Interviewing 101
Mar 31, 2015
Interviewing 101
Preparation What to bring Appearance Traditional
interview Phone interview Final notes
Start with a BANG! Not with an oh.
Know the interview location and how to get there› Allow MORE than enough time to get there
Check for construction or other delays› Visit before hand
Get plenty of rest the night before Find out the name of your interviewer
before hand Reduce stressors Be positive, upbeat, energetic and confident
Preparation
Research the organization Know how you are qualified for the job
› Look at the job description and functions Be ready to relate your experiences or skills to
the prospective job Practice answering common questions
› “Why should I hire you?”› Use the S.T.A.R. technique
Situation, Task, Action, Result Have a friend or family member conduct a mach
interview› Schedule one with Career Services
What to bring with you Resume and references
› Bring extra copies› Get permission from references prior to giving them
out Application
› Or the information to be able to fill it out (i.e.- the dates of employment, company names, supervisors names and correct contact info)
School transcripts› Verify if they need to be official or unofficial
Identification› Social Security Number› Driver’s License
Leave your cell phone in the car
Appearance
It is better to be over-dressed than under-dressed
Make sure hair is combed and neat, clothes are professional (not wrinkly), minimal makeup and perfume or cologne
No bulky jewelry Do not chew gum, smoke, or drink coffee Be mindful of visible piercings or tattoos
Clothing
Women Skirt or pant suit
› Make sure the skirt is long enough that you can sit comfortably
Coordinated blouse Conservative shoes Neutral pantyhose Neatly manicured
nails
Men Solid colored suit Long-sleeved dress
shirt (white or coordinated with suit)
Belt Tie Dark socks Dress shoes Neatly trimmed nails
The Interview Be early Use good manners with everyone you
meet- even in the parking lot Learn the name of your interviewer
and greet them with a firm handshake Answer each question concisely
› It is ok to take a moment and gather your thoughts
› Do not spit out a prepared or scripted answer Be honest and sincere
Use proper English› Avoid slang, um, like, ah, ya know› NO profanity
Questions to ask
Ask questions about the organization and/or the position, but make sure the answers are not something easily found on the company website› Make sure the questions are relevant
Avoid asking questions about salary, vacation, time-off or other benefits until the job is offered
A phone interview?
Prepare as though it were a normal interview Have your resume, a list of strengths and
weaknesses, employment and education history, and the job description next to you
Keep a pen and paper close by to take down notes or information
Clear the room of distraction› TV, radio, kids, computer
Use a landline versus a cell phone unless you know there will be no disruption in your cell
service
During the phone interview
Remember they cannot see your facial expressions or body language
Do not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum› Water would be ok to wet your mouth
Speak slowly and annunciate Address the person with their title unless they
say it is ok to use their first name Gather your thoughts before answering Keep your answers short Ask if you can set up a time to meet in person
After the interview
Thank the interviewer for the opportunity
Shake hands when you leave Send a follow up thank you note