ACE THE INTERVIEW
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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!
Where Do I Start?
Do your homework
research the
research the
research yourself
company
position
Suggested Sources for
Researching the Company
The Internet
Chamber of
Commerce
Better Business
Bureau reports
College Placement
Annual (College
Placement Council)
CollegeGrad.com
Researching the Employer:
Important Information
Understand the mission
of the company and
what exactly they do.
How is the company
structured?
Who are their
competitors?
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!
Have information at
your fingertipsEmployment
Records
Volunteer Activities
Extracurricular
Activities
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
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
What’s Next?
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?
Practice!
– Mock interview at
Career Services
– Friends/Family
– In front of mirror
How to Handle Salary Questions
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
– One Interviewer
– Panel Interview
Are You Prepared?
Mentally
– know your strengths/weaknesses
– prepare good answers to the questions
– prepare good questions for the recruiter
Physically
– sleep and eat well
– dress appropriately
Do’s and Don’ts for Women
Do Wear
– Suit/Tailored Dress
not too short
– Neutral hose
– Hair up if long
– Low heals (2” or
less)
– Light perfume if any
– clean,subtly polished
nails
Don’t Wear
– Lots of Makeup
– Lots of Jewelry
5-7 pieces
– Open toe shoes
Do’s and Don’ts for Men
Do Wear
– Navy, charcoal, gray,
or pin-stripe suit
– over the calf. dark
socks
– Neat hair
get a hair cut before
if possible
– Dress shoes
polished
Don’t Wear
– Casual Attire
tennis shoes
jeans, dockers
open collared shirts
– Flashy jewelry
cuff links, ring, or
chains
– Strong cologne
In the Interview
Be Positive
– about yourself and others
– about your experiences
– Never speak negatively about former employers
Show Energy and Enthusiasm
– for your field of interest
i.e. being a counselor
– the job
i.e. being a counselor for the University
Be a Good Listener
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
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!
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?
Come See Us!
Career Services
– University Center, Suite 304
– 825-2628
- http://career-services.tamucc.edu