Presented by: Camille G. Mason Ball State University - Career Center

 Writing a good resume is a waste of time without good interviewing skills  Candidate Selection:  50% based on skills and qualifications  50% based on a company’s assessment of you

 Usually 30 mins  Location can vary:  On campus  At company site  Off site  Method can vary:  In person  Via Phone  Via video conference or the web SKYPE

 Number of interviewers:  Usually one  Could have multiple ppl  May have greeters:  On campus  At company  Share insights with you  Many times greeters are BSU alumni or recent hires

 Research the company, industry and position  Identify key requirements of the job  Determine the questions you will most likely be asked  Develop answers for both expected and unexpected questions

 Speak to someone in the company and/or industry (i.e.: LinkedIn Groups, Vault)  Know yourself: resume, strengths, weaknesses and interests  Pull together relevant projects, writing samples, etc. to bring with you (i.e.: portfolio)  Do a practice interview with one of our career advisors  Prepare typed references

 Get the name, title and address of the interviewer  Confirm the date, time and location  Don’t be afraid to ask for directions or parking information  Do a dry run (travel to location) to confirm directions and parking

 Purchase or prepare proper clothing in your 2 nd semester sophomore OR 1 st semester junior year (business suit)  Get a haircut/trim  Attend to every detail of hygiene and attire  Shower & deodorant  NO perfume/cologne

……begins the moment you have contact with the company – at every aspect and point of contact with people in the company.

 While on the phone to schedule an interview  While attending an employer presentation  While walking into and out of the interview site  When meeting or speaking with the receptionist  During lunch between interviews or after they are completed

 Arrive early  What to bring:  Resumes  References  Pen  Notepad  Directions  Name, title and address of interviewer  Portfolio

 Always shake hands, introduce yourself and be pleasant  Maintain eye contact  Watch body language

1. Repeat what you hear 2. Ask follow up questions 3. Even better: ask questions pertaining to them 4. Read more literature 5. Go with the flow 6. Find commonalities 7. Smile 8. Show consideration while speaking 9. Be a "mirror" Get Your Interviewer to Like You: 9 Hacks by Cathy Vandewater | October 15, 2013| Vault.comCathy Vandewater

 Introduction  Information Sharing  Interviewer questions  Answering questions  Interviewee Questions  Closing

 Smile and shake hands  5 mins or less  Small talk: “Did you have trouble finding us?”  Intended to help you relax!

Two Common Types of Interview Questions 1. TRADITIONAL o “Tell me about yourself.” o “What is your greatest strength?” o “What are your weaknesses?” o “Why should we hire you?” 2. BEHAVIORAL o “Tell me about a time when…” o “Give me an example of a time when…”

 Tell me about yourself? PAST -When your career aspirations began -Location/Family background PRESENT -Current major -Current/past relevant position -Most relevant accomplishments FUTURE -Where you would like your career to go -Emphasis your interest in the company

 What are your strengths? List Your Skills for the Target Job Printing Technology – Interned with a printing company Market Trends – Presented market trends in my Printing Estimating & Cost Analysis course Leadership – President for the Technical Association of the Graphic Arts (TAGA)

 What are your weaknesses?  "I'm a perfectionist," or "I work too hard” Answering this way shows a lack of self-awareness and an indication that you are unable to assess yourself well enough to communicate your weak points  Tell the interviewer a weakness but explain how you are working to overcome it.

 Why should we hire you? Strength #1 Strength #2 Strength #3 Soft Skill

Use the P.A.R technique for behavior based questions: P roblem – Describe the problem A ction – Explain the action you took to fix the problem R esults – Explain the result that occurred because of your action

 Listen carefully! Be sure you understand the question. If unclear, ask for clarification.  Clear & concise responses Make sure to emphasis your strengths.  Use examples Use relevant or related examples that focus on skills, experiences and accomplishments.

 DO NOT criticize previous employers, teachers, co- workers, etc.  Speak clearly.  Use complete sentences. Avoid one word answers. Avoid using the words “think”, “guess” or “feel”

 Ask questions that show your interest  If you have done your research, good questions will follow  If you can find the answer online then it is not a good questions to ask.  Ask about the next step in the process  Do NOT ask about salary or benefits

 Interviewer will generally prompt the end of the interview  Have a closing prepared!! Summarize your skills and express interest (30 seconds – 1 min)  Ask for a business card  Thank the interviewer

 Send a thank you after the interview to everyone who interviewed you within 24 – 48 hours  Letter  thank you should be even more timely, preferably same day.  Contact the employer if you do not hear from them within the timeframe communicated

 Be brief  Reaffirm interest  Remind interviewer of the position and date of interview  Express gratitude for their time  Re-emphasize how you would fit into the company and position  Take responsibility for next contact

 Jobs and Internship Guide (Publications)  PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!  Schedule a practice interview with your Career Advisor  Schedule an interview advising session with your Career Advisor

How to sign-up for on campus interviews

Come Visit The Career Center!! For Assistance: Career Lab in LU 235 8am – 5pm Monday - Friday Drop-in Career Advising MTW – 1-3pm and Thu/Fri – 10am to Noon; Individual career advising by appointment –Call Camille G. Mason