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ACE THE INTERVIEW. By Career Services. Refer to pages 26 - 29 of the Career Services Career Guide. Understanding the Interview. Purpose of Interview – To determine if you are the best candidate for the position or the best “ fit ” for their organization Selling a product - YOU!
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ACE THE INTERVIEW By Career Services Refer to pages 26 - 29 of the Career Services CareerGuide
Understanding the Interview • Purpose of Interview – To determine if you are the best candidate for the position or the best “fit” for their organization • Selling a product - YOU! • Buying a product - The Company!
Where Do I Start? • Do your homework • research the company • research the position • research yourself
Suggested Sources for Researching the Company • The Internet • Chamber of Commerce • Better Business Bureau reports • College PlacementAnnual (College Placement Council) • CollegeGrad.com
Understand the mission of the company and what exactly they do. How is the company structured? Who are their competitors? Company Size – in terms of profits, current employees & growth Locations outside your community Be prepared to articulate why you desire employment based on your research Researching the Employer: Important Information
Have information at your fingertips- Employment Records Volunteer Activities Extracurricular Activities Honors and Awards Military Records Language Skills Abilities Who Am I?Researching Yourself!
Researching Yourself • Be ready to give specific examples • Be able to recall related stories or experiences that are relevant to the posted position • Be able to verbalize goals, both short and long term
Researching the Position • What are the responsibilities of the job? • Obtain a job description if possible • Prepare to match your qualifications to those listed on the job description • Know how the position fits with your goals
What’s Next? • Prepare - Review possible questions & formulate answers - Have examples ready to back up your answer. Do not completely memorize answers - Be prepared to respond to follow up questions - Develop a list of questions to ask the employer
What’s Next? • Practice! • Mock interview at Career Services • Friends/Family • In front of mirror
How to Handle Salary Questions • Do not ask or mention Salary during initial interview. Focus on selling your experience, skills & abilities • Rule of thumb – discuss salary only after an offer is made • Research appropriate pay in your industry including pay for credentials & experience • If asked, give a range starting with the employers probable salary & ending a little above what you are willing to settle for; know your absolute bottom line
Types of Interviews • Phone Interview – Often used as a screening process • Interviewing In-Person • One Interviewer • Panel Interview
Are You Prepared? • Mentally • know your strengths/weaknesses • prepare good answers to the questions • prepare good questions for the recruiter • Physically • sleep and eat well • dress appropriately
Do Wear Suit/Tailored Dress not too short Neutral hose Hair up if long Low heals (2” or less) Light perfume if any clean,subtly polished nails Don’t Wear Lots of Makeup Lots of Jewelry 5-7 pieces Open toe shoes Do’s and Don’ts for Women
Do Wear Navy, charcoal, gray, or pin-stripe suit over the calf. dark socks Neat hair get a hair cut before if possible Dress shoes polished Don’t Wear Casual Attire tennis shoes jeans, dockers open collared shirts Flashy jewelry cuff links, ring, or chains Strong cologne Do’s and Don’ts for Men
In the Interview • Be Positive • about yourself and others • about your experiences • Never speak negatively about former employers • Show Energy and Enthusiasm • for your field of interest • i.e. being a counselor • the job • i.e. being a counselor for the University
Be a Good Listener • Follow the Interviewer’s cues • Listen carefully and give clear concise, and thoughtful answers • ask if you are unclear about a questions • Never use slang or incorrect grammer
Nonverbal Language • Be aware of your body language • Be sure to Smile • maintain good eye contact • practice a good handshake
It Ain’t Over!Follow Up! • Write a thank you letter - the same day of the interview! • Contact your references • Supply any additional information requests from the employer promptly!
Reflection Time! • What were your impressions of the people you came into contact with? • Did you “boss” seem like a workaholic? Did he talk about long hours and a mountain of duties? • What does your instinct tell you?
Come See Us! • Career Services • University Center, Suite 304 • 825-2628 - http://career-services.tamucc.edu