Keys to a Successful Interview

Types of Interviews Telephone Interview One-on-One Interview Group Interview Lunch Interview

Before the Interview Research the position and the company –Review job posting/description – what skills do you possess that would make you a qualified candidate –Visit company website, attend employer information sessions on campus, read company press releases, check out company in ITT Tech Career Bank. –Familiarize self with company or industry vocabulary, hot trends

Before the Interview (cont.) Know yourself –Be prepared to talk about your strengths, weaknesses (areas for improvement/development), education, skills (i.e. technical, creative, soft), and extracurricular activities –Be prepared to discuss your resume – anything on your resume is fair game! –Be able to discuss at least one or two significant accomplishments – professional or educational –Know your career goals

Have your Portfolio Prepared A portfolio is a collection of your technical work and achievements that showcase your abilities. Contents of a Portfolio should include, but are not limited to: –A copy of your resume on business paper –Colored copies of any projects, drawings, course work or professional work that shows your technical ability. –Copies of certifications, awards, diplomas, etc. –Reference Letters –Writing Samples

Have your Portfolio Prepared (cont.) If you have an electronic portfolio make sure to include the link on your resume underneath your address –If you have a laptop you can bring it with you to the interview to bring up your portfolio By bringing your portfolio to the interview you can set the tone and spend more time discussing your work and less time answering unfamiliar questions from a recruiter. If possible, provide the recruiter with a nice copy that they can keep to remember you by.

Before the Interview (cont.) Prepare and practice answers to commonly asked interview questions –“Tell me about yourself.” – never reveal age, marital status, religion, or other items NOT relevant to the hiring decision. –“What makes you a solid candidate for the position?” –“Why do you want to work for our organization?” –“What are your primary strengths?” –“What do you see as your biggest area for improvement?” – try to focus on areas where you can improve your technical skills/professional experience; do not focus on personal limitations (if you do, try to put a positive spin on them).

Before the Interview (cont.) What to Wear –Pick out your interview outfit the day before your interview – make sure that it fits, is clean/pressed, and that your shoes are polished –Recommended Outfit for Males: dark colored business suit or sport coat and dress pants (if you do not have a suit), dress shirt, tie, matching socks, dress shoes –Recommend Outfit for Females: dark colored business suit (skirt or pant), matching stockings, dress or skirt/dress pants with matching blouse (if you do not have a suit), close-toed shoes

Before the Interview What to Wear –Be sure that you are well groomed – get a haircut, shave/trim facial hair, take a shower, apply deodorant –Wear minimal cologne, perfume (some people have allergies) –Females – wear minimal makeup –Males – beware of earrings – may want to check website to learn about company culture

WHAT NOT TO WEARWHAT TO WEAR

WHAT NOT TO WEARWHAT TO WEAR

Before the Interview (cont.) Resources available to help you prepare: –Sign up for a mock interview with Career Services –Have a friend/family member ask you questions –Practice reciting answers to questions while looking at yourself in a mirror

Before the Interview (cont.) Do a dry run! –Make sure you know where you are going –Look up the company address –Ask company representative for directions or use an online site to get directions (i.e. MapQuest, Yahoo! Maps) –Take a ride out to the location the day before and time how long it takes you to get there (give yourself extra time the day of the interview in case you hit traffic due to rush hour, construction, or an accident).

The Day of the Interview Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes early Check appearance when you arrive Know who to ask for when you arrive (first, last name) Bring a couple of copies of your resume on business paper Be prepared to complete company application (know last 3 places of employment – address, phone, employment dates, manager’s name, reason for leaving and three references and their contact information). Do NOT chew gum!

During the Interview Greet interviewer by name with a firm handshake Make and maintain natural eye contact Do not fidget, shift in chair – sit up straight with both feet on the floor and hands on lap Try to avoid conversation fillers such as umm, ahhh - take time to think about question and prepare your answer (Silence is not always a bad thing!)- if you do not understand the question, ask the interviewer to repeat it or clarify it

During the Interview (cont.) Keep your answers short, concise – make sure you are answering the question being asked Stay positive – never speak negatively about past employers, positions Let your enthusiasm and confidence show Try to relax! It is ok to be nervous but do not let it over come you. Beware of illegal interview questions Have at least 2-3 questions prepared to ask the employer either about the position or the company (you can write these down ahead of time and bring them with you).

The End of the Interview Thank the interviewer(s) for their time Reiterate your interest in the position Ask when they expect to make their decision by (that way you will know when you can call to follow up) Ask for a business card so that you can send a thank you letter

After the Interview Send a thank you letter within 24 hours! Send by or regular mail Include any information or documents requested Clarify any information provided during the interview if necessary Be sure to send thank you letters to everyone who interviewed you including the person who set up the interview for you