The document provides information about preparing for a job interview, including dressing professionally, researching the company, developing a 60-second personal introduction, practicing answering common behavioral interview questions using the STAR method, asking informed questions of the interviewer, and following up with a thank you letter. It emphasizes the importance of practicing for interviews and offers mock interview appointments at the career center the week of September 20-24 to help students prepare.

1. WELCOME TO “INTERVIEW” IDOL

2. CAREER CENTER STAFF Jim Turnquist, Director Jeff Kangas, Assistant Director Tina Giachino, Manager of Job Development Julie Way, Career Advisor Gina Goudge, Coordinator of Career Center Programs Matt McCormick, Analyst/Programmer Rita Smith, Staff Assistant Renae DesRochers, Office Assistant Laura Givens, Office Assistant

4. DRESS TO IMPRESS Experts say that interviewees should expect every nuance of their appearance to be noted and interpreted at a job interview. Conservative is your best bet…for now Wear a Suit – Men and Women Light Colored Shirt Simple but strong tie Dress Shoes Belt

5. MORE “NUANCES” Impeccable Grooming is a must! Again, conservative is your best bet: A purposeful hair style for men and women Less is more with make-up Well-groomed facial hair – if at all Tattoos and piercings – hmmm Easy on the cologne

6. INTERVIEW ETIQUETTE Be prompt – 10 minutes early. Be friendly and respectful to anyone you encounter before your interview. Bring a portfolio with numerous copies of your resume, paper, pen, notes. Give a firm handshake, friendly greeting, and repeat your name. Wait to be invited to sit. Hands held loosely in your lap or holding your open portfolio. Watch for signs that the interviewer wants to wrap up the interview .

8. FIRST IMPRESSIONS A good beginning sets the stage for the “Halo” effect You want the interviewer’s initial response to be: “This is a friend.” So… A likeable, relaxed, friendly smile goes a long way Confident, strong, upright posture – head held high Firm handshake Comfortable, consistent, direct eye contact Repeat your interviewers name – “Nice to meet you Ms. Jobgiver.”

9. “ SO…TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF” IS THE FIRST QUESTION AN INTERVIEWER ASKS IN THE VAST MAJORITY OF TIMES… This is where you set the tone for the interview. Develop and practice your 60 second “infomercial.” A smile conveys confidence, high self-esteem, competence, warmth, and enthusiasm. Tell something unique to remember you by. Be funny if you can.

10. YOUR 60 SEC “INFOMERCIAL” Experts say memorize – literally memorize – a personal commercial about yourself Your infomercial can include: Your hometown Your degree and focus, minor, concentration Your specific professional interests Your specific personal interests/activities, especially if they highlight leadership, discipline, dedication, sacrifice, a high level of skill, competitive spirit Specific skills, expertise, special training, certificates Future goals and aspirations Why you want to work for the interviewer’s company

12. INTERVIEWERS WANT TO KNOW: Who you are as a person Your interest in the position Your knowledge of the company If you’re the type of person who will fit in with the company’s culture, environment, atmosphere Do I like being around you?

13. THEY ALSO WANT TO KNOW: About your teamwork and leadership skills and experiences. How tenacious you are at problem solving – do you think outside the box? Do you take initiative, will you take risks, are you competitive? Do you set goals and can you meet them?

14. THE BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW Past Behavior = Future Behavior Interviewers will ask you how you’ve handled specific situations to find out what behaviors, skills, and decisions you used to solve problems. The interview relies on Story telling , so you need to become a good story teller

15. THE BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW Tell your story in 2 minutes or less using the STAR method, and here’s how: Introduction: WWWWH Address Question: A problem you had to solve A goal you accomplished A challenge you had to overcome A conflict you had to resolve An example of teamwork or leadership experience Tell about the action you took – at least 3 details Talk about the results – good or bad. Sometimes “not so good” results are our best lessons

16. SOME SAMPLE QUESTIONS: What are your 3 greatest strengths/weaknesses? Give me an example of a time you took initiative, where you went above and beyond what was expected of you. Tell me about a timed when you had to manage several tasks at the same time that will convince me that you are capable of multitasking. Describe a situation where you’ve had a conflict with another individual, and how you dealt with it. What was the outcome? What’s the biggest mistake you ever made and how did you try to fix it? Do you like working in groups or alone? What 3 words best describe you?

18. RESEARCH THE COMPANY Why? To find out whether or not it’s a place you want to work. To discover what skills the job or company most values so you can align your strengths, skills, and abilities to those needs and desires. To impress the interviewee by having a direct answer to: “What do you know about our company, and why do you want to work here.” To be able to make informed, intelligent queries when the interviewer asks if you have any questions.

19. YOUR TURN… Be sure to ask intelligent, informed questions of your interviewer. This shows you know their company and you’re making an educated decision to work for them. Some Sample Questions: Ask about a specific project you know the company is working on. What is the company’s biggest challenge at this time. Where would the company like to be in 5 years? Ask your interviewer about his position and work history with the company. Ask about professional development opportunities Ask about advancement opportunities Finally – Don’t forget to send an immediate THANK YOU letter. This is appreciated and expected!

20. MAKE THEM REMEMBER YOU! Comparing American Idol winners to job interview candidates, Phoenix career coach Joe Turner says it’s the total package that counts. “ You don’t have to be the best singer, just the most remembered decent singer. Same for the job interview - you may not be the candidate with the most experience or the best grade point average, but you have to find a way to be the most memorable ,qualified candidate.

21. THE KEY TO FEARLESS INTERVIEWING Is to Practice, practice, practice This is your opportunity to tell an employer about your skills, abilities, and strengths, how you used them to accomplish your goals in the past, and how you’ll use them to help your future employer meet theirs. The Career Center is devoting a whole week to help you prepare and practice for your interviews: Upload your resume in NACElink and call us at 487-2313 to make a one-on-one Mock Interview Appointment for the week of September 20 – 24. Learn what to expect and how to answer those tough questions. You’ll be glad you did!

22. LET US HELP YOU PRACTICE! The Career Center is devoting a whole week to help you prepare and practice for your interviews: Register with NACElink to make a one-on-one appointment for the week of September 20 – 254 Learn what to expect and how to answer those tough questions. You’ll be glad you did!