1. Job Interviews St. Gregory’s University Senior Seminar 14 March 2007

2. Highlights • Purpose of the Interview • How to Prepare • The Interview Process • Follow-up • Q&A

3. Purpose To determine if this job and your job qualifications are a good match.

4. Preparation Is Important! You have invested 4 or more years in college, now invest time, effort, and money into your interview.

5. Know Yourself Be very familiar with your resume • Be able to articulate your goals and strengths • Have your sales pitch ready to go. Include: • Your current position • Relevant experience • Your fit for this position • Include, if possible, a recent relevant accomplishment • Why you have applied for the position

6. Know the Position • Know the company and specific job description: • # employees, • culture, • philosophy, • news, • challenges/opportunities • primary & secondary functions of job

7. PREP Prepare 3-5 questions for the interviewer Review 3-6 key skills about yourself that fit the position Establish 10 examples to showcase yourself Practice, Practice, Practice!!!

8. What to Wear Spend the $$$ and get items that fit well (e.g. altered properly) Tailored, clean, conservative suit Polished shoes Conservative jewelry/accessories Little to no perfume/cologne Haircut and clean finger nails are NOT optional. And men, matching dark socks are required.

9. On the Interview Day • Know where to go and where to park • Have gas in your car • Take a pen, notepad, and several resume copies • Be 15 minutes early • Look yourself over once before entering the office

10. During the Interview Consider the employer’s viewpoint.

11. Why Should I Hire You? Quality of Cover Letter and Resume Interview Performance Professionalism References Relevant Work Experience Fit with Company Culture Relevant Skills Candidate’s Familiarity with the Organization

12. Use Positive Body Language Positive Entrance Enthusiasm Relaxed Smile Direct Eye Contact Straight Posture Firm Handshake Leaning Slightly Forward Use of Hand Movement Feet Flat on Floor

13. Avoid Negative Body Language Frowning Weak Handshake Lack of Eye Contact Staring Nervous Movements Arms Crossed Hands Clenched Looking at Watch Lack of Enthusiasm or Curiosity

14. Traditional Interview Questions Why are you applying for this position? How would you describe yourself? What are your strengths/weaknesses? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Why do you want to work here? Why should I hire you? What can you do for us that other candidates can’t? Why did you leave your (are you leaving) your job? What are your goals?

15. “Tell me about yourself” • Be honest, show your personality • Help the interviewer to know: • Are you dependable? • Are you a good worker? • Will you fit in here? • Take support documents or portfolio if appropriate • Give reasons to hire you over the 100 other applicants

16. Atypical Interview Questions Expect random questions: • What was the last book that you read? • If you were an animal, what animal would you be and why? • If you could have dinner with 3 people, who would you choose and why?

17. Be Prepared • to be offered drink or food • to meet others in the office • for a tour of the building • to meet other interviewees • to write notes or questions

18. Closing the Interview • Summarize key strengths and match for the position • Always ask questions • Thank the interviewer by name • Ask about the next step • Express an interest in hearing from them

19. The Next Step • Follow-up with a thank you note • Be prepared for negotiating offer(s) or a second interview • Contact them by phone or e-mail if you do not hear back within the time frame indicated • Always leave them with a positive impression

20. More Interviewing Info • Interviewing Success(www.collegegrad.com/intv/) • Best Employment Interviewing Tips(www.careercc.com/interv3.shtml) • CareerJournal | Job Interviewing Tips (www.careerjournal.com/jobhunting/interviewing/)

21. Interview Questions: Job Interview Questions and Answers(http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewquestionsanswers/a/interviewquest.htm) • Job Interview Resources (http://content.monster.com/Interview/Home.aspx)