2. Learning Objectives
Demonstrate the necessary characteristics to provide a good first impression.
Learn how to properly research an organization prior to the interview.
Assess and articulate unique personal abilities, strengths, interests and values.
Respond to questions with specific examples from previous work, educational, or extra-curricular experiences.
Be prepared to answer commonly asked questions.

3. Introduction An interview is a crucial piece to the job search.
An interview allows you to promote your professional image, articulate your potential and highlight relevant skills and interests to secure a career opportunity.
Gives an opportunity for both the candidate and company to decide if there might be a fit.

4. Know Before You Go Research and prepare Practice, Practice, Practice!
Know the job description
Who will be interviewing you
Search latest company news
Practice with mock interviews
Conduct informational interviews
Practice, Practice, Practice!
This is your opportunity to give an overall great professional image and interest in the position
Know the company and review your resume before going in. Practice as much as you can!

5. First Impressions Be on time! Know where the interview will take place
Confident Handshake
Body Language
Sit upright, eye contact, calm and collected
Interested and confident in yourself
Demonstrate enthusiasm and confidence
Appearance
Dress appropriately
Know where you are going! Get directions, who you will be interviewing with, and any other vital info
Timing: Arrive minutes early, at least! Prepared: Portfolio, resume copies, company research
Dress for success: go over what men and women should wear on an interview.
Along with your experience and qualifications, appearances are extremely important to that gut feeling employers get about a candidate
You want them to remember you for your qualifications and good first impression, not a distracting negative like poor appearance, inappropriate clothing, being late, or not bringing what you need to bring.
Non-verbal communication: give an overall great professional image of you, along with what you say.
Look them in the eye when you introduce yourself, smile, keep your head and shoulders up when you walk, talk, and sit.
Watch your speech…practice speaking clearly without a lot of ums and likes, keep everything professional and use strong language
Be enthusiastic about yourself, your experience, and the opportunity to interview
Confidence shows is how you carry yourself and the approach you take when you meet someone.

6. Appearance

7. Pair & Share Activity Using the student worksheet: Complete Section 1
(Tell me about yourself)
STOP before Section 2

8. Stand Out To Employers
Employers are looking for people who know themselves well and can articulate their value and background to the organization
Identify your strengths, skills, fit
Prove your worth- are you excited and enthusiastic for the position?
Know the employer- background knowledge
Stay away from vague answers
Give examples!
These items will help you stand apart from other candidates!

9. Pair & Share Activity Using the student worksheet
Complete Section 2. What are a few of your strengths and how do you exemplify them in your work?
STOP before Section 3!

10. Question Types
There are four types of questions: open-ended, direct, behavioral and scenario. These questions fall into two major categories:
1) Commonly asked questions (Ex. Tell me about a strength)
2) Questions specific to job/industry (Ex. Why did you apply to this position?)
Are there any experiences that you’ve done in the past that will match up with experiences you might do in this position?
Tailor your responses to the job description and qualifications of the position for which you are interviewing
Read the job description and think of examples that might be applicable to the position
Here are some of the typical questions you might get asked and should prepare for:
Open ended: Tell me about yourself, etc.
Direct: Why should we hire you? Are you willing to travel?
Behavioral: Tell me about a time when you...
Scenario: Setting a scene and asking you how do you react
Common Question Areas:
Team/Group
Positive Experiences/Managing Conflict
Leadership
Success/Obstacles
Strengths/Weaknesses
Goals/Motivation
What you know about the company
Why should they hire you?

11. Pair & Share Activity Using the student worksheet: Complete Section 3
On your own choose on of the three provided prompts to respond to:
Give an example of a time when you overcame an obstacle.
What is your biggest weakness, and how are you working to improve it?
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Take a look at the list of common questions

12. Interview Strategy Employers pay attention to candidates who:
Are self-aware
Are specific
Don’t use clichés
Are detailed but concise
Practice a lot!
The STAR Method:
Situation, Task, Action & Result
Effective means to respond to behavioral based questions
Don’t prepare answers, prepare stories
These stories can be molded to various types of questions

13. STAR Activity Complete STAR Student Worksheet:
Tell us about a time you worked effectively in a team.
Tell us a time you adapted to a new situation.

14. Questions for Employers
Employers expect you to have questions that:
Can’t be found on their website
Are tailored to the organization based on the content of your interview
You are truly interested in having the answer
Examples:
What do they like most about their job?
What is the work environment look like?
What does a typical day look like?
What are the next steps in the process?
In most interviews, an employer will give you on opportunity to ask them questions. Take advantage!
Have some ready to go, looks like you are genuinely interested in the company
You are there to interview them as well! It works both ways, you are gaining information and impressions about the people there as they are of you.
They may also ask, “Is there anything else you want us to know?” Use this chance to highlight your skills and passion, or mention something you didn’t get to talk about.
It is fine to ask about what the next step is in the process, but don’t say “When will I hear something?”
Thank you notes:
Handwritten notes are great, though there may not be time. Sending an is good if you have a short time frame, or it is an large corporate environment.

15. Following-Up
Write down all of the people you interviewed with so you don’t forget
Handwritten notes are great, though there may not be time. Sending an is good if you have a short time frame, or it is an large corporate environment
Conduct follow-up research on the organization
Reflect on your impressions and possible fit
If you haven’t heard anything past the timeline that they presented, consider sending an to convey your continued interest in position

16. Conclusion Focus on making a great first impression
Research the organization and people that might interview you beforehand
Make sure to include specific examples (stories and anecdotes)
Be yourself!
An interview is an on-going process that begins the minute you meet the employer to the thank you note. Take every opportunity to show why you are unique, qualified and interested in the position!
Overall, you want to talk about what you bring to the position. Clarify what you have done before and how it fits.
What are your strengths? Make them obvious.
Articulate yourself well in an interview and show off your skills. However, it is good to not be really short, but don’t bore them with a long story. Find a balance!
How are you uniquely qualified?
How will you add value?
Do you look like a professional?

17. Lower Level, Student Success Center career@missouri.edu
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