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INTERVIEWING GUIDELINES
Before the Interview
KNOW YOURSELF AND YOUR GOALS. Go over your
resume carefully as the recruiter will relate many of the interview questions to
it.
PREPARE ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS such as "Tell me
about yourself," and "What is your greatest strength?" and "What is your
greatest weakness?" Think of examples in your experience to use to answer
behavioral interviewing questions. Check the handouts on interviewing questions
at the Career Center.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK ON THE COMPANY. The Career
Center has some copies of company literature, job descriptions, videos and other
information from the company available. Most company literature is now on the
employer's web page. You should know the
information on the company web page and also do additional research on the
internet and in printed resources. Know the company’s product and services,
their competitors, and their industry trends. Use this information to develop
questions for the employer indicating your interest. If you need help, ask the
reference librarians or Career Center staff.
HAVE A MOCK INTERVIEW at
the Career Center to increase your comfort level with the process. Sign up for
a mock interview done by an employer during one of the mock interviewing events
held fall/spring semesters. In addition, you can set up a mock phone interview
by calling the Career Center. Many companies will do a phone interview during
your first interview. Attend the Center seminars on interviewing. Watch the
Center’s interviewing video. Attend an Etiquette Dinner sponsored by the Career
Center and learn how to handle yourself in a dinner/social situation.
DRESS APPROPRIATELY.
Employers tend to make
their decision about you during the first two to five minutes of the interview.
Obviously, appearance is important. Decide what you will wear, get your clothes
ready and allow enough time before your interview for good grooming. Dress
professionally. (See Professional Dress handout.) Suits are usually preferred
for full-time entry-level positions in business. Good grooming and good taste
should prevail. A good rule is to not overdo anything including jewelry,
cologne, make-up, color and pattern. The idea is to look professional and
competent.
ARRIVE TEN MINUTES PRIOR TO
THE INTERVIEW. Never keep the interviewer waiting. If this is a second
interview on the employer's site, be sure to show a sincere interest in all of
the people you meet at the interviewing location. This includes folks you see
in the parking lot, the elevator, the rest room and the reception room.
During the interview
YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION MUST
BE POSITIVE. Start your interview like a winner! Use a firm handshake, have a
pleasant smile, and present yourself with a confident attitude.
LISTEN ATTENTIVELY AND MAINTAIN
STEADY (WITHOUT STARING) EYE CONTACT
ANSWER QUESTIONS IN A POSITIVE
MANNER. Speak
clearly using excellent grammar and a pleasant tone. (It is a good idea to
practice with a friend or use a tape recorder to listen to your responses.)
Take time answering questions. It is okay to pause to think or to ask for a
question to be repeated. Never downgrade a former employer. Always relate the
positive results of a former experience even if it was a negative one.
IMPORTANT!
ASK PERTINENT QUESTIONS
ABOUT THE JOB AND THE COMPANY.
This is the reason for the homework mentioned
above and could be critical to your success. Be familiar with the job
description and the goals of the company. You should be able to ask questions
about the position and the future direction of the company. You can also tell
them how you would be an asset to their organization.
EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST IN
BEING HIRED. Let them know you are impressed with the company and would like to
work there.
After the Interview
WRITE A THANK YOU LETTER
the next day to everyone with whom you interviewed. Restate your interest in
the position. Be sure to get the correct spellings of their names and
companies.
DON'T GIVE UP! If you are not called back for a
second interview, don't despair. You have one more interviewing experience
behind you and are better prepared for the next one.
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