The First Interview: your first impression

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The First Interviewyour first impression!

• the dos and donts
• your resume got you here, now make the sale
• how to be successful in 30 minutes
• prepare, prepare, prepare
• now Ive interviewed, whats next?
• M. D. Kenealy 9/23/09

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The first interview how to get started..

• sign up with Ag Career Services
• talk to you advisor
• review the jobs book in 119/123
• read the careers sections in the newspaper and
  journals

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Tips to succeed in 30 minutes

• research the company
• determine if interviewer is from human resources
  or an animal scientist
• practice interview
• prepare introductory lines
• prepare responses
• prepare questions

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Tips to succeed in 30 minutes

• be on time
• dress appropriately
• bring
• a notebook
• extra resume
• make eye contact
• introduce yourself
• shake hands

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Dressing the part...

• groom yourselfhair to shoes
• first interview contrasting outfit OK
• pants vs skirt for women...
• second interview know company culture (how do
  the upper level people dress)
• dont look trendy
• reduce jewelry and accessories
• ditch the body piercings

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Interview donts

• dont be late
• dont overdress
• dont wear strong scents
• dont give long answers
• dont make up answers

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How to be ahead of the pack

• be prepared for diverse question set
• stress your balance of technical and
  leadership/people skills
• be prepared for small talk but be careful
• demonstrate interest at end - when will I
  hear from (you)
• offer an on-line portfolio
• follow-up immediately with thank you note

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Questions to expect (1)

• What interested you in signing up for this
  interview?
• What are your greatest strengths?
• What are your weaknesses?
• How would your friends describe you to me?
• Describe your perfect job/internship?
• What do you want to accomplish in this job?

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Questions to expect (2)

• Tell me about an event/activity that you were
  responsible for that was a real success.
• Why?
• Tell me about an event/activity that you were
  responsible for that was not successful.
• Why?
• What did you learn from it?

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Illegal questions of you...

• marital/family status
• national origin/citizenship
• affiliations
• disabilities
• age
• arrest record
• military record
• personal..

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Prepare good questions (1)

• What would be my primary responsibilities?
• What would I be expected to accomplish in the
  first (6 months)?
• What training opportunities does the company
  provide/ do you have a mentoring program for new
  hires?
• What new areas are the company considering?

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Prepare good questions (2)

• What has kept you with (company A)?
• What has your career path been with (company A)?
• What do you like best about (company A)?
• Do you have suggestions that may assist me in a
  potential follow up interview?

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Prepare good questions (3)

• If I am hired
• what area of the country might I be assigned to?
• what is the normal career progression for
  successful people in your organization?
• How is the organization positioned for the
  challenging economic climate?
• What is the compensation range for this entry
  position?

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The second interview

• likely to be set up by phone call
• travel to home office probable
• get details from caller
• prepare for more intense scrutiny
• management involved
• plan wardrobe

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Travel tips

• get all details well in advance
• use a travel agent if you are inexperienced
• arrive at airport 1.5 hr in advance
• carry-on critical clothing..
• use services at hotel to your advantage
• file expenses promptly

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Dining tips

• follow your host..
• order simple items
• use your utensils
• pace yourself
• avoid the exotic
• avoid alcohol
• dont forget youre still interviewing..

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Your communications

• letters of inquiry/cover letters
• resume
• follow-up letter
• acceptance/turn-down letter
• thank-yous
• that answering message...

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Will you consider international opportunities?

• get a passport now
• start those nasty inoculations
• attend international discussions
• consider AgTravel as an introduction
• start while you are young and less tied down

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International skills

• ability to learn
• adventurous spirit/curiosity
• language skills
• sensitivity/adaptability/flexibility
• strong interpersonal skills
• tenacity
• willingness to take risks