The Key to a Successful Interview

1. The Key to a Successful Interview

2. Phone Interviews While you're actively job searching, it's important to be prepared for a phone interview on a moment's notice. You never know when a recruiter or a networking contact might call and ask if you have a few minutes to talk.

3. Be Prepared to Interview Prepare for a phone interview just as you would for a regular interview. Compile a list of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as a list of answers to typical interview questions. Plan on being prepared for a phone conversation about your background and skills.

4. More Phone Interview Tips • If the time isn't convenient, ask if you could talk at another time and suggest some alternatives. • Clear the room - evict the pets, family and friends. Turn off the TV. Close the door. • Unless you're sure your cell phone service is going to be perfect, use a landline rather to avoid a dropped call or static on the line.

5. Practice Interviewing • Talking on the phone isn't as easy as it seems. • Conduct a mock interview and tape record it so you can see how you sound. You'll be able to hear your "ums" and "uhs" and "okays" and you can practice reducing them from your conversational speech. • Rehearse your answers to those typical questions you may be asked.

6. During the Phone Interview • Don't chew gum, eat, or drink. • Do keep a glass of water handy, in case you need to wet your mouth. • Smile. Smiling will project a positive image to the listener and will change the tone of your voice. • Speak slowly and enunciate clearly.

7. Use the person's title (Mr. or Ms. and their last name.) Only use a first name if they ask you to. • Don't interrupt the interviewer. • Take your time - it's perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to collect your thoughts. • Give brief answers. • Remember your goal is to set-up a face-to-face interview. After you thank the interviewer ask if it would be possible to meet in person.

8. After the Interview • Take notes about what you were asked and how you answered. • Remember to say "thank you." Follow with a thank you note which reiterates your interest in the job.

9. Face-to FaceInterviews

10. Proper Interview Attire • In a conservative business environment appearance DOES MATTER • 55% perception base on appearance • Employer’s initial impression is made within the first minute of seeing you. • Always err on the side of conservatism (overdressed is better and underdressed)

11. Men • Suit: conservative, solid color • Dark dress socks and shoes • Little or no jewelry • Trimmed nails • Shoes shined • Clothes presses • Button your jacket when you stand

12. Women • Suite: conservative, solid color • Moderate dress shoes • Minimal accessories • Manicured nails • Tan or light stocking • Clothes presses • Don’t wear anything too tight or revealing

13. Etiquette • Be on time – no exceptions • If faced with unforeseen circumstances, call immediately to apologize, explain, and try to reschedule (but may not be enough to get you the second chance) • Treat the receptionist with respect • Walk with confidence • Be enthusiastic, eager, and smile

14. Attitude • Know your interviewer’s name and title before you arrive • Do not address him or her by their first name unless otherwise directed to do so • Don’t sit until you’re invited to, and sit up straight • Practice good eye contact

15. The Handshake • Wait for the interviewer to extend his/her hand • Stand up straight • Make good eye contact • Grasp hand firmly • NO limp hand • Avoid pumping/loose arm

16. Maintaining a Positive Impression • Space - Be assertive but do not invade interviewer’s space • Being seated - Remain standing until interviewer sits or indicated you may be seated • Good posture helps you look confident and more professional • Lean forward in interest, fold hands in your lap, cross legs at the ankles, and tuck them slightly under your chair • Be aware of and control nervous habits like foot tapping

17. Body Language • Always maintain good eye contact • Don’t watch the clock or your watch • Smile !

18. PREPARATION

19. Research the Company • Research the company thoroughly • Where do you fit in (skill set)? • Tailor your skills to company’s needs (review job description) • Information you uncover reflects your interest and enthusiasm in position • Establishes a common base of knowledge for questions

20. What Do You Need To Know? • Age of company • Services or products • Competitors within the industry • Growth pattern • Reputation • Divisions and subsidiaries • Locations/length of time there • Size • Number of employees • Sales/assets/earnings • New products or projects • Culture and values

21. THE INTERVIEW

22. Tell Me About Yourself Create a 60-second sound byte Include • Geographic origins • Reason for choosing major • Educational background • 2 or 3 strengths related to position • Specific expertise and accomplishments • How you can contribute to company • Identify your career goals • Speak clearly and honestly

23. What Are Your Strengths • Relate them to the job • Give examples of where you have demonstrated these • How were they developed • Identify your mentors and/or role models

24. Write Down Answers/Scenarios • Draft written answers to potential interview questions • Develop job appropriate scenarios based on your research • A solution to one of their problems

25. What are your Weaknesses? • Relate these to your work • Show the positive side of these • Identify the steps you have taken for improvement • Detail the results and/or time frames expected

26. Questions You May Be Asked • Describe yourself • Can you take lots of information, organize it and present it concisely? • Why should we hire you? • How will you be able to fit into the culture of our company? • How would your peers or former employer describe you? • Tell me what you know about our company Speak confidently and stress qualification and experience that apply to the position you are interviewing for.

27. Write Out Questions for the Interviewer • Demonstrate your knowledge of the company • Why is this position available? • Is this a new position?  • How long has this position existed? • How many people have held this position in the last two years? • What do you like about working for this company?

28. What are the current plans for expansion or cutbacks? • What kind of turnover rate does the company have? • How financially sound is this company? • What projects and assignments will I be working on? • Who would be my supervisor?  To whom would I report? • Will I receive any formal training? • Can you describe a typical day for someone in this position?

29. If you are being interviewed by the person who you will directly report to? • What are the day-to-day expectations and responsibilities of this position? • How will my responsibilities and performance be measures? • Can you describe the company’s culture? • Can you describe your management style

30. Practice Your “Soft Skills” • Greet people with a firm handshake • Stand up to meet people • Keep your guard up during lunch or dinner • Practice your dining etiquette • Remember “please” and “thank you” • Be good at chatting and small talk

31. What to Bring to an Interview • Several copies of your resume • Your portfolio, if applicable • New notebook and a nice pen • Leather folder or portfolio • Names, addresses, and phone numbers of references

32. Illegal Topics • Topics to avoid include • Nationality/race • Marital status • Religion • Affiliations • Disability or medical history • Pregnancy, birth control, child care • Age

33. Details Needed for Follow-up • Ask for their business card • Use interviewer’s name • Send a short thank you note within 24 hours • Remind them of key points from the interview • Emphasize your interest

34. Follow-up the Interview • Send a short thank you note within 24 hours • Remind them of key points from the interview • Emphasize your interest • State when you expect the next contact to be

35. Evaluate/Retrain • How did you do overall? • What were your strengths? • What needs improvement? • Develop a follow-up chart for tracking