INTERVIEWING TO WIN Copyright 2002, National Association of Colleges and Employers. Program funded by the NACE Foundation and created by Neil Murray, University of California, San Diego.

WHAT WE KNOW You need to know what you want Interviews are decisive The decision gets made early The interviewer’s perception of your personality is critical Confident/assertive behavior is valued

PREPARATION IS EVERYTHING Understand the job, the organization, and where you fit Identify your main strengths and provide supportive evidence Anticipate the questions Research and set your salary range Practice, practice, practice

ABOUT THE QUESTIONS The questions are about you You are the expert Open-ended beginnings are your opportunity There is a perfect answer to the salary question Be ready for inappropriate questions Technical questions might arise Prepare a few questions of your own

TAKE AIM AS YOU PRACTICE Be concise Strive for poise Be clear Be specific—use examples, tell stories

DURING THE INTERVIEW Make a good first impression Send the right behavioral signals Communicate carefully Participate, don’t dominate Close with information …and enthusiasm

AFTER THE INTERVIEW Keep a log Send a thank-you note Stay in pursuit Don’t wait too long

SOME SPECIAL INTERVIEWING SITUATIONS Group interviews Phone interviews Videoconference interviews Behavioral interviews Case-study interviews Second/on-site interviews

NO FAILURES, JUST LESSONS