TAKE-AWAYS FROM TODAY’S SESSION Preparation (rehearsal) is key to interviewing success Look/act the part - professional Role play - answer the hard and easy questions A Portfolio helps you sell yourself

TWILIGHT SEQUEL Hollywood is casting for the next teen stars for Twilight…Book Three To be the next lead, you have to “try out”…so are 1,000 others How can you convince the casting director you’re perfect for this?!

WHAT DID OTHERS DO? Megan Fox (Transformers) was prepared to handle the heavy physicality of the role (vanityfair.com) Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) naturally took on the essence of the part and also “looked” the part. (flixter.com) Tobey Maguire (Spiderman) came to the screen test in phenomenal shape (reel.com)

YOUR JOB Like Hollywood stars … rehearse for the part and show them how well you can play the role

PREPARATION (THE REHEARSAL) You never get a second chance to make a first impression

PREPARATION Key Questions to Answer Look / Act the Part Role Playing Creating Your Portfolio

PREPARATION – KEY QUESTIONS 1)What do you know about the Company and the Job you’re interested in? 2)Why should I hire you?

DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE COMPANY? RESEARCH Internet –Company’s website –Press releases –Profiles – –Google search –Wikipedia Newspapers Trade Magazines

WHAT’S THE PART (I.E. JOB) ? Is there a job description? –Look online –Call HR How do your skills align with this job? –Can you do it? Why? –Can you be trained?

WHY SHOULD I HIRE YOU? What would you tell the casting director/employer about why he/she should hire you?

WHY SHOULD I HIRE YOU? Areas to think seriously about: Do you know what the Employer is looking for? –Read job description What skills do you possess that fit this job? What are your strengths? What experience do you have? What are your accomplishments?

WHAT EMPLOYERS WANT: Right skills that fit job Initiative / Leadership Critical thinking and problem solving Communication skills Strong interpersonal skills Confidence Team player Listener Flexibility Positive work attitude, energetic

LOOK AND ACT THE PART How you look and behave influences the employer’s opinion of you

WHAT TO WEAR… OR NOT TO WEAR

LOOK THE PART - WHAT TO WEAR Look Professional Women –Conservative suit, black or neutral pants with jacket or professional dress –Cotton or silk blouse - pressed –Minimal jewelry –Close-toed shoes with small heel –Hair and makeup not overdone –Panty-hose with skirt –Skirt - no shorter than the knee

Look Professional Men –Conservative suit, dress pants, shirt, tie, blazer –White long sleeve shirt –Tie - avoid bold designs and colors –High socks –Polished shoes LOOK THE PART – WHAT TO WEAR

ACT PROFESSIONAL Posture –Sit straight in a chair Eye contact –Shows confidence and listening skills Handshake –Firm Be Professional, not casual

ACT PROFESSIONAL Slight sense of humor Enthusiastic Confident Articulate Optimistic

ROLE PLAY Rehearse the answers, don’t “wing it” Create list of hard and easy questions

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT What are three adjectives to describe you? Tell me about yourself –Code for: “what can you do for us?” How has your academic training prepared you for this job? How do you respond to criticism? What do you do in your spare time? What’s the biggest obstacle you have overcome?

What do you think it takes to be successful in our organization? –“I think determination, a willingness to work hard, a desire to excel and being team player are key attributes.” What are three things that are important to you in a job –My top three important things in any job I take is a great organization, a produce or service I truly believe in, and a real career opportunity.” INTERVIEW QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT

What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? “I’m well motivated, with strong desire to succeed, and I love to learn.” I don’t have a lot of experience in this area but I’m a quick study and eager to learn (cite examples)

INTERVIEW TOP 10 DO’S 1.Be yourself 2.Be relaxed 3.Be honest 4.Answer the question and answer all questions 5.Listen 6.Ask questions / take notes 7.Bring extra resumes, a notepad, and pen 8.Be polite to all 9.Send a thank-you note 10.Follow-up by phone or once a week or so until position has been filled

TOP 10 INTERVIEW DON'TS 1.Do not ask about salary on the first interview 2.Over exaggerate 3.Make up answers 4.Make negative statements 5.Bad mouth past employers 6.Don’t look sloppy 7.Arrive late; be there at least 15 minutes early 8.Do not smoke, chew gum, swear, or use slang 9.Use cell phone; turn it off 10.Have typos in your resume

DO YOU HAVE A PORTFOLIO?

HOW TO CREATE YOUR PORTFOLIO A collection of multiple documents that sell your strengths, captures what you’ve accomplished and creates a professional image What is a Portfolio?

PORTFOLIO CONTENT Resume –Work history, school, accomplishments / organizations you belong to References –Employers / others that validate your performance in prior roles Work samples –Show examples (if available) Letters of Recommendation Awards/Certificates

“CASTING CALL CHECKLIST” Know about the company / job Create your selling points to directly answer: “Why Should I Hire You?” Create your Portfolio Appropriate Appearance Have functioning voic / Prepare answers to possible interview questions Review Do’s/Don’ts