Mastering Interviewing Skills in Computer Science
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Prepare for job fairs and interviews in the computer science field with tips for making a great first impression, dressing for success, and following up effectively. Learn how to conduct research, answer common questions, and develop your own questions. Practice and be ready for success!
Mastering Interviewing Skills in Computer Science
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Presentation Transcript
Interviewing skills. Computer Science Developed by & borrowed from The Career Management Center
Computer Science Preparation for a Job Fair or Interview: Making a GREAT First Impression!
Computer Science MSU Career Fairs - 2016 Engineering Career Fair • February 18th – 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Education Career Fair • March 4th – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Business Career Fair • April 14 – 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. - Dillard Attendance required for at least one
Computer Science Professional Development Engineering Resume & Job Fair Prep Workshop • Feb. 11 – 12:00 to 1:30 – CSC Wichita 1 & 2 Business Resume & Job Fair Prep Workshop • April 5 – 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. – Dillard 121 • April 6 – 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. – Dillard 328 Mustangs Moving On – Entire week of Career Events May 2 – 6. Details to follow. Will count as a professional development assignment
Computer Science What to Take? • Résumés (LOTS of them!) • A general Resume works well in this situation. • Portfolio • 9"x12" leather-bound or vinyl-bound portfolio • Store résumés & take notes after talking with each company. • A BIG Smile & a Positive Attitude
Computer Science What to Say? Hello,(as you offer your hand for a shake) My name is Joe Smith. (first & last) I am a senior at MSU majoring in Computer Science. (can mention minor) Does your company have any job opportunities for computer science graduates? Wait for response. Can I leave my resume with you? How do I apply or find out more?
Computer Science Top 10 List for a Successful Job Fair #10 – Dress for Success. – Dress for job you want, not job you have. #9 – Your Attitude determines your Altitude. #8 – Scan the environment. #7 – Target companies you want to talk with & visit them first! #6 – While standing in line to talk with a recruiter, make sure you are reading company’s material.
Computer Science Top 10 (continued) #5 – Be assertive, but polite & flexible. #4 – Your time with recruiter IS an interview. #3 – Be ready for rapid-fire questions with your rapid-fire responses! #2 – Make sure you get a business card for follow-up. #1 – Take the event seriously!
Computer Science The Absolutely Critical Last Step Follow-up! Send a "thank you" card by mail to confirm your ongoing interest. • Thank you for taking time to meet with me today. • I feel I would be an valuable employee for your company . . . • I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you further. • I will call you next week to arrange a time when we can meet and further discuss how my skills can benefit your organization
Computer Science The Other Absolutely Critical Last Step Follow-up! If you need to contact someone else. • I met with … at the MSU job fair. He recommended I contact you. • I feel I would be an valuable employee for your company . . . • I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you further. • I will call you next week to arrange a time when we can meet and further discuss how my skills can benefit your organization
Awesome interviewing skills: Getting the position! Computer Science Developed by and Borrowed from The Career Management Center
Before the Interview • Research the Company • What questions will I be asked? • Develop questions to ask. • Practice, Practice & more Practice. • What should I wear? • What should I take with me? • Clean up your internet presence. • Develop a web site - Portfolio. Computer Science
Researching the Company • Internet • Career Management Center • Trade Magazines • Things you need to know: Positions available for you Company's products Types of Customers & Competitors Principle locations & number of employees Sales & profit trends Any additional information you can think of! Computer Science
What questions will they ask? • Tell me about yourself… • Where do you see yourself in 5 years? In 10 years? • If I ask a teacher/employer about you, what would they say? • What are your greatest strengths? • What are your weaknesses? • Why do you wish to work at this company? • Why should we hire you for this position? • See 12 Interview Questions Link Computer Science
Focusing on the Question Remember PAR When answering questions! • P - Problem • A - Action • R – Result Brief – to the point! Just a few sentences on each! Computer Science
Developing your own questions Always be prepared to ask a few questions!! • What type of person are you looking for to fill this position? • What type of projects would I be working on? • What long term employment opportunities does your firm offer? • What is the rate of employee turnover? • What do employees seem to like best & least about the company? • What are the long-term goals of this company? • Who are your major competitors? Computer Science
Practice, Practice, Practice!!! • Have your mom/dad/friend or anyone ask you some questions about YOU! • Develop practice questions related to the particular interview you are going to! • Develop technical questions to practice! • Ask others for suggestions. See posted doc. • Focus on answering the question! (PAR) • Write out answers. Practice, don’t memorize. Computer Science
Practice, Practice, Practice!!! • Emphasize previous work experience. • Be yourself ~ Do Not LIE! • Practice saying positive statements about yourself! • If you have a video camera, use it! • Use a mirror! • When you have done this… Computer Science Practice some MORE!!!!
What should I take with me? • A SMILE! • A positive attitude! • A Leather-look Folder or Notebook • With a tablet of paper (take notes) • A pen/pencil • Extra copies of your resume • List of References Computer Science
Clean up your Internet Presence • Create LinkedIn page • Google Yourself • Check your Facebook page, etc. • Remove questionable images • Remove offensive comments • Unfriend people who post inappropriately • Then stop posting stupid/offensive things • Take stupid videos off YouTube • Attempt to correct inaccuracies Computer Science
Develop a Web Site:Portfolio Include Professional Information • Contact information • Resume • Expanded information • Description of work experience • Course work • Sample work/projects Computer Science
Always do the following • Maintain good eye contact • Always smile & be congenial • Be positive about yourself, past employers & the future • Make sure the interviewer knows you are excited about the position & organization Computer Science
Don’t Forget! • Turn off cell phone & put it out of sight • If you forget & it rings, DO NOT answer • Be aware of your • Posture • Hands • Expression • Nervous habits • Never say never Computer Science
Things to avoid in an interview • Answers that are too short. • More detail or information than is necessary. • Personal information. • Becoming frustrated or uneasy when asked stressful questions. • Making derogatory or negative statements about former employers or positions. • Discussions regarding politics, religion, company problems, and (during the first interview) salary information or benefits. Computer Science
Close the Deal! • Send thank you card • Determine when you will hear back • Firm handshake • Thank the interviewer for his/her time Computer Science
Questions? If you have further questions or would like help with any aspect of your job search, please contact: Career Management Center Hardin 211 940.397.4473 Computer Science