Transcript Interviewing 101 - Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

Preparation
 What to bring
 Appearance
 Traditional
interview
 Phone interview
 Final notes


Know the interview location and how to get
there
› Allow MORE than enough time to get there
 Check for construction or other delays
› Visit before hand
Get plenty of rest the night before
Find out the name of your interviewer
before hand
 Reduce stressors
 Be positive, upbeat, energetic and
confident




Research the organization
Know how you are qualified for the job
› Look at the job description and functions


Be ready to relate your experiences or skills to
the prospective job
Practice answering common questions
› “Why should I hire you?”
› Use the S.T.A.R. technique
 Situation, Task, Action, Result

Have a friend or family member conduct a
mach interview
› Schedule one with Career Services

Resume and references
› Bring extra copies
› Get permission from references prior to giving them
out

Application
› Or the information to be able to fill it out (i.e.- the
dates of employment, company names, supervisors
names and correct contact info)

School transcripts
› Verify if they need to be official or unofficial

Identification
› Social Security Number
› Driver’s License

Leave your cell phone in the car
It is better to be over-dressed than
under-dressed
 Make sure hair is combed and neat,
clothes are professional (not wrinkly),
minimal makeup and perfume or
cologne
 No bulky jewelry
 Do not chew gum, smoke, or drink
coffee
 Be mindful of visible piercings or tattoos


Women
Skirt or pant suit
› Make sure the skirt is
long enough that you
can sit comfortably




Coordinated blouse
Conservative shoes
Neutral pantyhose
Neatly manicured nails







Men
Solid colored suit
Long-sleeved dress
shirt (white or
coordinated with suit)
Belt
Tie
Dark socks
Dress shoes
Neatly trimmed nails




Be early
Use good manners with everyone
you meet- even in the parking lot
Learn the name of your interviewer
and greet them with a firm
handshake
Answer each question concisely
› It is ok to take a moment and gather
your thoughts
› Do not spit out a prepared or scripted
answer
 Be honest and sincere

Use proper English
› Avoid slang, um, like, ah, ya know
› NO profanity

Ask questions about the organization
and/or the position, but make sure the
answers are not something easily found
on the company website
› Make sure the questions are relevant

Avoid asking questions about salary,
vacation, time-off or other benefits until
the job is offered
Prepare as though it were a normal
interview
 Have your resume, a list of strengths and
weaknesses, employment and education
history, and the job description next to you
 Keep a pen and paper close by to take
down notes or information
 Clear the room of distraction

› TV, radio, kids, computer
Use a landline versus a cell phone unless
you know there will be no disruption in your
cell service

Remember they cannot see your facial
expressions or body language
 Do not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum

› Water would be ok to wet your mouth
Speak slowly and annunciate
Address the person with their title unless
they say it is ok to use their first name
 Gather your thoughts before answering
 Keep your answers short
 Ask if you can set up a time to meet in
person


Thank the interviewer for the opportunity
 Shake hands when you leave
 Send a follow up thank you note
