Transcript ACE THE INTERVIEW

ACE THE INTERVIEW
By
Career Services
Refer to pages 26 - 29 of
the Career Services Career
Guide
Understanding the Interview
Purpose of Interview – To determine if
you are the best candidate for the
position or the best “fit” for their
organization
 Selling a product - YOU!
 Buying a product - The Company!
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Where Do I Start?
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Do your homework
research the
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research the
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research yourself
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company
position
Suggested Sources for
Researching the Company
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The Internet
Chamber of
Commerce
Better Business
Bureau reports
College Placement
Annual (College
Placement Council)
CollegeGrad.com
Researching the Employer:
Important Information
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Understand the mission
of the company and
what exactly they do.
How is the company
structured?
Who are their
competitors?
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Company Size – in
terms of profits, current
employees & growth
Locations outside your
community
Be prepared to
articulate why you
desire employment
based on your research
Who Am I?
Researching Yourself!
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Have information at
your fingertipsEmployment
Records
Volunteer Activities
Extracurricular
Activities
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Honors and Awards
Military Records
Language Skills
Abilities
Researching Yourself
Be ready to give specific examples
 Be able to recall related stories or
experiences that are relevant to the
posted position
 Be able to verbalize goals, both short
and long term
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Researching the Position
What are the responsibilities of the job?
 Obtain a job description if possible
 Prepare to match your qualifications to
those listed on the job description
 Know how the position fits with your
goals
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What’s Next?
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Prepare
- Review possible questions & formulate
answers
- Have examples ready to back up your
answer. Do not completely memorize
answers
- Be prepared to respond to follow up
questions
- Develop a list of questions to ask the employer
What’s Next?
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Practice!
– Mock interview at
Career Services
– Friends/Family
– In front of mirror
How to Handle Salary Questions
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Do not ask or mention Salary during initial
interview. Focus on selling your experience,
skills & abilities
Rule of thumb – discuss salary only after an
offer is made
Research appropriate pay in your industry
including pay for credentials & experience
If asked, give a range starting with the
employers probable salary & ending a little
above what you are willing to settle for; know
your absolute bottom line
Types of Interviews
Phone Interview – Often used as a
screening process
 Interviewing In-Person
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– One Interviewer
– Panel Interview
Are You Prepared?
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Mentally
– know your strengths/weaknesses
– prepare good answers to the questions
– prepare good questions for the recruiter
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Physically
– sleep and eat well
– dress appropriately
Do’s and Don’ts for Women
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Do Wear
– Suit/Tailored Dress
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not too short
– Neutral hose
– Hair up if long
– Low heals (2” or
less)
– Light perfume if any
– clean,subtly polished
nails
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Don’t Wear
– Lots of Makeup
– Lots of Jewelry
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5-7 pieces
– Open toe shoes
Do’s and Don’ts for Men
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Do Wear
– Navy, charcoal, gray,
or pin-stripe suit
– over the calf. dark
socks
– Neat hair
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get a hair cut before
if possible
– Dress shoes
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polished
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Don’t Wear
– Casual Attire
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tennis shoes
jeans, dockers
open collared shirts
– Flashy jewelry
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cuff links, ring, or
chains
– Strong cologne
In the Interview
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Be Positive
– about yourself and others
– about your experiences
– Never speak negatively about former employers
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Show Energy and Enthusiasm
– for your field of interest
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i.e. being a counselor
– the job
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i.e. being a counselor for the University
Be a Good Listener
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Follow the Interviewer’s cues
– Listen carefully and give clear concise, and
thoughtful answers
– ask if you are unclear about a questions
– Never use slang or incorrect grammer
Nonverbal Language
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Be aware of your body language
– Be sure to Smile
– maintain good eye contact
– practice a good handshake
It Ain’t Over!
Follow Up!
Write a thank you letter - the same day
of the interview!
 Contact your references
 Supply any additional information
requests from the employer promptly!
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Reflection Time!
What were your impressions of the
people you came into contact with?
 Did you “boss” seem like a workaholic?
Did he talk about long hours and a
mountain of duties?
 What does your instinct tell you?
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Come See Us!
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Career Services
– University Center, Suite 304
– 825-2628
- http://career-services.tamucc.edu