Interviewing

Why should I hire you?

Interviewing-What is it?
A structured meeting between you and an employer Interviewing is a skill- like riding your bike PRACTICE makes PERFECT

Employers Concerns
Do you look the part professional Can you be counted onresponsible Can you perform Job done well Will you work hard above and beyond? What will you bring to the table. What else do you have to offer, academics being equal with other candidates

Why do employers interview?

To find out 3 things:

1. Will you be able to do the job well = your skills and experience 2. Are you really motivated to do the job = evidence that you really want it

3. Will you fit into the organization = what kind of person you are
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Styles of interview
Telephone Panel One-to-one Formal Informal (on meal) On site interview
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Preparing for the Interview

Step 1: The Self-Interview
Know

your strengths & weaknesses Determine your employment interests; what do you want to do and why Reflect on your values; whats most important to you Be prepared to cite several examples of experiences, accomplishments, successes
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Step 2: Research
Review employer website/literature Develop targeted questions concerning employer and job Attend Informational Meetings Be sure you know what the company stands for, its culture, and why you want to work for them!
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Step 3: Practice!!
Review common questions Schedule mock interview Prepare list of questions Be alert to body language & eye contact SMILE Speak clearly; listen carefully Match your skills/experiences with jobs
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Interview Process Overview

Typically consists of 2 3 rounds of interviews Interviews last between 30 45 minutes Mix of general, behavioral, situation/case questions

Typical Interview Format

Introductions/Ice Breakers Discussion of Positions/Opportunities Candidate Assessment (Sell Yourself!) Pose Questions Make Them Good! Conclusion/Find Out Next Steps Assess Your Performance Send Thank-You Note Follow-up!
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Interview DOs
Arrive 10 minutes early.

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First Impressions
You Never get second chance to make your first impression

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Dressing for Success-Men

Suit-Single or double breasted Polished shoes Solid white shirt Conservative tie Neatly groomed hair, beard, and mustache Avoid strong colognes, earrings, and body piercing
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Dressing for Success-Women

Pant or skirt suit, decent traditional outfit. Pumps with small to medium heels Light makeup, perfume, and jewelry Wear neutral color

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Stay Calm

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Be Positive

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Confidence

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Professional

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Interview Donts
Dont make excuses. Take responsibility for your decisions and your actions. Dont make negative comments about previous employers or supervisors (or others). Dont treat the interview casually, as if you are just shopping around or doing the interview for practice. This is insulting to the interviewer and the organization. Dont give the impression you are only interested in salary.

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Interview Tips
Tell me about yourself. Bad example: Good example: 1. Too nervous. 1. Eye contact. 2. No examples. 2. Give examples. 3. Um 3. Personalities. 4. No confidence 4. Good ending.
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Why should we hire you?

Bad example: Good example: 1. Talk too fast. 1. Confidence. 2. Slang. 2. Personalities. 3. Look at watches. 3. Give examples. 4. Research. 5. Good ending.

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Tell me about a weakness.

Bad example: 1. Gossip. 2. Sarcasm. 3. Refute claims. 4. Blame. 5. Too defensive. Good example: 1. Examples. 2. Be honest. 3. Show humility. 4. Effect.

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Why do you want to work here?

Bad example: 1. Humming. 2. Bad attitude. 3. Judgmental. 4. Bad motivation. Good example: 1. Connection. 2. Examples. 3. Influence. 4. Research. 5. Be honest.
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Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Bad example: 1. Attitude. 2. Too general. Good example: 1. Connection. 2. Strength. 3. Improvements. 4. Tie goals to the possible duties. 5. Specific.
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FOLLOW-UP
Ask good questions
Thank the interviewer Request a business card Inquire about next steps in the process
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Good Luck!

Trust me. You can make it!

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