INTERVIEWS

CAREER SERVICES The competitive Edge

THE INTERVIEW An interview is…  Employer’s chance to evaluate fit in their company  A way to show multiple dimensions of qualification  An opportunity to learn more about an organization  A way to market your skills and experiences more!

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW Evaluate yourself  Education  Experience  Interests  Likes/dislikes  Strengths/weaknesses  Values

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW Research the organization  Know the position  Size, location, products  Values of company

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW Practice interviewing  Practice questions  Use The Perfect Interview in Career Services or do a mock interview  Have general answers prepared

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW Plan the details  Organize and print resume, cover letter etc.

 Look up directions and potential alternate routes  Know date, time, and place of interview

DURING THE INTERVIEW D O  Dress appropriately ht t p://www.career spots.com/v idplay_links_ext.aspx?aid=33 0&par tid=0&apass= /j8 bK freU nYuxo/GZaXXdQ==&id=16&pref=http://www.uwec.edu/career/&src=VLI &  Maintain good posture  Have a firm handshake  Use eye contact  Show enthusiasm  Control ner vous mannerisms

DURING INTERVIEW DO  Use S.A.R. model in answering questions  Situation, Action, Results  Focus on positive as opposed to negative  Be a good listener  Ask questions  Be aware of your nonverbal behavior  Know when the interview is over

DURING THE INTERVIEW Do not  Panic  Use unprofessional language  Exaggerate experiences to seem more impressive  Talk about personal information

ADVICE FROM EMPLOYERS  http://www.careerspots.com/vidplay_links_ext.aspx?aid=330 &partid=0&apass=/j8bKfreUnYuxo/GZaXXdQ==&id=20&pref= http://www.uwec.edu/career/&src=VLI &

EXAMPLES OF QUESTIONS Behavioral Questions  Focuses on experiences, behaviors, knowledge, skills, and abilities  Describe a time you had to be flexible in planning a workload?

 Describe an accomplishment in which you take pride?

 Tell me about a situation where you had to speak up in order to get a point across that was important to you?

EXAMPLES OF QUESTIONS  Why did you choose the career for which you are preparing?

 What position in our company interests you the most?

 What do you know about our company?

 What are your short and long-term goals?

AFTER THE INTERVIEW  Analyze the interview  What went well?

 What could be improved?

 Write a thank you note  Follow up

QUESTIONS?

www.uwec.edu/career/ For more information about Career Services visit us in: Schofield 230 (715) 836-5358