INTERVIEWING

1. INTERVIEWING FOR COLLEGE AND CAREER

2. PROFESSIONAL INTERVIEWING • What does it mean? • Why do you think this will be useful? • Interviews can be used to help you achieve your goals of the college of your choice or the job/ internship of your dreams

3. PREPARE • Do your research!!! Know the School or Company that you are applying for • Prepare answers/ examples for questions • Come dressed appropriately • Don’t be late • Clean up your online history • Set up your Email address and Voicemail

4. During the Interview • Be polite • Be tactful • DON’T INTERUPT • Sit up Straight • Use good body language • Make eye contact

5. Interview Structure • So tell me about yourself: • Where did you go to school? • Grade averages, special classes • Clubs, hobbies • Why did you apply for this school/position/internship? • Be Specific • Use examples from your life

6. Skills to highlight • Identify key attributes for success in the role and prepare 2-3 stories/ examples for each personal attribute • Teamwork • Communication • Organizational • Critical/analytical thinking • Self-starter/Innovative • Willingness to learn • Willingness to travel • Experiences related to the position

7. other common questions • For Colleges: • What would bring to our university culture? • Why did you apply for this specific major/ program of study? • Where do you see yourself in five year? Ten years? • For Jobs/Internships: • What is your ideal work environment? • What is your greatest strength? • What is your biggest weakness?? • Where would you like to be in your career five years from now?

8. Other tips • You will be talking about yourself, but maintain a focus on what YOU are going to do for THEM. • When discussing negative experiences, emphasize how you made the best of the outcome. • Vary your examples; don't take them all from just one area of your life. • Use recent examples • Don’t interrupt the interviewer. • Take your time – it’s perfectly okay to take a few moments to collect your thoughts.

9. When Meeting Someone • Yes and no, Sir or Ma'am • It is very nice to meet you, • Thank you for taking the time to meet with me

10. Wrapping up • They will ask you, if you have questions, ALWAYS ASK AT LEAST ONE QUESTION • Could you tell me more about this certain program/major? • What is a regular day like in this career/job/intern/school • I noticed this (…) on your website, could you tell me more about it?

11. After • It has been a pleasure meeting with you, • It was so nice to meet you • Thank you for making time to meet with me • Thank you for your time • Have a nice day; or morning, afternoon or evening

12. Finishing • Ask them to clarify the process • Thank them for their time • Restate your interest: • I am very interested in this school/ job/ internship because … I feel I would be an excellent fit, please keep me in consideration. I hope to hear from you soon

13. 2 Important questions • So, tell me about yourself • Where do you see yourself in 10 years.

14. Send a Follow Up letter Example of an acceptance email: Dear Mr. Smith: It is with great appreciation that I thank you for the internship offer. I gladly accept the offer and appreciate the opportunity to (your preferred expression here). I will commence at this position on (start date). I look forward to being part of your team and am confident that I will be able to make a positive contribution to the (company/organization) goals. Thank you once again for this opportunity. Sincerely, Your Name

15. Example of a rejection letter Dear Mr. Smith: Thank you very much for your telephone call and letter offering me the [position name] position with [company]. While I believe firmly in the mission of your organization and appreciate the challenging opportunity you offer, I have had another offer which I believe more closely aligns with my current career goals and interests. Therefore, although it was a difficult decision, as I explained when we spoke by phone this morning, I must decline your offer.  I do appreciate all the courtesy and hospitality extended to me by your office, and I wish you the best in your endeavors. Sincerely, Your Name

16. Items you will need • A Resume • A resume is a short, concise document that states relevant information regarding your education, skills, experiences, accomplishments, and job-related interests. • A cover letter • introduces you, explains your purpose for writing, highlights a few of your experiences or skills, and requests an opportunity to meet personally with the potential employer. • A job/ college application • References: • A reference is a person who knows you well, and knows your responsible. Examples: Former employers, co-workers, coaches, teachers, etc.

17. Resume

19. Cover Letter • Introduce yourself and say what you are applying for • Give an overview of your relevant education and experience • Explain how this internship would help your future career • Describe your skills • Thank them

20. Assignment • Search for an internship • Once an internship has been chosen, Research the company/organization • Make a list of skills/qualities that would be helpful or are required in getting this internship • Write a Cover letter, applying for this internship in the future.

21. Scenario Person A Person B You are interviewing several candidates for a job/scholarship/ college/ internship Ask them about themselves OR where they would like to be in 10 yeas Thank them • You are interviewing for a job/scholarship/ college/ internship • Introduce yourself • Thank them for their time