1. Interviewing 101 Do’s & Don'ts for a successful interview

2. Before the interview…. Remember first impressions count – Appearance – Resume – Cover letter Research the company & the position Prepare some questions to ASK

3. Dress for success… One level above job requirement – Ask about preferred dress code before the interview Clean appearance – Pressed clothes – Nice shoes 1 st impressions are made in the first 30 seconds!

4. Decisions, decisions… NO… – Bed head – Hats – Denim – Shorts – T-shirts – Undergarments showing – Flip flops/tennis shoes YES… – Clean hair – Jacket – Khakis – Dress pants – Skirt – Dress shirt or polo – Closed-toe shoes

5. Practice, practice, practice… Handshake Eye contact Professional posture

6. Get a grip… Handshake protocol – Extend right hand fingers together thumb up – Grasp firmly – Pump 3 times Practice with others – Give honest feedback Make a good impression

7. What NOT to do at an interview… Be late Chew gum Use slang: ‘like...you know…’ Use profanity Put feet on desk Answer call or text Fall asleep Bad-mouth former employer Apply makeup Bring parent/child Be chatty about personal topics Smoke before the interview

8. What TO do at an interview… Dress appropriately Be 5 minutes early Leave cell phone in car Be prepared Bring extra resumes Bring list of references Bring pen and pad of paper – Write down names of everyone involved in the interview (business card) Put your nametag on your right side Be courteous to everyone Be professional Maintain good eye contact Smile Listen

9. Preparing for the interview… Review job ad – Explain how your experience meets each qualification – Provide specific examples Research the company online – Company website – Current events Practice interviewing – With friends or family – Write yourself notes

10. Types of interview questions… Background questions – Education – Experience Behavioral questions – How you have done something or would do something CAR: Challenge-Action-Resolution Technical questions – Experience with software, tools, equipment

11. Common interview questions… Can you tell me a little bit about yourself? Why are you leaving your current position? What can you contribute to our company? What are your weaknesses? – Turn into a positive! Describe a time when you did not meet your manager’s expectations… Describe a situation with an upset customer or client and how you handled it... – Remember the C-A-R Challenge Action Resolution

12. Thinking outside the box… Some employers want to see how you think on your feet Expect the unexpected – How many ping pong balls would fill a 747 jet? – If you could have any super power, what would it be and why?

13. What NOT to ask… Can I borrow a pen? What does this company do? What’s the boss like? Why did the other person leave? Will I have to work overtime? When will I qualify for vacation days? What’s your policy on people coming in late? Pay and raises* Days off* Benefits* *these will be addressed at later interviews, when a job is being offered

14. What TO ask… What challenges will the company face in the next year? What is a typical day in this position? How does this position fit into the mission or vision of the company/department? Why do you like working for this company? What’s the next step in this process?

15. What employers want to know… Can you do the job? Will you do the job? Will you get along with the team?

16. After the interview… DO: shake hands & thank the interviewer – “I really enjoyed meeting with you!” – “I appreciate the opportunity to meet with you.” DO: ask for the job DO: send a thank-you note or email one DO: follow up once for ‘status of position’ DON’T: call repeatedly DON’T: email daily DON’T: show up without a scheduled appointment DON’T: be rude to the administrative assistant or secretary

17. Believe in yourself… Be positive & enjoy the process Maintain a professional attitude Network…remember sometimes it’s who you know as much as what you know!

18. Good luck! Relax Breathe Smile REPEAT