Interview Myths• I’m great at talking with people, this should be

easy.• My resume says it all! They should see that

I’m perfect for the position.• They realize I’m a student, attire isn’t that

important.

Interviewing: 3 Step Process• Step One: Preparation• Step Two: The Interview• Step Three: Post Interview/Following up

Step 1: Organizational Research• Find out what they’re saying about themselves

via Employer website, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter

• Google Employer, Professional journals, Vault• Informational interviews:

organization/position• What sets the company apart?• Know the industry

Step 1: Self Preparation• Know your “stuff”!• Know yourself! (goals, examples)• “Sell, Don’t Tell”• Expect the unexpected• Styles/personalities of interviewers• Being nervous is natural• PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!

Step 2: The Interview• Etiquette:• Be early, formal, polite• Attire/appearance is important• Mannerisms (posture, eye contact, etc.)• Be positive and confident

Interview Do’s

• Convey your interest.• Bridge your experience with

position/employer: CONNECT!• Promote yourself: make a positive

impression.• Answer questions using your strongest skills

and attributes.

Interview Don’ts:

• Arrive late or not show• Give short answers• Be negative or defensive• Act desperate for anything• Give false information• Use poor language (um, like, you know)• Be overconfident

Practice: Questions about you

• Tell me about yourself• Strengths and weaknesses?• Where do you see yourself in 5 years?• A difficult school or work problem?• Why do you want to work for us?

Additional Questions

• Interpersonal• Technical• Industry related• Case study• Behavioral: “tell me about a time…”– STAR (Situation-Task-Action-Result)

Answer Tips

• Always organize your thoughts• Pause, don’t rush your responses• Complete and concise• Answer the question and back up your claims• Provide examples• Don’t know the answer? Tell how you would

figure it out

Your Questions

• Always have questions prepared!• Position related• Company related (policy, philosophy, culture)• Recent trends with employer or industry• No salary/benefits questions initially• When will you hear from them• How you word the question is important• Get a business card/contact info

Step 3: Following Up

• SEND A THANK YOU NOTE• ASAP (within 24 hours is ideal)• Email or regular mail…no errors• Convey interest• Mention something you discussed during

interview – personalize• Not a cover letter

Help is available