1. Interviewing Tips and Skills Alpha Gamma Rho – Beta Nu Chapter Dean A
Interviewing Tips and Skills Alpha Gamma Rho – Beta Nu Chapter Dean A. McCorkle Extension Program Specialist Department of Agricultural Economics
March 5, 2012

2. Your job during the interview
Whether you are interested in a sales job or not, you’ll need to learn how to sell yourself to potential employers
View the interview as an audition
This is your opportunity to shine

3. Before the Interview Do your homework
Show that you have done your homework
Know the nature of the business/organization
Know their terminology, industry jargon
Mock interview
Video yourself

4. Before and during the interview
Your focus should be on 1) solving problems for the company or organization, 2) on proving why you’re the best candidate for the job, 3) and on finding a culture and community that you naturally fit in with.

5. Interviewing: Important Points
Timing
Appearance
Conservative business suit and tie
Body piercings, body art, tattoos, hair
Eye contact
Firm handshake and voice
Exude confidence
Be relaxed
Sit up straight
Engage the interviewer

6. Interviewing: What not to bring
Cell phone
Coffee/drinks
Food

7. Know yourself, your personality
Interviewing is like a performance
For some of you, performing during an interview will seem easy
For some, not so easy
Know your strengths and weaknesses
Practice strengthening your weaknesses
Build confidence

8. First impression: u r on the clock
A prospective employer
develops an impression of
you within 10 seconds!!
Fist impression is based on:
7% on what you say
38% on the tone of your voice
55% on your body language
Source: A. Mehrabian (UCLA), EmploymentCrossing (Judith Earley), MSN

9. Negative Body Language
Arms folded across your chest is frequently seen as a defensive posture or, at best, as reserved and uninterested in the conversation.
Standing with your hands in your pockets suggests a lack of confidence or unease
Sitting with legs crossed while shaking one leg or wiggling a foot suggests nervousness or severe discomfort

10. Body Language (cont’d)
Staring blankly at the floor suggests a profound lack of interest in the conversation
Rubbing or touching your nose during a response suggests that you're not being completely honest
Rubbing the back of your head or neck suggests you're bored by the conversation
Pointing your feet toward the door or leaning in that direction suggests that you want to end the conversation quickly.

11. Body Language (cont’d)
Slouching in the chair suggests that you're unprepared for the interview or that you know you're not up to the job
Tipping your chair back suggests that you're overconfident and perhaps disdainful of the interviewer.

12. Most common interviewing mistakes
Answering cell phone or texting during interview (71%)
Dressing inappropriately (69%)
Appearing disinterested (69%)
Coming across as arrogant (66%)
Speaking negatively about current/past employer (63%)
Chewing gum during interview (59%)
Not providing specific answers (35%)
Not asking good questions (32%)
CareerBuilders survey of 2,400 hiring managers, 2011.

13. In Summary
Reframe your resume and job application to fit the job description
Being a strong candidate will require excellent preparation (and practice)
Don’t blow the first 10 seconds
Sell yourself, and focus on what is most important
If you are uncomfortable at any point, try not to show it (i.e. negative body language)