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Interviewing & Networking for Dummies. Created and presented by: Maggie Yang RCSA Professional Development Committee. You have been called into an interview for an internship that you have dreamed about for years…and you don’t have a clue what to say. . Step One: Research.
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Interviewing & Networkingfor Dummies Created and presented by: Maggie Yang RCSA Professional Development Committee
You have been called into an interview for an internship that you have dreamed about for years…and you don’t have a clue what to say.
Step One: Research Know the Company Know Yourself “I've been surprised when applicants weren't able to tell me their dates of employment or what they actually did on a day-to-day basis at their job.” - Recruiter Review your work history - and make sure what you say matches what's on your resume • Talk about the company’s interests and how they match yours • Research the company’s past achievements and future plans • Emphasize that you know what you are talking about
Step Two:Rehearse Compile a list of commonly asked interview questions Don’t memorize answers; prepare stories Practice in front of a mirror Next, have a friend conduct a mock interview
Answering Questions Answer honestly, but not brainlessly IE: “What is your weakness?” Don’t: I am lazy and careless, but on the bright side, I am a good procrastinator! Don’t: My only weakness is that I give too much to my job. This is a tricky question. Spin your story so that your weakness is not crippling. Avoid the cliché answers though. Remember you are talking to a potential employer IE: What did you like least about your previous position?” Don’t: "I hated the job and the company. They were awful to work for.” It's important not to badmouth the companies or people you worked for, because you don't know what relationships they may have with the company interviewing you. More importantly, they want to know that you won’t do the same to their company in another interview. For more counter examples: http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewquestionsanswers/a/worst-interview-answers.htm
Networking A uniquely terrifying experience
Networking = Dating DON’T BE DESPERATE
Following Up Friendly email within 12-24 hours Include a thank you, a memorable moment; interest in future contact Don’t be overly pushy Add on LinkedIn Keep the connection going past the initial email (non-awkward – every 6 months)