1. …because you cant stay in school forever! Interview Preparation Rachel E. Wobrak Program Director, Computer, Mathematical & Natural Sciences and Agriculture & Natural Resources

2. www.Careers.umd.edu www.PresidentsPromise.umd.edu 3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing Resources University Career Center & The Presidents Promise 3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing Phone: 301-314-7225 www.Careers.umd.edu Reed-Yorke Pre-Health Professions Advising 1210 H. J. Patterson Hall Phone: 301-314-1281 www.prehealth.umd.edu/otherhealthprofessions/alliedhealth/pharmacy

3. www.Careers.umd.edu www.PresidentsPromise.umd.edu 3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing Interviewers want to know: 1. Why are you interested in the position, school or program? 2. Why should they be interested in you? 3. How will you fit in? 4. What is your attitude towards life/work or life/school? 5. Do you have the skills, knowledge, and experience?

4. www.Careers.umd.edu www.PresidentsPromise.umd.edu 3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing Before you go to the interview… Know yourself: Strengths, weaknesses, skills, experiences, selling points, etc. Know the org./school/ program: Complete your research online, by networking, requesting information, etc.

5. www.Careers.umd.edu www.PresidentsPromise.umd.edu 3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing Ways to Research Companies Career Insider Trade journal/industry magazines Newspaper articles Organizations website/pamphlet information Networking contacts Informational Interview

6. www.Careers.umd.edu www.PresidentsPromise.umd.edu 3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing Ways to Research Professional Schools School Websites Speak with your student host in advance Attend their visit days and special programs Professional School Fair – April 11, 2012

7. www.Careers.umd.edu www.PresidentsPromise.umd.edu 3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing Before you go to the interview…cont. Practice answering questions ( Virtual Mock Interview) Complete a practice drive to the location Prepare your interview attire Know what salary you will request/need CBSalary.comCBSalary.com, Salary.comSalary.com

8. www.Careers.umd.edu www.PresidentsPromise.umd.edu 3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing Interview Attire Research your industry Wear attire before the interview (especially the shoes) When in doubt ask Things to remember: Conservative Suit Color Moderate cologne/perfume Clean finger nailsClean shaven Avoid busy prints Little jewelry Closed-toe shoesNon-scuffed shoe Correct fitting clothes Trimmed hair

9. www.Careers.umd.edu www.PresidentsPromise.umd.edu 3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing Dont forget to bring… Several copies of your résumé Printed list of references Questions for Interviewer Portfolio of relevant papers Pen/notepad Simple folder/attaché/padfolio Anything the employer/school requested of you

10. www.Careers.umd.edu www.PresidentsPromise.umd.edu 3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing Going into the interview Arrive 10-15 minutes early Be pleasant to everyone Visit the restroom one more time Read the organizations/schools material and pay careful attention to all presentations Make eye contact and prepare to shake hands

11. www.Careers.umd.edu www.PresidentsPromise.umd.edu 3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing General Interview Tips Avoid answering questions with yes/no Be aware of your body language Avoid nervous mannerisms Act with confidence Ask for question clarification, if needed Answer questions in two minutes or less

12. www.Careers.umd.edu www.PresidentsPromise.umd.edu 3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing Two questions to prepare for Tell me about yourself. Why do you want to be a XXXX?

13. www.Careers.umd.edu www.PresidentsPromise.umd.edu 3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing General Interview Tips…cont. The STAR Method S = Situation T = Task A = Action R = Result

14. www.Careers.umd.edu www.PresidentsPromise.umd.edu 3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing Ways to Sabotage Your Interview Not qualifiedLack enthusiasm Poor interpersonal skillsUnprepared Revealing weaknessUnclear goals What is in it for me?Bad mouthing Not selling yourselfUnclear interests Not knowing the climate Asking uneducated ?s

15. www.Careers.umd.edu www.PresidentsPromise.umd.edu 3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing At the Close of an Interview… Always ask : What is the next step State if you are interested in the position/school Thank each interviewer Ask for a business card- helpful for Thank Yous Leave your reference sheet

16. www.Careers.umd.edu www.PresidentsPromise.umd.edu 3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing Interviewing Resources Books in Resource Room Virtual Mock Interview Terp Guide: Internship & Job Search www.careers.umd.edu

17. www.Careers.umd.edu www.PresidentsPromise.umd.edu 3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing Contact Us Rachel E. Wobrak Program Director rwobrak@umd.edu 301-314-7242 Schedule an appointment: Online (www.Careers.umd.edu) Call (301.314.7225) Visit ( 3100 Hornbake Library, S. Wing) Visit Careers.umd.edu to learn more about our services such as: Individual Appointments Careers4Terps Jobs/Internship Database Upcoming Workshops Schedule Interviews with Employers (internship, part-time and full-time) And more! Visit PresidentsPromise.umd.edu to learn how to become competitive in your job/internship search by gaining experience.