1. Making the Connection Interviewing Career Services 968-9078 www.tarleton.edu/connection www.tarleton.edu/~careers

2. Purpose:  For you and the employer to get acquainted and explore the possibility of working together…  You are Interviewing them as well…

3. Before the Interview  Do your homework Research company/organization  Visit website!!!!  Visit Campus Career Center  Ask employer to send company information  Complete job description-Tailor your Resume

4. Practice -  Interview Questions Do’s & Don’ts -  Use specific examples, comparisons, and descriptions to support your answers  Emphasize your enthusiasm, capability, flexibility, confidence, resourcefulness and strong work ethic, both in your words and mannerisms  Practice being positive and confident

5. Plan  Map/drive the route the day before interview  Make sure your clothing is pressed, shoes are polished and you are well groomed If you are a smoker, keep in mind your clothes will absorb the odors.  Portfolio to hold your info

6. During the Interview  Arrive 10-15 minutes early  Extra Resumes, References, Pen, Questions for the interviewer  Turn off your cell phone  Be intentional on making a good impression on everyone in the office  Dress to impress

7. Women –  Conservative skirted suit in navy blue, dark brown or black are best. Skirt length should be at or slightly above the knee.  Blouse in white or ivory, long sleeve with modest neckline.  Shoes match your suit. Clean and polished; heels no higher than 2 ½ inches. No open-toed, open-heeled shoes.  Wear natural looking make-up.  No perfume. Clean bathed appearance.  Subtle color nail polish.  One pair of earrings, one ring on each hand, one necklace, professional-looking watch, one bracelet (Nothing dangling or distracting). (Taken from John T. Molloy’s New Dress for Success and New Women’s Dress for Success)

8. Men –  Suits – best colors are dark blue and solid gray. First choice of material should be 100% wool. 2 nd choice is micro fiber.  Shirts should be long sleeve, 100% cotton in white or pale blue. White shirt is always best.  100% silk ties, in solid or conservative patterns. No tie tacks or clips.  No facial hair and conservative haircut is preferable.  No cologne. Clean bathed appearance.  Limit rings one to each, professional-looking watch. (Taken from John T. Molloy’s New Dress for Success and New Women’s Dress for Success)

9. During the Interview  Give a firm handshake  Address each interviewer by name as they are introduced  Communicate effectively  Be enthusiastic and confident  Make eye contact  Don’t fidget and maintain good posture  Have questions to ask at the end (never ask about salary)

10. After the Interview  Thank You note to the interviewer(s) within 48 hours  Evaluate and determine if the job is right for you

11. SUCCESS STORY  Matt was OFFERED a J-O-B after a “Mock” interview his Senior Year.  Matt is a Development Agent @ 7R Ranch through the help of CAREER SERVICES !  Meet Matt:

12. SUCCESS STORY  Rachel is a Computer Programmer/IT Dept with B.N.S.F. Railroad  How? She landed a job after a LUNCH Interview with the CEO.  Meet Rachel:

13. Quiz  What is the safest shirt color for Women & Men to wear?  How early should you arrive to the interview?  What do you NOT want to wear to an interview?  Name one of the most popular interview questions?  What should you bring to an interview?