TAKE-AWAYS FROM TODAY’S SESSION

2. TAKE-AWAYS FROM TODAY’S SESSION • Preparation (rehearsal) is key to interviewing success • Look/act the part - professional • Role play - answer the hard and easy questions • A Portfolio helps you sell yourself

3. TWILIGHT SEQUEL • Hollywood is casting for the next teen stars for Twilight…Book Three • To be the next lead, you have to “try out”…so are 1,000 others • How can you convince the casting director you’re perfect for this?!

4. WHAT DID OTHERS DO? Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) naturally took on the essence of the part and also “looked” the part. (flixter.com) Tobey Maguire (Spiderman) came to the screen test in phenomenal shape (reel.com) Megan Fox (Transformers) was prepared to handle the heavy physicality of the role (vanityfair.com)

5. YOUR JOB Like Hollywood stars … rehearse for the part andshow them how well youcan play the role

6. PREPARATION (THE REHEARSAL) You never get a second chance to make a first impression

7. PREPARATION • Key Questions to Answer • Look / Act the Part • Role Playing • Creating Your Portfolio

8. PREPARATION – KEY QUESTIONS • What do you know about the Company andthe Job you’re interested in? • Why should I hire you?

9. DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE COMPANY? RESEARCH • Internet • Company’s website • Press releases • Profiles – www.hoovers.com • Google search • Wikipedia • Newspapers • Trade Magazines

10. WHAT’S THE PART (I.E. JOB) ? • Is there a job description? • Look online • Call HR • How do your skills align with this job? • Can you do it? Why? • Can you be trained?

11. WHY SHOULD I HIRE YOU? What would you tell thecasting director/employerabout why he/she should hire you?

12. WHY SHOULD I HIRE YOU? Areas to think seriously about: • Do you know what the Employer is looking for? • Read job description • What skills do you possess that fit this job? • What are your strengths? • What experience do you have? • What are your accomplishments?

13. WHAT EMPLOYERS WANT: • Right skills that fit job • Initiative / Leadership • Critical thinking and problem solving • Communication skills • Strong interpersonalskills • Confidence • Team player • Listener • Flexibility • Positive work attitude, energetic

14. LOOK AND ACT THE PART How you look and behave influences the employer’s opinion of you

15. WHAT TO WEAR… OR NOT TO WEAR

16. LOOK THE PART - WHAT TO WEAR Look Professional • Women • Conservative suit, black or neutral pants with jacket or professional dress • Cotton or silk blouse - pressed • Minimal jewelry • Close-toed shoes with small heel • Hair and makeup not overdone • Panty-hose with skirt • Skirt - no shorter than the knee

17. LOOK THE PART – WHAT TO WEAR Look Professional • Men • Conservative suit, dress pants, shirt, tie, blazer • White long sleeve shirt • Tie - avoid bold designs and colors • High socks • Polished shoes

18. ACT PROFESSIONAL • Posture • Sit straight in a chair • Eye contact • Shows confidence and listening skills • Handshake • Firm • Be Professional, not casual

19. ACT PROFESSIONAL • Slight sense of humor • Enthusiastic • Confident • Articulate • Optimistic

20. ROLE PLAY • Rehearse the answers, don’t “wing it” • Create list of hard and easy questions

21. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT • What are three adjectives to describe you? • Tell me about yourself • Code for: “what can you do for us?” • How has your academic training prepared you for this job? • How do you respond to criticism? • What do you do in your spare time? • What’s the biggest obstacle you have overcome?

22. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT • What do you think it takes to be successful in our organization? • “I think determination, a willingness to work hard, a desire to excel and being team player are key attributes.” • What are three things that are important to you in a job • My top three important things in any job I take is a great organization, a produce or service I truly believe in, and a real career opportunity.”

23. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT What are your strengths? “I’m well motivated, with strong desire to succeed, and I love to learn.” What are your weaknesses? I don’t have a lot of experience in this area but I’m a quick study and eager to learn (cite examples)

24. INTERVIEW TOP 10 DO’S 1. Be yourself 2. Be relaxed 3. Be honest 4. Answer the question and answer all questions 5. Listen 6. Ask questions / take notes 7. Bring extra resumes, a notepad, and pen 8. Be polite to all 9. Send a thank-you note 10. Follow-up by phone or email once a week or so until position has been filled

25. TOP 10 INTERVIEW DON'TS • Do not ask about salary on the first interview • Over exaggerate • Make up answers • Make negative statements • Bad mouth past employers • Don’t look sloppy • Arrive late; be there at least 15 minutes early • Do not smoke, chew gum, swear, or use slang • Use cell phone; turn it off • Have typos in your resume

26. DO YOU HAVE A PORTFOLIO?

27. HOW TO CREATE YOUR PORTFOLIO A collection of multiple documents that sell your strengths, captures what you’ve accomplished and creates a professional image What is a Portfolio?

28. PORTFOLIO CONTENT • Resume • Work history, school, accomplishments / organizations you belong to • References • Employers / others that validate your performance in prior roles • Work samples • Show examples (if available) • Letters of Recommendation • Awards/Certificates

29. “CASTING CALL CHECKLIST” • Know about thecompany / job • Create your selling pointsto directly answer:“Why Should I Hire You?” • Create your Portfolio • Appropriate Appearance • Have functioning voicemail / email • Prepare answers to possible interview questions • Review Do’s/Don’ts