Men- dark socks not white. Women-flesh toned hosiery

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Interviewing 101

• Darton College Career Development
• Building C

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What is an interview?

• An interview is a strategic conversation. An
  opportunity to make a good first impression.
• Two types
• Individual
• Panel
• They are opportunities for
• employers to meet you and assess your abilities
• you to sell yourself to the employer
• you to learn about the position and determine if
  youre interested

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Preparing for the Interview

• Find the Location
• Get Directions
• Know where you are going and who you are meeting
• Research the company
• Figure out WHAT TO WEAR
• Prepare your resume and cover letter

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Before the Interview

• Understand the new opportunity
• Research the company
• What is the size and structure of the company?
• What type of training do they offer?
• Where are the locations?
• Who are their clientele?
• What are they known for?
• Familiarize yourself with the job description and
  the tasks of the job
• Use the Occupational handbook to research the
  position (www.stats.bls.gov/ocohome.htm)
• Prepare questions for them
• Be knowledgeable of your skills, abilities,
  interests, and values and be prepared to
  articulate how they fit into the position

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During the Interview

• Ask Questions
• Inquire about daily tasks and responsibilities
• Exchange information and discover mutual
  interests
• Understand career ladders and advancement
  opportunities
• Find out about growth opportunities
• Ask the interviewers for contact information

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After the Interview

• If you received contact information send specific
  thank you notes via email, phone, or through the
  mail.
• Debrief make notes so you dont forget what
  happened
• Keep job description in a folder with contact
  information

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10 Keys to Successful Interviewing

• Practice
• Be concise and limit your responses
• Concrete Information-Provide details of your
  experiences
• Make a good first impression-5 of your messages
  are non verbal
• Discuss short stories- be prepared to offer
  examples
• Put yourself on their team.
• Maintain a conversational flow.
• Ask questions at the end of the interview.
• Recognize your stress and nervousness.
• Find opportunities to mention strengths.

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What are Employers Looking For?

• Written and Verbal Communication Skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• Work and Internship Experience
• Motivation and Initiative
• Team Players
• Computer Skills
• Flexibility

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Nonverbal Communication

• Be pleasant to absolutely everyone
• Project enthusiasm and confidence
• Make eye contact
• Greet the interviewer
• Provide a firm handshake
• Sit upright and avoid fidgeting
• Remember to smile
• Handshake is very important

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Come Prepared

• BE DRESSED APPROPRIATLY
• Bring an extra resume
• Bring a portfolio, notepad, and pen
• List your questions about the position
• Tissue or handkerchief (you can never be too
  prepared)

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What to Wear

• Dos and Dont of What to Wear

Do Not Wear excessive jewelry Wear perfume,
cologne, or scents Wear excessive makeup Wear
loud ties Wear flamboyant nail polish Wear short
skirts Do not go bare legged
Do Go with a conservative business style Wear a
suit-dark colors are preferred Wear polished
shoes Be clean and neat Have a fresh hair
cut Women- hair off of your face Men- dark socks
not white Women-flesh toned hosiery Shower,
shampoo, and shave Iron all of your clothes
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Questions Asked by Employers

• Tell me about yourself.
• Describe your ideal job.
• Why did you leave your previous job?
• What salary range are you looking for?
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
• Name 3 adjectives that best describe you and
  explain why.
• Discuss a program that you organized and
  developed.
• What are your greatest strengths? Weaknesses?

• Give an example of a time when you worked under
  pressure.
• What presentations or workshops have you
  developed?
• What skills do you think are necessary to do well
  in this position?
• Describe a multi-cultural environment in which
  you have worked.
• What computer programs do you use regularly?
• What type of work environment do you prefer?
• Discuss a difficult situation you have been in
  with Company X, and tell me how you handled it.

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Illegal Questions

• How old are you?
• Where were you born?
• Do you have any children?
• Are you married?
• How is your financial status?
• Where does your spouse work?
• Have you ever been arrested?
• What holidays do you observe?
• Tell me about your religious views?
• Questions that can be asked
• Are you eligible to work in the US?
• Can you submit a birth certificate and proof of
  age if necessary?
• Have you ever been convicted of a crime?

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Questions to Ask Employers

• How did this position come available?
• What are you looking for in a candidate for this
  position?
• What are your expectations for this position?
• Is there training involved in this position?

• 5. What type of growth is available within the
  company?
• 6. Is this a team oriented position or would I
  work individually?
• 7. Do I receive healthcare with this position?
  (Be careful)
• 8. What are the daily responsibilities of this
  position?

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Things to Remember

• Practice
• Be organized
• Stay positive
• Always be aware of your strengths and weaknesses
  (give examples of how you counter balance them)
• Be prepared
• Sell yourself
• Be patient, you will find the right path.
• Work on your greeting (Handshake, Tone, Body
  Language, and Eye Contact)

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Directions for Mock Interviews

• I am going to break you into teams to practice
  panel interviews.
• One person will be the job candidate the other
  two will be the employers
• Discuss the position for which you are applying
  before beginning this exercise
• Use the sheets to assist you in developing
  questions but remember to keep eye contact

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Thank you for attendingPlease fill out the
satisfaction survey and sign in before you leave.

• Darton College
• Career Development Center
• 229.317.6866
• C-228