Interviewing: How to “Nail” the Interview

January 28th, 2010Hosted by RCO Career Services Advisors:

Jennifer Castaldo and Gina Magrino

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INTRODUCTION OF CAREER SERVICES ADVISORS

Elizabeth Lintelman –School of Allied Health

Kelly Wittrock –School of Justice Studies

Jennifer Castaldo –School of Business

Gina Magrino –Schools of Education,Tech & Design

Contact us at careerservicesonline@rasmussen.edu

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NAILING THE INTERVIEW

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AGENDA

i. How to Prepare for the Interview Successfullyii. Interview Do’s and Don’tsiii. Types of Interview Questionsiv. After the interviewv. Question & Answer Session

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INTERVIEW PREPARATION

• Bring multiple updated copies of resume/references• Have correct directions to interview site• Self-Assessment – Sell Yourself!• Know the Job, the Company and who you are Interviewing with• Do a Mock Interview – Practice!• Dress for Success• Bring Questions for the Interviewer

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WHAT TO BRING TO AN INTERVIEW?

• A Notepad• Past Performance Reviews• Professional Licenses• Documents Demonstrating Success• Professional Portfolio• References

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INTERVIEWING & PROFESSIONALISM

• Make eye contact• Stand and sit up straight – Don’t slouch!• Be respectful to everyone you meet• Respect people’s time• Be flexible• Make a good first impression

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INTERVIEW DO’S

• Arrive early…• Firm handshake• Be yourself• Smile• Speak clearly • Be confident• Be enthusiastic, positive, and passionate

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INTERVIEW DON’TS

• Don’t bring your cell phone• Don’t be negative• Don’t speak poorly of former employers• Don’t lie• Don’t mention personal issues• Don’t ask generic job questions• Don’t inquire about salary

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AN INTERVIEW DON’T

TYPES OF INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Common Open-Ended Questions:• Tell me about yourself.• Tell me about your experience.• How has your education prepared you for your career?• What is your greatest strength/weakness?• How do you work in a team environment?• If I asked one of your professors/managers to describe you,

what would they say?• Why do you want to work for us?• Why should you be hired?• Where do you want to be with your career in 5 years?Rasmussen - Proprietary and Confidential

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OPEN INTERVIEW QUESTION

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THE STAR TECHNIQUE…….

…to respond to behavioral interview questions

Situation

Task

Action

Results

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TYPES OF INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Behavioral Based Questions:• Give an example of a problem you faced at work, life or

school, and how you solved it.• Give an example of a time when you had to be quick in

making a decision.• Describe a time when you had to handle stress on the job,

life, or at school. How did you handle it?• Describe a situation in which you had to deal with a difficult

peer?• How do you handle conflict with a professor or boss?• Describe the most challenging project you completed.

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INTERVIEW THE INTERVIEWER

• Sample Questions to ask the Interviewer– Why is this job available?– How long have you worked for the company?– What do you enjoy most about working here?– What would an average day consist of?– What is the company culture?– What are the opportunities for advancement?– What are the next steps in the process?

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AFTER THE INTERVIEW

• Supply Interviewer with Letters of Recommendation/References

• Obtain Business Cards• Send a Thank You Note to all Interviewers• Call to Follow-Up on Status

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THINGS TO REMEMBER

• Be Prepared• Practice, Practice, Practice• Be Professional • Be Ready to Answer and Ask Questions• Ask for the job!• Follow-Up

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VIRTUAL CAREER FAIR

Now that you know how to nail your

next job interview, please join us at

our upcoming virtual career fair, February 14 – 28.

www.virtualcareerevent.com/twincities

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QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION

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THANK YOU

Thank you for joining us today. If you have additional questions, please feel free to

contact us!Jennifer Castaldo and Gina Magrino

careerservicesonline@rasmussen.edu• Career Services Online on Facebook:

www.facebook.com/Rasmussen Onlinecareerservices• Career Services Online on Twitter: http://twitter.com/

RASonlineCS