Interviewing Strategies

Alex Gutierrez

Career Center

Boise State University

The Basics

Be Prepared!LocationResearch the companyPractice, practice, practiceRehearse what you want known about yourself

○ Top 3-5 things you want to leave them withItineraryExtra copies of resume or portfolioHave questions to ask the interviewer

The Basics

Be ProfessionalUse a firm handshakeBe on time (10-15 minutes early)Be courteous to everyone including

receptionistAppearance Don’t chew gumDon’t smoke before or during an interviewBrush your teeth and use mouthwashTurn off cell phone

Second to last question…Why should I (we) hire you? Because I’m good.

Uh-I don’t know-you have what I want.

Because I am good and developing professional relationships which can increase business and customer retention….

Probably the first question…Tell me about yourself. Uh-well, what do you want to know?

I went to elementary school in Twin Falls. I like water polo. I once broke my leg bungee jumping….

Currently I am studying marketing at Boise State, I obtained an internship with ABC Marketing and worked in client relations…

You know this next question is coming…Give me one of your strengths. I’m a people person.

Well there are so many… where to start

I’ve always been able to develop great relationships with people, which I’ve honed into developing professional relationships with customers, for example…

Of course here’s what follows…Give me a weakness. I'm a perfectionist.

Gosh, I can’t think of one right now.

Multitasking. When I’ve had a job where there are 20 high priority tasks, those things don’t get my full attention and don’t meet my own expectations. I’ve learned to work with my supervisor…

And the last question…Any questions for me (us)? Nope, I’m good.

Yeah, do I have to work overtime and how much do I get?

Yes, I do. First, I noticed in my research that XYZ Co. just created a joint venture with ABC. How is this going to affect…

Bonus Time

Behavioral Questions Past experiences/behavior predict your

future performance Interviewer is asking questions based on

facts Looking for results STAR Method

SituationTaskActionResults

Bonus question

Give me a specific example of a time you had to deal with an angry customer. How did you address this and what was the outcome?

S/T– At my job at Home Depot… A – I called the our other store and… R – The customer was so pleased, she

called my manager

Career Center

career.boisestate.edu426-1747