You are a STAR! Shine During an Interview

Interviewing Overview Before the Interview Types of Interviews Interview Day After the Interview Great Answers to Tough Interview

Questions As time allows, Dining Etiquette

Before the Interview Dress Appropriately – Your

Package Know Yourself Phone Messages Research Organization Rehearse and Prepare Questions

Interview Attire 1st Impressions Count

Conservative & Classic! Navy or Charcoal Gray Suit Skirted suit for women still safest bet White blouse/shirt long- sleeved Hosiery

Neutral colored hose for women Matching socks – no shin showing

Shoes Women – Same as skirt color Men –Matching coordinated shoes &

belt Extras – Minimal Jewelry and Scents Avoid too much bulk - portfolio

Know Yourself – What Value can You Offer to an Employer? Education and Training? Experience- Paid and Unpaid?

What did you learn about people? Managing? Your Preferences? This Business?

Ideal Candidate? Skills & Qualities? What do you know now that you didn’t know

before the job? What did your team count on you for?

Skills – technical, problem solving, customer service

Personality/Aptitude/Natural Gifts Strengths & Weaknesses – Employer’s View

Phone Messages (and home pages too)

Prepare your message takers! Is your voice mail message appropriate? Is your homepage appropriate? Are you ready for an interview when

your phone rings? Be ready for a full interview as soon as your first resume is sent!

Do you have your job search packet handy? Generic questions, resume, references list,

calendar, map?, key sales points, paper/pen…

Research the Organization Research the company, industry and the

position What does company do? Produce? Who are

Customers? Philosophy? Goals? Mission? Financial Health? How do others in the industry compare? How do you fit in the picture?

Information can be found.. University Career Services – Files and homepage links Homepages – Search or ask for url Library – Reference Depts have tons! ****** Chamber of Commerce – many on-line Ask employer for info at time of interview invitation

Rehearse and Prepare Questions Practice out loud – mirror, tape recorder, video

camera Anticipate Questions

Specific for job/field General Questions ( mentors/colleagues, career

websites, library) Body Language – Confident and Courteous -

Visualize MAGIC 4 – 1st Impressions Dining Etiquette & Good Manners – kind to all! Topics of Conversation – Local & National News

Magic 4 First Impressions Count! Step 1 – Look Pleasant, smile, relax Step 2 – Introduce Self – Eye Contact Step 3 – Present a firm handshake Step 4 – Offer a Greeting Good Morning Ms. Jones. I’m Sam Smart.

It is a pleasure to meet you. I’ve been looking forward to finding out more about your marketing position.

At end of interview – basically repeat

Types of Interviews All Kinds! Always be Prepared!

Phone Interviews Package near Phone - Deep Breath -

Positive & Energetic Group, Serial, Panel, “Canned”

Informational – What software do you know? Situational – What would you do if a student

refused to participate? Behavioral – Describe a time when you

worked with an uncooperative customer/student/co-worker?

Behavioral Interviews

Very Popular! Past experience best predictor of future success.

Create Specific Stories to illustrate your skills.

Helpful to answer negative questions.

STAR Technique Situation - My sorority decided to

raise money for a homeless shelter. Task – I chaired the publicity

committee. Action – I chaired a committee of 8

which included area alumni;Wrote press releases for local media; Oversaw development of themed posters & brochures;Developed and presented programs to service clubs….

Result – Our group had a very successful fundraiser and donated $3,000. To the homeless shelter.

Interview Day Arrive Early Courtesy to everyone! Magic 4 What to bring with you

Resumes & References Other: Transcript, Examples

Anticipate Problems! Grooming Items Money Notes

Interview Day Upside down triangle - Questioning generally

broad to specific Tell me about yourself Give me an example of how you’ve used xyz

software. What general themes do you want to

emphasize? Do you have stories to illustrate your

themes/skills? Prepare 6-8

Take the opportunity to give a final sell Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?

Questions to ask?

After the Interview Follow Through is Key! Notes to yourself - ?’s,

impressions, company information, evaluate self

Quality Thank You Letter – snail and

e-mail immediately

Your Street Address Your City, State, Zip Date

Person’s Name Company Name Company Address City, State, Zip Dear (Mr./Ms./Mrs. Person’s Name):

Thank you for the opportunity to interview yesterday for the (name of position) position. I appreciate your hospitality and enjoyed meeting you and the members of your staff.

The interview confirmed my initial positive impression of (name of company) and reinforced my strong interest in being associated with such a(n) (adjective) organization. I was particularly pleased to learn (name something gleaned from interview). My prior experience in (type of experience), plus my training in (refer to training), would enable me to become a strong contributing member of your (name of team) team.

Please let me know if there is any information that I can provide that will help you in your decision-making. If I don’t hear from you prior, as you suggested during the interview, I will call you next (day), to see how your selection process is progressing.

Sincerely, (signature) Your Name

Thank You Letter

Interview Questions Tell me about yourself.

Key sales points related to skills – not personal info

Strengths and weaknesses? Weaknesses – things you’ve been working on –

use the STAR technique to help Mistake? Conflict? Why leave last job?

Remain positive, honest, demonstrate initiative and take responsibility. Shown what you’ve learned.

What are your salary expectations? Research market. Give a range. Do you have a

range in mind? Benefits are a big piece!!

Questions to Ask What type of person are you looking for? Describe a typical day. How would you describe the

personality/culture of the organization? What are some goals/upcoming projects

for the organization? Training? Management style? Supervisor? What are some questions you’ve asked?? What is your timeline for making a

decision? If I haven’t heard from you by__, may I call you?