Why should the interviewer hire you

rather than someone else ?

Know your strengths, job-related skills, work-related interests, goals, basic values/ attitudes towards work

Be Prepared
Review your work history and education Make several copies of your resume Make a list of your qualifications and experience

 Practice Interviewing
See the list of commonly asked interview questions and answers Use the STAR interview answer technique to answer each question: S/TDescribe the Situation or Task ADescribe the Action you took to improve the situation or complete the Task RDescribe the Results of your action

 Research Company Background

history, mission, values, products/services, business methods, status & orgl structure research position applying for

Research Company Location

Plan route/transportation to interview, locate parking, show up 15 minutes early

 Wear the appropriate clothing and be well

groomed Be polite and courteous to all persons in the building and office Be 15 minutes early Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake Make plenty of eye contact with the interviewer Smile and have good posture Be a good listener

 Dont chew gum or smoke Dont wear too much jewelry, perfume or

makeup Dont interrupt the interviewer Dont look at your watch during the interview Dont volunteer negative information about yourself and dont criticize former employers or coworkers

 Good Posture
-Sit up straight; sit on the edge of the chair -Avoid crossing your legs and arms

Inviting Gestures
-Greet interviewer with a firm handshake -Nod your head

 Eye Contact
-Indicates confidence, trustworthiness

Speak Clearly
-Standard English, not slang -Not only what you say, but how you say it

 Make your responses positive, organized

and informative; use the STAR technique Typical Questions -Tell me about yourself. -What are your strengths? -What are your weaknesses? -What are some of your goals? -Do you like working with others or on your own?

 Tell me about yourself

--very important question w/ no right or wrong answer --tells the interviewer what your priorities are, what is important to you --best to answer with qualifications for the position, and examples of how you used these skills --should be 1-2 minutes long, do not ramble on

 How well do you handle criticism?

--important, employer wants to know how well you can handle negative feedback --realize that criticism is vital to your growth; you can learn from all types of feedback --dont think of criticism as conflict; handling it can help you grow professionally

 Any question which points to a perceived lack or weakness

--Ex. If it seems as though you do not have much experience in promotions, how will you compensate for that? --do not deny your experience; have confidence in your knowledge and experience --admit your weakness, and plan on how to compensate for it --Ex. Talk about how your knowledge in programming or any other skill is transferable to the area you lack in

 What is your weakness? --be prepared for this!! --you do not want to present any negative image of yourself, but everyone has a weakness

--DO NOT say I really dont have one. --pick a weakness not directly related to any key job responsibility (ex. job requires communication skills, do not say you lack that) --then turn you weakness around; say you are improving on your weakness, and give an example

 Salary
research other companies, give a range

Vacations Benefits Sick leave

 Have 2 - 3 questions prepared to ask the

interviewer expresses your interest in the company

 Whom would I be working with most

closely? How many people have held this job in the last 10 years? Where did they go? What advancement do you see for me in five years if I have proven myself?

 Thank the interviewer by name Express interest in the position Arrange a reason and time to call back

 Send a thank you letter w/n 24 hrs

76% of employers say it is helpful for job candidate to send a thank-you note after interview Lets the employer know how interested you are in the position while thanking them at the same time