Interview Preparation Workshop

1. Interview Preparation Workshop

2. What is the Purpose of an Interview? Does the Company want to hire you? Can you do the job/have the skills? Will you do the job Will you fit in with the company culture? Do you want to accept the position? Does it meet your financial, geographical, career needs at this time? Will you be able to pursue your career goals? Can you “live” your values there? Did you receive a good feeling about the company?

3. Your Strategy Know the company Know the job/internship description Know yourself Prepare and Practice sample questions

4. 1. Know/Research The Company Why should you research the company? Good research will set you apart from other candidates What should you research? (see the Research Checklist - pgs. 3,4,5 on Interview Guide) History, mission, products, competition, organizational structure, annual reports How do you research? Company website: Who we are, PR/Media, Annual Reports, Employment/Jobs Google “News” for current articles Careercenter.nd.edu / Undergraduates / Career Library for Vault and others Additional resources at www.library.nd.edu (Factiva, Market Insight, etc. for specific instructions see page 6 of the Interview Guide)

5. 2. Know/Research The Job/Internship GoIRISH Handouts/Conversation from a career fair or information session On-line at employer’s site What skills and requirements do they list in the job description? What tasks have you had experience with that match duties in the job description? Know the job inside and out and how you are a match!

6. 3. Know Yourself Review your resume and any other documents you will be utilizing Know why you want this job Know why you want this company Know your strengths and weaknesses Know why you are a fit for this job: skills, abilities, attributes What can you do for this company Be able to articulate experiences and your key selling points Be prepared to draw on your experiences to demonstrate: Teamwork Leadership Interpersonal/Communications Skills Ability to overcome Obstacles/Challenges

7. Preparation How do you prepare. . . by PRACTICING! Look at sample questions on pgs. 12 & 13 in the Interview Guide Using a webcam conduct an online interview at Interview Stream (careercenter.nd.edu / For Undergraduates / Career Library)

8. Preparation –Behavioral Questions Prepare for those “Tell me about a time” or “Give me an example when…” behavioral questions with S.T.A.R. Situation Task Action Results Past performance indicates future success Demonstrates that you’ve utilized skills the company desires Draw from work, internships, extra curricular activities, service, leadership roles, coursework , etc. Make sure you use multiple experiences and aren’t always referring to the same situation

9. Additional Tips Always stay positive. Don’t ever speak negatively or blame others about a previous employer, job or experience. Show enthusiasm! If you were looking to hire someone you want that person to show they want the job and love the company! Prepare at least 3 questions to ask the interviewer about the job and/or company

10. Before the Interview Get a good night’s sleep! Arrive early - 15 minutes before Review company literature while waiting, if available Have an extra copy of your resume handy, or a new one if you have made changes Be appropriately dressed: Professional, conservative colors, shoes polished, suit pressed, no excessive perfume or cologne, hair neatly styled

11. Parts of the Interview Warm up Interviewer asking questions of you Interviewer sharing information about the job and company You asking the interviewer questions Closing

12. The Interview: The Warm Up Use a firm handshake Look the person in the eye and say their name Interviewers often make up their mind about an applicant within the first 5 minutes . . . You never have a second chance to make a first impression! Non-verbal cues make up 80% of the decision: Appearance, poise, hygiene, confidence, posture, attitude, interest, handshake, eye contact, attentiveness, punctuality, nervousness

13. The Interview –Interviewer asking you questions This is the majority of the interview as the interviewer is gathering data to make a good decision “Tell me about yourself” What is your greatest accomplishment to this point? Why should I hire you? Give me 3 of your strengths and one weakness. Tell me about a time when you were creative?” **Employers want to know YOUR skills, make sure you are breaking down all your examples to what you did in every situation, not just what your group may have accomplished!**

14. The Interview –Interviewer Sharing Information During this time the interviewer will tell you about: The job expectations and duties The company Training programs Their thoughts on what it is like to work there Feel free to ask questions about this information during this time and if he/she doesn’t share all of this, these are good questions to ask!

15. The Interview –You asking questions/Closing During this time you will be asking those 3 or more questions you prepared (Samples on page 14 of the Interview Guide) When you have asked all your questions and they have asked all of theirs you want to wrap up the interview with a confident closing statement reiterating your interest in the job, a sentence or two why you think you are a good fit and asking to continue on in the process. . . If you want it that is. Follow-up with a thank you email within 24-48 hours!

16. Interview Performance–ND Employer Comments Too casual in conversation and body Lack of enthusiasm Lack of confidence Not enough eye contact Too many “ums”/lack articulation Too quiet Not concise Lacking concreteness in answers Need to focus on work experience/resume Not enough information in answers Answers were not pertinent to job

17. Good Luck and Contact the Career Center for any additional help 15 minute Walk –in appointments Monday-Friday from 1:00 pm – 4:45 pm Call for a 1 hour scheduled appointment at 631-5200 The Career Center is located in 248 Flanner Hall