2. The 5 P’s of Interviewing
Preparation
Practice
Personal Representation
Pertinent Questions
Post-Interview
3. Preparation
Knowledge about the organization
Employers website “Not having enough knowledge of
the job and/or company presented during the
interview” as the #1 reason for failing to get hired.
4. Preparation Provides
Information specific to the position within the company
General knowledge about the company
Ability to ask questions
Insight into whether you want to work for company
5. Things to know about the organization:
Type of organization
Goals and mission
Products or services offered
Sales and earnings
Current projects/research
New trends in the field
6. Preparation
Do research on the questions you could be asked on:
• The job posting
• Experiences, skills and abilities
• Your resume
• Behavior-based Questions
7. Tips for Behavior-based Questions
• Listen carefully to the question
• Ask for clarification if necessary
• Always answer the question completely (Use the STAR
Method)
• Use examples from past internship, work experience,
activities, and classes
8. Preparation
The STAR method to answer
Can help to answer behavior based questions
S=Situation (define it)
T=Task (what was expected of you)
A=Action (state what you did)
R=Result (what you accomplished)
Spend most of your response on the RESULT!
Employers want to know the outcome.
9. Preparation
Your interview folder should include:
• Extra resumes
• Copy of Transcript – if applicable
• Application or Job posting - if available
• Your list of questions for employer
• Pen and a pad of paper
• Cover Letter
• References
10. Practice
Practice helps in defining problem areas and build
confidence
• Sign up for a mock interview
• Rehearse with a friend or relative
• Video tape yourself and view the tape later to identify
nervous tendencies
11. Personal Representation
• What to Wear
Women
Conservative suit or dress-below the knee please
Men
Dark conservative suit with white, long-sleeved dress
shirt and tie
12. General Appearance Tips
Avoid excessive perfume and jewelry,
Hair should be well-groomed and clean
Shoes should be polished and coordinate with
suit
13. Personal Representation
Non-verbal behavior
Maintain eye contact
Smile
Good posture
Firm handshake
Facial expressions
Nervous tendencies (try not to twiddle thumbs, twirl
hair, etc.)
14. Personal Representation
Interview Etiquette
Be 10-15 minutes early
Formal dress
Clean shaved
Trimmed hair
Know the interviewer’s name and how to pronounce it
Firm handshake
Correct body posture
Don’t interrupt
Be honest, lies will come back to haunt you!
Emphasize what you can do for the organization
Correct yourself if you make an error
Wait for the interviewer to bring up salary and benefits
15. Preparation Questions
Ask Questions!
• Shows preparation and initiative
• Prepare at least 10 questions about:
• The position
• The company
• The industry
• Ask each interviewer a question
16. Post-Interview
Collect business cards from every person you meet
Send thank you note within 24-48 hours
• Send a note to each person you spoke with, even the
person who greeted you
• Handwritten thank you notes are ideal
