1. How to succeed at the interview
Ben Cudia
Assistant Director
Engineering, Architecture & Physical Sciences Career Advisor
University Career Center for Work, Service, and Internships
150 Atkins Building
UNC Charlotte
(704)

2. Purpose of the Interview
Get to Know You Better
Learn More about the Company/Position
To Make Decisions about Offers
Can you do the job?
Will you do the job?
Fit – Do you belong here?

3. Types of Interviews Screening (1st round) Interviews Phone Interviews
2nd round Interviews
Group Interviews
Interviews involving travel
Food/Social Interviews

4. Self-Assessment Review Resume Examples of Skills/Experiences
Strengths and Weaknesses
Career Goals
Achievements and Failures
Who knows you better than YOU!
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE
Situation, Task, Action, Result

5. Research Background Information Product information Mission/Goals
Financial Information
Corporate culture/image
Position

6. Prepare questions Opportunity to interview the interviewer
Topics to cover in your questions
Company
Expectations/Clarification of Position
Interviewer
Next Steps

7. Sample attire for men

8. More tips for the men Belts Ties Shoes Buttons Accessories SOCKS!!!
Smell
Fit

9. Sample attire for women

10. More tips for the women
Shoes
Accessories
Smell
Hair
Makeup
Fit

11. What do they think about…
Type
No Influence
Slight Influence
Strong Influence
Grooming 6%
21%
73%
Alternative attire
13%
38%
49%
Handshake
22%
45%
33%
Body Piercing
26%
43%
31%
Obvious Tattoos
25%
46%
29%
Alternative hair color
28%
Unusual hairstyle
30%
Earring (male)
54%
34%
12%
Beard 5%
Mustache
83%
16% 1%

12. Interview kit – what to bring!
Resume
References
Notepad/Pen
Portfolio/Briefcase
Notes/Questions
Company Address/Phone
Travel Schedule
Contact name & title
Info to fill out application
Plan to arrive early
Trial Run-If possible

13. Interview format Typical Format Greetings & Introductions
Overview of Company and/or position
You respond to questions
You ask questions
Closing

14. What they can’t ask you Types of Illegal Questions
National Origin/Citizenship
Age
Marital/Family Status
Religious, Political, or Community Affiliations
Personal
Disabilities
Arrest Record
Military

15. Tips for ensuring success
Arrive early and check your appearance
Use appropriate waiting-room behavior
Be prepared if the interviewer is late
Be polite and friendly to everyone
Watch your non-verbals
Portray Confidence
Practice active listening skills
Thank the person for their time
Obtain business cards or contact information

16. Interview Follow-up
Send a Professional Thank-You Letter within 24 hours
Written & mailed vs. typed & ed?
Provide any requested documentation-(Application, transcripts, references)
Assess how the interview went

17. Engineering, Architecture, & Physical Sciences Career Advisor
Questions?
Ben Cudia
Assistant Director
Engineering, Architecture, & Physical Sciences Career Advisor