SUCCESSFUL SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING INTERVIEWING

TIPS AND TECHNIQUESTIPS AND TECHNIQUES

The Job Interview by Definition

Opportunity to present yourself, skill set, and knowledge to one who can hire you

The Interview Procedure

The Interview Procedure frequently includes: Questions on your skills and experience Behavior based questions Opportunity for you to ask questions of the

interviewer

The Key – Present yourself as the top candidate

Keys to the Successful Interview:Preparation BEFORE the Interview

Know yourself

Research the employer

Practice, Practice, Practice

Make a good impression

Know Yourself

What do you have to offer?

Identify 5 – 10 work or school experiences that demonstrate your skills and accomplishments half should be totally positive half should be ones that started out negative but had

either a positive result or a good learning experience

What do you want to do and where do you want to do it?

How are you perceived by others?

Do Your Research

Research the employer you’re interviewing with

Utilize the Career Services Website – www.careers.southernct.edu to access JOBSs (Job Opportunities Benefiting Southern students) and review employer profiles and websites

Conduct informational interviews

Practice, Practice, Practice! To better prepare yourself for the interview, as

well as assist in conquering pre-interview anxiety, practice is key

Attend interviewing workshops and view interviewing videos/DVDs in the Career Center

Meet with a career counselor for a mock interview

Practice for the interview with family or friends and practice, practice, practice

Proper Attire DO:

Wear conservative attire, such as a dark colored business suit

Polish your shoes Stick to a low business heel

shoe Have hair neatly brushed and

face shaved before interview Bring a portfolio or briefcase

DON’T Wear bright colored business

suits: Black, Grey, and Pastel colors are most appropriate

Wear flashy accessories like watches, jewelry, or excessive amounts of cologne, perfume, or hair gel

Wear skirts that reach above the knees

Wear stiletto heels

Keys to the Successful Interview:DURING the Interview

Be prompt and prepared

Poise and body language

Answer the questions

Closing statements

Be Prompt and Prepared

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled interview time

Turn the cell phone OFF – vibrations make noise

Give a firm handshake, make eye contact, and smile when you are greeted

Bring extra copies of your resume and a list of references

Poise and Body Language Many interviewers will assess you based on:

Appropriate eye contact and posture Correctly pronouncing his/her name If you talk easily or are overly formal and reserved If you seem enthusiastic and confident

When greeted, introduce yourself and shake interviewer’s hand. Don’t sit until interviewer is seated

Never chew gum during an interview

Most employers agree that the first five minutes of an interview will tell them the most about a person

First impressions are important

Answering the Questions Speak slowly and clearly. Don’t be afraid to pause for a moment to

collect your thoughts

Listen and understand the interviewer’s questions before responding thoroughly yet concisely

Be honest- don’t try to cover up mistakes. Instead, focus on how you learned from them

Give positive nonverbal feedback to the interviewer Smile, be enthusiastic, showing a positive attitude

Avoid negative terms and comments when responding to questions. Stress positives

If asked an illegal question – Be tactful with an appropriate response

Closing Statements Be prepared with your closing statement

reiterating your interest and abilities

Be prepared to ask questions of the interviewer

The initial interview is NOT the time to ask about salary

Thank the interviewer and ask for a business card

After the Interview

Send a thank-you note right away – a formal response: card or note paper vs. e-mail

Jot down information about the interview and begin evaluating if this is the right job for you

Prepare for potential salary negotiations by researching salary information. The NACE Salary Calculator (available at careers.southernct.edu) is an excellent resource for salary information for most occupational areas.

Interviewing Types and Tips

Screening Interview One-on-One Interview Panel Interview Peer Group Interview Luncheon Interview Second Interview Video/Video Conference Interview Telephone Interview

Interviewing Myths & Facts

Myth: The candidate with the best education, skills, and experience will get the job

Reality Check: Employers hire individuals for many different reasons. Education, skills, and experience are only a few of the several hiring criteria. If employers hired only on the basis of education, skills, and experience, they would not need to interview candidates. Such static information is available on applications and resumes. Employers interview because they want to see how you look and interact with them, how you would handle various work situations, and how well you fit into the organization.

Interviewing Myths & Facts

Myth: If the interviewer asks if I have any negatives or weaknesses, I should indicate I have none

Reality Check: You should be honest. Everyone has negatives. If you indicate you have none, the interviewer knows you are being less than candid. But neither should you blurt out your worst negatives. Identify a weakness and talk about how you are working to overcome it.

Interviewing Myths & Facts

Myth: I’ll be at a disadvantage because I’ll be nervous

Reality Check: If you practice some stress reduction techniques, such as taking deep breaths and focusing attention on the questions, you should be able to project confidence in the interview. Keep in mind, many interviewers are under pressure to hire the right candidate.

Interviewing Myths & Facts

Myth: Because I am a college student, I do not have the ability to negotiate a salary

Reality Check: You can prepare for salary negotiations by researching typical salary ranges prior to your interview. Ask the interviewer what would a person with my qualifications earn in this position, and let the employer introduce a number.

Interviewing Myths & Facts

Myth: My major goal in the interview is to get the job

Reality Check: Your major goal should be the same as the interviewer’s – gain useful information from which you can determine if this position and organization are a good fit.

For More Information:

Southern Connecticut State UniversityCenter for Career Services

Schwartz Hall Room102

(203) 392-6536

www.careers.southernct.edu