Preparing for an interview

1. Preparing for an interview Tips on interaction and answering questions

2. Interaction Techniques Let’s look at behaviors that are favorable while an interview is taking place

3. Be on time! • OBVIOUSLY. • Actually, be 10-15 minutes early • Know where you need to be and when you should be there

4. Turn off your phone • Having your phone vibrate or ring during an interview can be viewed offensively

5. Know the company and why you want to work there • Research beforehand on the internet or call HR • Familiarize yourself with the position and requirements

6. Bring resumes, pen & a notepad • Cater your resume to the job description • Limit resume to 2 pages • Take notes when appropriate

7. Be careful to not… • Crack jokes • Babble • Flirt • Badmouth previous employers or companies • Go off topic • Have public profiles

8. But please do have… • Passion • Goals • Accomplishments

9. Body language • (not too) Strong handshake • Eye contact… looking around makes you look distracted/uninterested • Don’t fidget or play with hair/face/jewelry

10. Ask questions • This reinforces your interest in the job • Let’s the employer know that you are paying attention

11. Send a thank you note • This automatically make you stand out • Shows appreciation • Email, phone call, written note

12. Follow up • When no one calls you, call them • Express continuing interest • Don’t be overbearing

13. Tough Questions. Use the suggestions to prepare responses for frequently asked interview questions

14. “Tell me about yourself.” • Make yourself look good • Quickrun down of qualifications and experience • Education, work history, recent experience, goals

15. “Why did you leave your last job?” • List career goals • Take what you learned and apply it to new position

16. “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” • You are stable • You want to be with the company for the long haul…even if you don’t.

17. “What are your weaknesses?” • Don’t respond literally • Identify areas of improvement that will be assets to your future employer

18. “Why were you laid off?” • Answer as honestly as possible • The company was experiencing the effects of a tough economy • I’m confident it had nothing to do with my job performance

19. “Tell me about the worst boss you’ve ever had.” • NEVER criticize past bosses. • You can discuss what management style you most prefer • Keep it positive: “While some taught me more than others…”

20. “How would others describe you?” • Always ask for feedback from coworkers and supervisors • Highlight aspects that will help the company • Carry examples

21. “”what can you offer that another person can’t?” • You get things done • You have a passion for excellence • You are positive and hard working • Have examples to back your claims

22. “if you could choose any company to work for, where would you go?” • ONLY SAY THE COMPANY YOU ARE INTERVIEWING FOR • “I would not have applied here if I really didn’t want this job”

23. “Would you be willing to take a salary cut?” • I am making ____ • I know the average rate for this position is: _____to_____ • I am more interested in the job than money • I can start lower but I hope that once you see my potential you will raise my pay • We can discuss it later