This document provides tips for successfully preparing for and completing a job interview. It recommends researching the company, practicing common interview questions, focusing on verbal and nonverbal communication skills, sending a thank you note after the interview, and following up with the employer. Key areas of focus include dressing professionally, maintaining good hygiene, researching the employer, practicing answers to common questions, asking questions of the interviewer, and following up after the interview.

1. Successful Interview Strategies
Ace the Interview

2. Career and Student Employment Counselors
Karen Steeno van Staveren
Chris Augustine
Our Ace Advisors…

3. Content
Audience Participation
Well Before/Just Before/Day of/
During/After the Interview
Rap Up

4. Neighbor Nudge
Hi, my name is…
What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
What are two things you are good at?
What is one people skill you have?

5. Neighbor Nudge
Hi, my name is…
What is your favorite class?
What are two things you are good at?
What is one people skill you have?

6. Neighbor Nudge
Hi, my name is…
What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
What are two things you are good at?
What is one people skill you have?

7. Well Before the Interview
Employers want you to know how you will
contribute to their organization.

8. Well Before the Interview:
It Takes Work to Get Work
 Job searches can take time
 Know yourself: key skills, values, organizational fit
 RESEARCH the company
Be purposeful: Why do you want this job? How
and when will you contribute? What does the
organization care about? Who(m) do they serve?
 There may be: an application; a pre-test; a phone
interview

9.  1. Verbal Communication
 2. Problem-solving ability
 3. Ability to obtain/process information
 4. Can plan, organize and prioritize work
 5. Analyzes data
 6. Possess technical knowledge related to job
 7. Computer software proficiency
 8. Ability to create/edit written reports
 9. Can sell or influence others
 Source: NACE Research: Job Outlook 2012 Spring Update
Well Before the Interview
Key Skills for New Hires
Skills Employers Want

10.  Why send a resume?
 What resume style is best?
 No templates
 REMEMBER THE JOB POSTING
 Use a proofreader
 Do I need a cover letter?
 Do I need references? If so, when?
Well Before the Interview
Written Communication
Cater to the Employer

11. Well Before the Interview:
 Make lists of who you know
 Act “as if” in the classroom every day
 Get involved and expand your world
 Job fairs, internships, informational interviews
 The 30-second commercial can help
 http://www.careerspots.com/vidplay_links_ext.as
px?aid=505&apass=3BjDw0e+18Cf09hoUHQZe
A==&vidnum=1
Networking

12. Debrief

13.  Post and friend wisely; information is out there
 Employers are using LinkedIN.com, FB, Twitter
and GOOGLE
 Use your security settings and/or “The Grandma
Rule”
Well Before the Interview
Social Networking

14.  Start with a clear subject
 Include a formal greeting: “Good Afternoon Mr. Smith,”
 Be mindful of tone – avoid sarcasm and humor
 “THX 4 teh interview ” is for casual text messages only
 Explain attachments (resume/cover letter)
 Use spell check, watch grammar
 Choose a professional address: carbuff@gmail.com or
chris_augustine@engineer.com
Well Before the Interview
Professional Email Etiquette

15.  Voicemail
 Clear, professional message including your name
 Eliminate music and other voices
 Leaving messages
 Identify yourself and the purpose of your call
 Use a friendly closing and leave your phone number
 Speak slowly
 Smile; it will come through in your voice
Well Before the Interview
Other Professional Phone Use

16.  Clothes
 Fit, wash, press
 Tailor to the job
 Write down questions for the interviewer
 Get organized
 Portfolio: paper, pen, questions
 Extra resumes and references
 Do a dry run
 Time it; go there; account for traffic
 Practice
 Answers
 Nonverbals
Just Before the Interview

17.  When should I expect to hear about this position?
 What is your preferred method of contact?
 What would be a typical day’s assignment?
 What do you like about your job?
 What is the training schedule like for this job?
 How much money can I expect to make in a year? NO!!!
 What are the skills and attributes most needed to
advance in this company?
Just Before the Interview
Questions for the Interviewer

18.  Clothes
 Fit, wash, press
 Tailor to the job
 Write down questions for the interviewer
 Get organized
 Portfolio: paper, pen, questions
 Extra resumes and references
 Do a dry run
 Time it; go there; account for traffic
 Practice
 Answers
 Nonverbals
Just Before the Interview

19. Just Before the Interview
Verbal Communication
 Speak clearly
 Use proper grammar
 Avoid filler words and phrases
 Inflection
 Volume
 Concise

