INTERVIEWING TO WIN

INTERVIEW SKILLSYou never get a second chance to make a first

impression.

“

THE BIGGEST MISTAKE MADE BY JOB CANDIATES IS GROSSLY UNDERESTIMATIING THE COMPETITION

You made it to the interview...

So now what???

INTERVIEW PREP TIPS

The #1 Item to attend to when preparing for an interview:

Research the organization

RESEARCH - WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW?

Trends? Expansion? History? Culture/Philosophy? Services?

THE DAY BEFORE...

Decide what to wear Review notes Check traffic routes Practice Get a good nights

sleep

WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU

Directions to the interview Company Info Writing materials Copies of resume Reference letters Portfolio YOUR questions

INTERVIEWING PROTOCOL

Arrive 10-15 minutes prior to appointment

Exhibit pleasant personality to everyone

Read related materials in waiting room Leave extraneous materials

in waiting room Do not chew gum, smoke

or drink

DURING THE INTERVIEW

Relaxed as possible Smile Appropriate humor Open body posture Eye-contact

ABOUT THE QUESTIONS

The questions are about you You are the expert Open-ended beginnings - your

opportunity Technical questions might arise Prepare a few questions of your

own

TIME TO PRACTICE

TAKE AIM AS YOU PRACTICE

Be specific—use examples,tell stories

DURING THE INTERVIEW

Make a good first impression Send the right behavioral

signals Communicate carefully Participate, don’t dominate Close with information

…and enthusiasm

CLOSING THE INTERVIEW Always ask this question: “Can

you tell me what the next step will be as I remain very interested…”

Thank the interviewer Shake hands

AFTER THE INTERVIEW

Keep a log Send a note Stay in pursuit Don’t wait too

long

SOME SPECIAL INTERVIEWING SITUATIONS

Group interviews Phone interviews Videoconferences Case-studies Behavioral

interviews Second/on-site

interviews

WHAT YOU CAN ASK

Qualities for success The future Promotion Training Evaluation Typical day/week Relationships to other areas

WHAT NOT TO ASK!! Compensation Barriers (starting date, flex

time, travel, relocation)

What is the most important thing you can wear into an Interview?

A smile

The Biggest Non-Verbal Cues How you dress

Your handshake

NACE 2006 Study of Physical Characteristics

Most influenced by overall grooming Least Influenced by facial hair and earrings

for men Nontraditional hair color, handshake, obvious

tattoos & body piercing of at least SOME influence. Piercings… Strongly influenced-31% Not influenced-28%

DRESS FOR SUCCESSWOMEN

Suit/Dress-Conservative,below knee-length

Blouse-Simple style, white or soft color

Shoes-Pumps or medium heels

Purse-Medium or small, match outfit

Can I Wear a Pants Suit? In a recent

study, 90% of college recruiters agreed pants suits for women are acceptable.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS-MEN

Suit-Dark blue, gray, muted pin-stripes

Shirt-White, pale blue or yellow

Tie-Conservative, classic Shoes-Polished dress shoes

Remember… Your wardrobe

reflects who you are, don’t let it say the wrong things!

No matter what you wear, be professional

Your attitude should reflect your ambition

NO FAILURES, JUST LESSONS