SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING TIPS AND TECHNIQUES 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 you have to offer?  Identify – 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 you want to and where you want to 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 email  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 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 For More Information: Southern Connecticut State University Center for Career Services Schwartz Hall Room102 (203) 392-6536 www.careers.southernct.edu