vbridge consulting

1. SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING TIPS AND TECHNIQUES

2. The Job Interview by Definition Opportunity to present yourself, skill set, and knowledge to one who can hire you

3. The Interview Procedure The Interview Procedure frequently includes: Questions on your skills and experience Behavior based questions Opportunity for you to ask questions of the interviewer The Key – Present yourself as the top candidate

4. Keys to the Successful Interview:Preparation BEFORE the Interview • Know yourself • Research the employer • Practice, Practice, Practice • Make a good impression

5. Know Yourself • What do you have to offer? • Identify 5 – 10 work or school experiences that demonstrate your skills and accomplishments • half should be totally positive • half should be ones that started out negative but had either a positive result or a good learning experience • What do you want to do and where do you want to do it? • How are you perceived by others?

6. Practice, Practice, Practice! To better prepare yourself for the interview, as well as assist in conquering pre-interview anxiety, practice is key Attend interviewing workshops and view interviewing videos/DVDs in the Career Center Meet with a career counselor for a mock interview Practice for the interview with family or friends and practice, practice, practice

7. Proper Attire • DO: • Wear conservative attire, such as a dark colored business suit • Polish your shoes • Stick to a low business heel shoe • Have hair neatly brushed and face shaved before interview • Bring a portfolio or briefcase • DON’T • Wear bright colored business suits: Black, Grey, and Pastel colors are most appropriate • Wear flashy accessories like watches, jewelry, or excessive amounts of cologne, perfume, or hair gel • Wear skirts that reach above the knees • Wear stiletto heels

8. Keys to the Successful Interview:DURING the Interview • Be prompt and prepared • Poise and body language • Answer the questions • Closing statements

9. Be Prompt and Prepared Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled interview time Turn the cell phone OFF – vibrations make noise Give a firm handshake, make eye contact, and smile when you are greeted Bring extra copies of your resume and a list of references

10. Poise and Body Language Many interviewers will assess you based on: Appropriate eye contact and posture Correctly pronouncing his/her name If you talk easily or are overly formal and reserved If you seem enthusiastic and confident When greeted, introduce yourself and shake interviewer’s hand. Don’t sit until interviewer is seated Never chew gum during an interview Most employers agree that the first five minutes of an interview will tell them the most about a person First impressions are important

11. Answering the Questions Speak slowly and clearly. Don’t be afraid to pause for a moment to collect your thoughts Listen and understand the interviewer’s questions before responding thoroughly yet concisely Be honest- don’t try to cover up mistakes. Instead, focus on how you learned from them Give positive nonverbal feedback to the interviewer Smile, be enthusiastic, showing a positive attitude Avoid negative terms and comments when responding to questions. Stress positives If asked an illegal question – Be tactful with an appropriate response

12. THANK YOU