Mastering Interviewing Skills in Computer Science

1. Interviewing skills. Computer Science Developed by & borrowed from The Career Management Center

2. Computer Science Preparation for a Job Fair or Interview: Making a GREAT First Impression!

3. Computer Science MSU Career Fairs - 2016 Engineering Career Fair • February 18th – 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Education Career Fair • March 4th – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Business Career Fair • April 14 – 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. - Dillard Attendance required for at least one

4. Computer Science Professional Development Engineering Resume & Job Fair Prep Workshop • Feb. 11 – 12:00 to 1:30 – CSC Wichita 1 & 2 Business Resume & Job Fair Prep Workshop • April 5 – 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. – Dillard 121 • April 6 – 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. – Dillard 328 Mustangs Moving On – Entire week of Career Events May 2 – 6. Details to follow. Will count as a professional development assignment

5. Computer Science What to Take? • Résumés (LOTS of them!) • A general Resume works well in this situation. • Portfolio • 9"x12" leather-bound or vinyl-bound portfolio • Store résumés & take notes after talking with each company. • A BIG Smile & a Positive Attitude

6. Computer Science What to Say? Hello,(as you offer your hand for a shake) My name is Joe Smith. (first & last) I am a senior at MSU majoring in Computer Science. (can mention minor) Does your company have any job opportunities for computer science graduates? Wait for response. Can I leave my resume with you? How do I apply or find out more?

7. Computer Science Top 10 List for a Successful Job Fair #10 – Dress for Success. – Dress for job you want, not job you have. #9 – Your Attitude determines your Altitude. #8 – Scan the environment. #7 – Target companies you want to talk with & visit them first! #6 – While standing in line to talk with a recruiter, make sure you are reading company’s material.

8. Computer Science Top 10 (continued) #5 – Be assertive, but polite & flexible. #4 – Your time with recruiter IS an interview. #3 – Be ready for rapid-fire questions with your rapid-fire responses! #2 – Make sure you get a business card for follow-up. #1 – Take the event seriously!

9. Computer Science The Absolutely Critical Last Step Follow-up! Send a "thank you" card by mail to confirm your ongoing interest. • Thank you for taking time to meet with me today. • I feel I would be an valuable employee for your company . . . • I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you further. • I will call you next week to arrange a time when we can meet and further discuss how my skills can benefit your organization

10. Computer Science The Other Absolutely Critical Last Step Follow-up! If you need to contact someone else. • I met with … at the MSU job fair. He recommended I contact you. • I feel I would be an valuable employee for your company . . . • I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you further. • I will call you next week to arrange a time when we can meet and further discuss how my skills can benefit your organization

11. Awesome interviewing skills: Getting the position! Computer Science Developed by and Borrowed from The Career Management Center

12. Before the Interview • Research the Company • What questions will I be asked? • Develop questions to ask. • Practice, Practice & more Practice. • What should I wear? • What should I take with me? • Clean up your internet presence. • Develop a web site - Portfolio. Computer Science

13. Researching the Company • Internet • Career Management Center • Trade Magazines • Things you need to know: Positions available for you Company's products Types of Customers & Competitors Principle locations & number of employees Sales & profit trends Any additional information you can think of! Computer Science

14. What questions will they ask? • Tell me about yourself… • Where do you see yourself in 5 years? In 10 years? • If I ask a teacher/employer about you, what would they say? • What are your greatest strengths? • What are your weaknesses? • Why do you wish to work at this company? • Why should we hire you for this position? • See 12 Interview Questions Link Computer Science

15. Focusing on the Question Remember PAR When answering questions! • P - Problem • A - Action • R – Result Brief – to the point! Just a few sentences on each! Computer Science

16. Developing your own questions Always be prepared to ask a few questions!! • What type of person are you looking for to fill this position? • What type of projects would I be working on? • What long term employment opportunities does your firm offer? • What is the rate of employee turnover? • What do employees seem to like best & least about the company? • What are the long-term goals of this company? • Who are your major competitors? Computer Science

17. Practice, Practice, Practice!!! • Have your mom/dad/friend or anyone ask you some questions about YOU! • Develop practice questions related to the particular interview you are going to! • Develop technical questions to practice! • Ask others for suggestions. See posted doc. • Focus on answering the question! (PAR) • Write out answers. Practice, don’t memorize. Computer Science

18. Practice, Practice, Practice!!! • Emphasize previous work experience. • Be yourself ~ Do Not LIE! • Practice saying positive statements about yourself! • If you have a video camera, use it! • Use a mirror! • When you have done this… Computer Science Practice some MORE!!!!

19. What should I take with me? • A SMILE! • A positive attitude! • A Leather-look Folder or Notebook • With a tablet of paper (take notes) • A pen/pencil • Extra copies of your resume • List of References Computer Science

20. Clean up your Internet Presence • Create LinkedIn page • Google Yourself • Check your Facebook page, etc. • Remove questionable images • Remove offensive comments • Unfriend people who post inappropriately • Then stop posting stupid/offensive things • Take stupid videos off YouTube • Attempt to correct inaccuracies Computer Science

21. Develop a Web Site:Portfolio Include Professional Information • Contact information • Resume • Expanded information • Description of work experience • Course work • Sample work/projects Computer Science

22. Always do the following • Maintain good eye contact • Always smile & be congenial • Be positive about yourself, past employers & the future • Make sure the interviewer knows you are excited about the position & organization Computer Science

23. Don’t Forget! • Turn off cell phone & put it out of sight • If you forget & it rings, DO NOT answer • Be aware of your • Posture • Hands • Expression • Nervous habits • Never say never Computer Science

24. Things to avoid in an interview • Answers that are too short. • More detail or information than is necessary. • Personal information. • Becoming frustrated or uneasy when asked stressful questions. • Making derogatory or negative statements about former employers or positions. • Discussions regarding politics, religion, company problems, and (during the first interview) salary information or benefits. Computer Science

25. Close the Deal! • Send thank you card • Determine when you will hear back • Firm handshake • Thank the interviewer for his/her time Computer Science

26. Questions? If you have further questions or would like help with any aspect of your job search, please contact: Career Management Center Hardin 211 940.397.4473 Computer Science