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The Job Interview by Definition
Opportunity to present yourself, skill set, and knowledge to one who can hire you
The Interview Procedure
The Interview Procedure frequently includes: Questions on your skills and experience Behavior based questions Opportunity for you to ask questions of the
interviewer
The Key – Present yourself as the top candidate
Keys to the Successful Interview:Preparation BEFORE the Interview
Know yourself
Research the employer
Practice, Practice, Practice
Make a good impression
Know Yourself
What do you have to offer?
Identify 5 – 10 work or school experiences that demonstrate your skills and accomplishments half should be totally positive half should be ones that started out negative but had
either a positive result or a good learning experience
What do you want to do and where do you want to do it?
How are you perceived by others?
Do Your Research
Research the employer you’re interviewing with
Utilize the Career Services Website – www.careers.southernct.edu to access JOBSs (Job Opportunities Benefiting Southern students) and review employer profiles and websites
Conduct informational interviews
Practice, Practice, Practice! To better prepare yourself for the interview, as
well as assist in conquering pre-interview anxiety, practice is key
Attend interviewing workshops and view interviewing videos/DVDs in the Career Center
Meet with a career counselor for a mock interview
Practice for the interview with family or friends and practice, practice, practice
Proper Attire DO:
Wear conservative attire, such as a dark colored business suit
Polish your shoes Stick to a low business heel
shoe Have hair neatly brushed and
face shaved before interview Bring a portfolio or briefcase
DON’T Wear bright colored business
suits: Black, Grey, and Pastel colors are most appropriate
Wear flashy accessories like watches, jewelry, or excessive amounts of cologne, perfume, or hair gel
Wear skirts that reach above the knees
Wear stiletto heels
Keys to the Successful Interview:DURING the Interview
Be prompt and prepared
Poise and body language
Answer the questions
Closing statements
Be Prompt and Prepared
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled interview time
Turn the cell phone OFF – vibrations make noise
Give a firm handshake, make eye contact, and smile when you are greeted
Bring extra copies of your resume and a list of references
Poise and Body Language Many interviewers will assess you based on:
Appropriate eye contact and posture Correctly pronouncing his/her name If you talk easily or are overly formal and reserved If you seem enthusiastic and confident
When greeted, introduce yourself and shake interviewer’s hand. Don’t sit until interviewer is seated
Never chew gum during an interview
Most employers agree that the first five minutes of an interview will tell them the most about a person
First impressions are important
Answering the Questions Speak slowly and clearly. Don’t be afraid to pause for a moment to
collect your thoughts
Listen and understand the interviewer’s questions before responding thoroughly yet concisely
Be honest- don’t try to cover up mistakes. Instead, focus on how you learned from them
Give positive nonverbal feedback to the interviewer Smile, be enthusiastic, showing a positive attitude
Avoid negative terms and comments when responding to questions. Stress positives
If asked an illegal question – Be tactful with an appropriate response
Closing Statements Be prepared with your closing statement
reiterating your interest and abilities
Be prepared to ask questions of the interviewer
The initial interview is NOT the time to ask about salary
Thank the interviewer and ask for a business card
After the Interview
Send a thank-you note right away – a formal response: card or note paper vs. e-mail
Jot down information about the interview and begin evaluating if this is the right job for you
Prepare for potential salary negotiations by researching salary information. The NACE Salary Calculator (available at careers.southernct.edu) is an excellent resource for salary information for most occupational areas.
Interviewing Types and Tips
Screening Interview One-on-One Interview Panel Interview Peer Group Interview Luncheon Interview Second Interview Video/Video Conference Interview Telephone Interview
Interviewing Myths & Facts
Myth: The candidate with the best education, skills, and experience will get the job
Reality Check: Employers hire individuals for many different reasons. Education, skills, and experience are only a few of the several hiring criteria. If employers hired only on the basis of education, skills, and experience, they would not need to interview candidates. Such static information is available on applications and resumes. Employers interview because they want to see how you look and interact with them, how you would handle various work situations, and how well you fit into the organization.
Interviewing Myths & Facts
Myth: If the interviewer asks if I have any negatives or weaknesses, I should indicate I have none
Reality Check: You should be honest. Everyone has negatives. If you indicate you have none, the interviewer knows you are being less than candid. But neither should you blurt out your worst negatives. Identify a weakness and talk about how you are working to overcome it.
Interviewing Myths & Facts
Myth: I’ll be at a disadvantage because I’ll be nervous
Reality Check: If you practice some stress reduction techniques, such as taking deep breaths and focusing attention on the questions, you should be able to project confidence in the interview. Keep in mind, many interviewers are under pressure to hire the right candidate.
Interviewing Myths & Facts
Myth: Because I am a college student, I do not have the ability to negotiate a salary
Reality Check: You can prepare for salary negotiations by researching typical salary ranges prior to your interview. Ask the interviewer what would a person with my qualifications earn in this position, and let the employer introduce a number.
Interviewing Myths & Facts
Myth: My major goal in the interview is to get the job
Reality Check: Your major goal should be the same as the interviewer’s – gain useful information from which you can determine if this position and organization are a good fit.