20. Slouching
Just Before the Interview
Distracting Interacting
Twisting
hair
t a p p i n gs w i n g i n g l e g s
*rocking*
fussing
with
pens
accessories
Crossing ARMS
Finger-pointing
Expressionless
looking
around

21.  Tell me about yourself.
 What do you know about our company/this position?
 What are your hobbies, interests? Future plans?
 Why should I hire you?
 Prepare what, how and proof stories:
 Tell me about a time when:
 You solved a conflict with a coworker?
 You made some one laugh at work?
 Persuaded a team member to do things your way?
 You failed and how you handled it?
Just Before the Interview
Practice Interview Questions

22. Day of the Interview

23.  Sleep well and eat a healthy breakfast
 Bathe, shampoo hair, deodorize
 Avoid cologne/perfume
 Brush or comb your hair
 Brush/floss teeth and use mouthwash
 But NO gum!!!
 Hands and lips moisturized
 Check for cigarette smell or other odors
Day of the Interview
Personal Hygiene

24. Professional Dress

25.  Prepare ahead of time
 Ask a trusted friend to help
 Professional/appropriate clothing for the job
 Shoes – clean & polished
 Make sure your clothes fit
 Cover tattoos, if possible (no duct tape)
 Take out body piercing – brow, tongue, lip
Day of the Interview
Personal Appearance

26. Men

27.  Trim facial hair
 Consider nose and ear hair
 Neat and clean fingernails
 Take out earrings or put in small studs
 Crisp white or blue Oxford shirt with neutral tie
 Suits and the button rule
 Pants must fit, use a belt (no sagging)
 No hats or sunglasses
Men

28. Women

29.  Hair should be brushed and styled away from your face;
check your color
 Make-up should be minimal, blended
 Fingernail polish - light not chipped
 Wear neutral or dark colors
 Shirts should not be revealing
 Skirts should be at or below knees
 Shoes – heels less than 3”
 Jewelry, not distracting – minimal
Women

30.  Arrive to the lot early (30 minutes or so)
 Walk to location 10 minutes beforehand
 Check yourself
 Breathe
 Think about the organization
 Use specific examples but answers should
be concise
During the Interview

31.  Hair
 Handshake
 Eye Contact
 Smile
 Posture
 Attitude
During the Interview
People will remember

32. Prepare
Speak clearly, smile
Stay focused
Eliminate distractions
Dress for it
During the Interview
The Phone Interview

33. Quick Demonstration

34. •Greeting
•Handshake
•Resume ready
•First question: “Tell me about yourself”
•Have a question or two at the end
•Ask for preferred method of contact
•Get a business card
•Thank the employer for their time
Debrief

35.  Hand-written or email?
 Reinforce contributions you will make
 Include any additional information or thoughts
you have had since the interview
 Thank the interviewer by name and express your
desire to get the job
Follow Up After the Interview

36.  Chris Augustine, Career and Student
Employment Advisor AKA Rev. Aug
Rappin it UP

37.  Thank you for attending our workshop!
 For an appointment with a Career and
Employment Counselor, call: 488-4123
RESOURCES, SURVEYS AND
PRIZES

38. Take 20 minutes and invest in your future by
practicing some common interview questions…
Speed Interviewing

39.  Go to the Career Fair website: http://kalamazoocareerfair.com/
 Make a list of the organizations attending that interest you
 Prioritize that list
 Research their websites for: size, location, products or services,
partnerships, and industry ranking
 Create a plan of action for the career fair (first, others, first)
 Do a mock interview
 Check your attire
 Create/review your elevator speech
Career Fair Preparation:
Before the Career Fair

40.  Find the companies on your prioritized list
 Smile, handshake, elevator speech with each recruiter
 Take freebies, do not be greedy
 Ask them questions and share your knowledge
 Find out recruiting process (timeline, next steps)
 Be mindful of recruiter’s time and thank them
 Get a business card
 Network with others
Career Fair Preparation:
During the Career Fair

41.  Send thank-you notes to each recruiter
 Thank them for their time, interest, and help in your job-search
 Evaluate your plan of action
 What worked? What could be improved?
 Plan to follow up with each recruiter after 2 weeks
 Emphasize your interest and how you would contribute
 Create a system for organizing job leads
 Company Name:
Hiring Manager Name:
Phone/E-mail:
Position Applied for:
Date Applied:
Position Requirements:
Career Fair Preparation:
After the Career Fair