Interviewing: Do’s and Don’ts

Linda S. Birnbaum, PhD, DABT, ATS ORD/US EPA Research Triangle Park, NC SOT’08 Seattle – March 17, 2008 Interviewing: Do’s and Don’ts

What makes for a good interview?What do I look for in at interview?How do you prepare for an interview?Is there anything unique about interviewing with the government?

Pointers • Do your homework • May be most important • What is job? How do you fit? If not great fit, can you make it fit? • Know the organization, the people you’d work with, the type of work • Arrive on time • Body language • Dress – appropriate to job –better to be overdressed than underdressed • Have prepared questions • You are also doing the interview – is this a job you think you really want

Do’s • Practice – role-play • Get “turned on” • Be Flexible • Open yourself to new ideas and opportunities

Don’ts • Be Late • Be unprepared • Appear disinterested • Be argumentative • Interrupt • On first interview, don’t ask for time off, special favors, etc. (that comes after you get the job)

Do you REALLY want this job? • Do interests mesh? • Does culture mesh? • Does chemistry mesh? • Go with your gut • Ask lots of questions • At interview • Before and after – from those who might know

What about Government? • Certain topics are verboten • You’ve first got to get the interview • Realize that working for the government has both pluses and minuses (as does everything else)

How do you Get an Interview? • Network! Network! Network! • Call in all favors • Use your Mentors • Use your Friends • Job Adds • (Headhunters)

What do you do AFTER an interview? • Write a Thank you! • Re-express Interest - but don’t be a pain… • NEVER burn bridges….

When you get the job…. • Congratulations • Remember – nothing is forever • Enjoy! Be challenged! It takes time to adjust! • Keep listening to your inner voice…

Thank you

Interviewing: Do’s and Don’ts