lengths + + Avoid low-cut blouses

 Other helpful hints  Choose braces OR a belt, not both  Do not button bottom button of suit jacket  Keep it simple  Avoid outfits that could easily transition from day to night  Groom facial hair

The Art of Interviewing

 Arrive at least 15 minutes early  Bring multiple copies of your resume in a folder or portfolio  Introduce yourself with a firm handshake

 Answer questions by using stories and examples  Be ready for a variety of questions  Look the interviewer in the eye  Exhibit enthusiasm  Avoid “ums”  Take notes and ask questions  End with a firm handshake

 Don’t blame poor performance on past employers, workplaces, bosses, or co-workers.  Avoid poor posture.  Make eye contact with interview.  Avoid tapping your hands and/or feet.  Use gestures wisely.  Always ask questions when given the opportunity!

The Art of Interviewing

 Ask about the timeline  Ask for a business card  Send a hand-written thank you note if time permits  Follow-up within a week (or the timeline that they provide)

 Update your resume  Research the company  Practice questions  Dress to impress  Use the STAR method  Follow up appropriately

Clay Woemmel Associate Director Career Services 400 Wilder Tower