Mastering Your Interview: Preparation, Appearance, and Communication Strategies

1. Interviewing 101

2. Preparation • What to bring • Appearance • Traditional interview • Phone interview • Final notes

3. Start with a BANG! Not with an oh. • Know the interview location and how to get there • Allow MORE than enough time to get there • Check for construction or other delays • Visit before hand • Get plenty of rest the night before • Find out the name of your interviewer before hand • Reduce stressors • Be positive, upbeat, energetic and confident

4. Preparation • Research the organization • Know how you are qualified for the job • Look at the job description and functions • Be ready to relate your experiences or skills to the prospective job • Practice answering common questions • “Why should I hire you?” • Use the S.T.A.R. technique • Situation, Task, Action, Result • Have a friend or family member conduct a mach interview • Schedule one with Career Services

5. What to bring with you • Resume and references • Bring extra copies • Get permission from references prior to giving them out • Application • Or the information to be able to fill it out (i.e.- the dates of employment, company names, supervisors names and correct contact info) • School transcripts • Verify if they need to be official or unofficial • Identification • Social Security Number • Driver’s License • Leave your cell phone in the car

6. Appearance • It is better to be over-dressed than under-dressed • Make sure hair is combed and neat, clothes are professional (not wrinkly), minimal makeup and perfume or cologne • No bulky jewelry • Do not chew gum, smoke, or drink coffee • Be mindful of visible piercings or tattoos

7. Clothing Women • Skirt or pant suit • Make sure the skirt is long enough that you can sit comfortably • Coordinated blouse • Conservative shoes • Neutral pantyhose • Neatly manicured nails Men • Solid colored suit • Long-sleeved dress shirt (white or coordinated with suit) • Belt • Tie • Dark socks • Dress shoes • Neatly trimmed nails

8. The Interview • Be early • Use good manners with everyone you meet- even in the parking lot • Learn the name of your interviewer and greet them with a firm handshake • Answer each question concisely • It is ok to take a moment and gather your thoughts • Do not spit out a prepared or scripted answer • Be honest and sincere • Use proper English • Avoid slang, um, like, ah, ya know • NO profanity

9. Questions to ask • Ask questions about the organization and/or the position, but make sure the answers are not something easily found on the company website • Make sure the questions are relevant • Avoid asking questions about salary, vacation, time-off or other benefits until the job is offered

10. A phone interview? • Prepare as though it were a normal interview • Have your resume, a list of strengths and weaknesses, employment and education history, and the job description next to you • Keep a pen and paper close by to take down notes or information • Clear the room of distraction • TV, radio, kids, computer • Use a landline versus a cell phone unless you know there will be no disruption in your cell service

11. During the phone interview • Remember they cannot see your facial expressions or body language • Do not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum • Water would be ok to wet your mouth • Speak slowly and annunciate • Address the person with their title unless they say it is ok to use their first name • Gather your thoughts before answering • Keep your answers short • Ask if you can set up a time to meet in person

12. After the interview • Thank the interviewer for the opportunity • Shake hands when you leave • Send a follow up thank you note