2. Interviewing To Win

3. INTERVIEW SKILLS You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

4. You made it to the interview... So now what???

5. INTERVIEW PREP TIPS Research the organization

6. RESEARCH - WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW? Trends? Expansion? History? Culture/Philosophy? Services?

7. Key Facts to Memorize Annual revenue Key dates in the organization’s history Recent news articles Also what is their reputation? With the public, customers, media….

8. THE DAY BEFORE... Decide what to wear Review notes Check traffic routes Practice Get a good nights sleep

9. WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU Directions to the interview Company Info Writing materials Copies of resume Reference letters Portfolio YOUR questions- printed in bold

10. INTERVIEWING PROTOCOL Arrive 10-15 minutes prior to appointment Exhibit pleasant personality to everyone Read related materials in waiting room Leave extraneous materials in waiting room Do not chew gum, smoke or drink

11. The Most Common Questions? Will be “situational” questions Tell me about a time… Can you give me a situation where you…. Let me describe a situation and you tell me how you would handle it…

12. Use the STAR Technique to answer QuestionsSTAR Situation or Task- State the background Action- Discuss what steps you took Result- Describe the outcomes

13. DURING THE INTERVIEW Relaxed as possible Smile Appropriate humor Open body posture Eye-contact

14. ABOUT THE QUESTIONS The questions are about you You are the expert Open-ended beginnings - your opportunity Technical questions might arise Prepare a few questions of your own

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

16. TAKE AIM AS YOU PRACTICE Be specific— use examples, tell stories

17. TIME TO PRACTICE

18. CLOSING THE INTERVIEW Always ask this question: “Can you tell me what the next step will be as I remain very interested…” Thank the interviewer Shake hands

19. AFTER THE INTERVIEW Request a business card from everyone Send a notenote Stay in pursuit Don’t wait too long

20. What is the most important thing to wear into an Interview? A smile

21. The Biggest Non-Verbal Cues ? How you dress Your handshake

22. DRESS FOR SUCCESS WOMEN Suit/Dress-Conservative, below knee-length Blouse-Simple style, white or soft color Shoes-Pumps or medium heels Purse-Medium or small, match outfit

23. Can I Wear a Pants Suit? In a recent study, 90% of college recruiters agreed pants suits for women are acceptable.

24. DRESS FOR SUCCESS-MEN Suit-Dark blue, gray, muted pin-stripes Shirt-White, pale blue or yellow Tie-Conservative, classic Shoes-Polished dress shoes

25. Remember… Your wardrobe reflects who you are, don’t let it say the wrong things! No matter what you wear, be professional

26. NACE 2008 Study of Physical Characteristics Most influenced by overall grooming Least Influenced by facial hair and earrings for men Nontraditional hair color, handshake, obvious tattoos & body piercing of at least SOME influence. Piercings… Strongly influenced-31% Not influenced-28%

27. SOME SPECIAL INTERVIEWING SITUATIONSSITUATIONS Group interviews Phone interviews Videoconferences Case-studies Behavioral interviews Second/on-site interviews

28. WHAT YOU CAN ASK ? Qualities for success Traits of past successful employees Describe some past work products Wait to negotiate…

29. WHAT NOT TO ASK!! Compensation Barriers (starting date, flex time, travel, relocation)

30. If you are not selected Ask specific questions as to why. Feedback is valuable learning!

31. NO FAILURES, JUST LESSONSLESSONS