INTERVIEWING TO WIN
INTERVIEW PREP TIPS Research the school/program –WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW? –Expansion? –History? –Culture/Philosophy? –Services? –Recent news articles –Their reputation?
THE DAY BEFORE... Decide what to wear Review notes Check traffic routes Practice Get a good nights’ sleep
WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU Directions to the interview School Info Writing materials-paper and pen Copies of resume and reference letters- just in case YOUR questions
INTERVIEWING PROTOCOL Arrive minutes early Exhibit pleasant personality to EVERYONE Read related materials in waiting room Come unencumbered-Leave extraneous materials Do not chew gum, smoke or drink
DURING THE INTERVIEW Relaxed as possible Smile Appropriate humor Open body posture Eye-contact
CLOSING THE INTERVIEW Always ask this question: “Can you tell me what the next step will be as I remain very interested…” Thank the interviewer, shake hands Close with information …and enthusiasm Request/secure a business card from everyone
AFTER THE INTERVIEW Send a note Stay in pursuit Don’t wait too long
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO WAER TO AN INTERVIEW? A smile
THE BIGGEST NON-VERBAL CUES? How you dress Your handshake
DRESS FOR SUCCESS WOMEN Suit/Dress-Conservative, below knee-length Blouse-Simple style, white or soft color Shoes-Pumps or medium heels Purse-Medium or small, match outfit
Can I Wear a Pants Suit? –In a recent study, 90% of college recruiters agreed pants suits for women are acceptable
DRESS FOR SUCCESS-MEN Suit-Dark blue, gray, muted pin-stripes Shirt-White, pale blue or yellow Tie-Conservative, classic Shoes-Polished dress shoes
Remember…Your wardrobe reflects who you are, don’t let it say the wrong things! No matter what you wear, be professional
WHAT YOU CAN ASK ? Qualities for success Traits of past successful students
ABOUT THE QUESTIONS The questions are about you, You are the expert Open-ended beginnings - your opportunity Technical questions might arise Prepare a few questions of your own
THE MOST COMMON QUESTIONS Many will be “situational” questions –Tell me about a time… –Can you give me a situation where you…. –Let me describe a situation and you tell me how you would handle it…
Use the STAR Technique to answer Questions –Situation or Task- State the background –Action- Discuss what steps you took –Result- Describe the outcomes
TAKE AIM AS YOU PRACTICE Be specific— use examples, tell stories
NO FAILURES, JUST LESSONS