Interviews How to Prepare

On-campus v. Off-campus _ Time/length of the interview. _ Serious candidate? _ Clothing.

Things to Remember _ Allow plenty of time for travel. Arrive on time. _ Wear professional clothing in which you feel comfortable. Clean your shoes. _ Wear little or no perfume/cologne. _ Style your clean hair neatly.

 Elicit information from the candidate  Share information about the job  Make positive impression about company The Interviewer's Goal: To find the right person for the job Successful Interviewers 3 Objectives of the Interviewer:

 Good general impression  Outgoing personality  Demonstrates communications skills  Knowledge, maturity & insight  Presents a professional résumé & portfolio The Interviewer's "Scorecard"

 Research the company & position  Plan how to market yourself  Prepare your list of questions  Anticipate questions you will be asked  Practice, but don't memorize  Prepare success stories  Major accomplishments  Turning bad situation into good one  Decide your limits on a salary range Preparing for Interviews

 Dress appropriately & groom impeccably  Use anxiety-reduction techniques  Re-check items to take to the interview  Allow time for directions, traffic, parking  Stop in rest room to check appearance  Arrive 5 minutes early, not more The day of the interview...

 Rapport  Questions & Answers  The “Sell”  Closing 4 Parts to Successful Interviews

 Introduce self with smile & eye contact  Use a firm handshake  Establish a relationship  Comment on family pictures, decor, view, etc.  Act confident, relaxed and natural  Be prepared to start talking first! During the Interview

 Give concise, honest answers (1-2 minutes)  Be ready to handle inappropriate questions  Avoid negative comments & criticism During the Interview

 Wait for interviewer to indicate the interview is about over, then sell yourself:  The reason I am so interested in your company is...  The reason I think I would be good at this job is...  The reason I would like to work for this company is... ... and finish in 25 words or less!  As appropriate, offer to supply references  End with handshake & positive comment During the Interview

Successful Interviews  Take brief notes  Focus on your strengths  Don't ask about salary  Get all of your questions answered  Remember, this process is as much for you as it is for them! Final Tips:

 Reflect on the process & evaluate performance  Write a thank-you letter  Weigh pros & cons - talk with friends  List your follow up questions  If they don't call - CALL THEM! Successful Interviews After the interview...

It’s a Two-way Street _ It is as important for you to decide if this is somewhere you would want to work as it is for them to decide if they want to hire you. _ Prepare questions you need answered. Make a list. _ Be yourself.

Other thoughts _ What do you order if you go out to eat during the interview? _ Don’t chew gum or mints. _ Watch the toothpick. _ Don’t overdo the makeup.