1. How to Prepare for an Interview PREPARED BY: KARLA LECHUGA Forward

2. Topics Covered  Importance of Preparing for an Interview Importance of Preparing for an Interview  Research the Company Research the Company  Know Where You Are Going Know Where You Are Going  Practice Answering Interview Questions Practice Answering Interview Questions  Dress for Success Dress for Success  First Impressions Guidelines First Impressions Guidelines  The Day of the Interview The Day of the Interview  Video Interview Video Interview  Follow - up Follow - up Back HomeForward

3. Importance of Preparing for an Interview A recent study found that “95% of job interviewers believe that over 90% of interviewees come to job interviews ill- prepared” CJ Enterprises (2013). Thus, it is important to prepare for the interview because…  It will give you the opportunity to learn more about the company,  Know the type of questions you will be asked so you may prepare and practice your answers,  Gather all the things that you will need before and after the interview to insure that you will have a successful experience. Back HomeForward

4. Research the Company Use the Internet to learn more about:  The history and mission of the company,  How many years have they been in business,  The products and services the company provides,  The organizational structure. Back HomeForward You can also follow the company on social sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and/or LinkedIn to stay atop of their current news and company trends.

5. Know Where You Are Going  Map your Route, Use online services like:  Google Maps http://www.maps.google.com, orhttp://www.maps.google.com  MapQuest http://www.mapuest.comhttp://www.mapuest.com  Drive to the location a day or two before the day of the interview,  Plan for unforeseen events by mapping out alternative routes. Back HomeForward

6. Practice Answering Interview Questions  Interviewers will typically ask questions like:  Tell me about yourself?  What are your strengths and weaknesses?  Why should we hire you?  Give an example of how you worked on a team?  Ask a friend or family member to interview you  Rehearsing your answers will help you prepare for the unexpected, and it will also increase you confidence on day of the interview.  Prepare at least one question to ask the employer Click here to view a list of 100 potential Interview Questionshere

7. Dress for Success  Convey strong feelings of trust to a prospective employer,  Convey a sense of self-confidence, dependability and professionalism,  Determine how people you meet will react to you. Your appearance plays a supporting role in the interview process, it can:

8. First Impression Guidelines The Suit for Men Two-piece matched suit Tailored and pressed pants Tailored, long-sleeve shirt Leather lace-up shoes Minimal jewelry and cologne The Suit for Women Two-piece matched suit Knee-length skirt Tailored and pressed pants Tailored, long-sleeve shirt or blouse Closed-toe pumps Minimal jewelry and makeup Back HomeForward

9. Onsite Interview  Arrive early to the Interview  Arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled interview time  Items to bring to an Interview  Copies of your Resume  List of References  Driver’s License or ID  Social Security Card  Portfolio of your Work Back HomeForward Don’t forget to turn off your cell phone!

10. Video Interview An hour or two before the video interview make sure to:  Verify that your web browser is compatible,  If applicable, download the necessary software for the interview  Test your web camera to insure that it is working properly  Read and review all of the instructions provided to you  Make sure you have proper lighting Tips  A video interview is just like an onsite interview. Therefore; it is important that you dress in appropriate interview attire,  View the camera at all times, avoid looking down at the desk.  Don’t forget to smile Back HomeForward

11. During the Interview  Greet the employer with a firm handshake.  Make frequent eye contact.  Smile, be polite, and try to relax.  Listen carefully to the questions asked. Ask the interviewer to restate a question if you are confused.  Answer questions as directly as possible.  Be upbeat and make positive statements.  At an appropriate time in the interview ask one (or all) of the questions you generated about the company Click here for most common interview mistakes to avoidhere Back HomeForward

12. Follow - up After the interview:  Send a handwritten letter, or an e-mail thanking the interviewer for their time and consideration,  Reaffirm your interest in the position in the content of the letter,  Call within a week to follow-up and inquire when they will be making a decision. Back HomeForward

13. References All Business. (2014)Ten tips on preparing for a job interview. All Business.com. Retrieved from: http://www.allbusiness.com/tips-preparing-job-interview/16669932-2.html http://www.allbusiness.com/tips-preparing-job-interview/16669932-2.html CJ Enterprises. (2013). Why is preparing for an interview so important? Preparing for an Interview. Retrieved from http://www.job-application-and-interview-advice.com/preparing-for-an-interview.html http://www.job-application-and-interview-advice.com/preparing-for-an-interview.html Doyle, A. (2014). Behavioral Interview Questions. About.com Job Searching. Retrieved from http://jobsearch.about.com/od/behavorialinterviews/a/behavioral-interview-questions.htm http://jobsearch.about.com/od/behavorialinterviews/a/behavioral-interview-questions.htm Doyle, A. (2014). Most Common Interview Mistakes, About.com. Retrieved from http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interview-mistakes/ss/most-common-interview-mistakes.htm http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interview-mistakes/ss/most-common-interview-mistakes.htm Doyle, A. (2014) Video interviewing for employment. Video Job Interviews. Retrieved from http://jobsearch.about.com/od/jobinterviewtypes/a/videointerv.htm http://jobsearch.about.com/od/jobinterviewtypes/a/videointerv.htm Foster, R. (2009). 10 tips for preparing yourself for and interview. Ezine Articles. Retrieved from http://ezinearticles.com/?10-Tips-For-Preparing-Yourself-For-an-Interview&id=3203791 http://ezinearticles.com/?10-Tips-For-Preparing-Yourself-For-an-Interview&id=3203791 Peterson, T. (2013). 100 potential interview questions. Make a Great First Impression. Retrieved from http://career-advice.monster.com/job-interview/Interview-Questions/100-Potential-Interview- Questions/article.aspx http://career-advice.monster.com/job-interview/Interview-Questions/100-Potential-Interview- Questions/article.aspx Back Home