1. Mastering the Interview Brenda Sims Chair Department of Technical Communication sims@unt.edu

2. The Interview Begins and Ends at the Airport

3. Dress Like You Want the Job At the airport At dinner On campus

6. Have a Good Handshake Make eye contact with the interviewer Smile Shake his or her hand with a firm grip Try to avoid the sweaty palm

7. Carry a Professional Portfolio A notepad is too informal and looks messy Provides a place for Business cards CVs Sample documents

8. Don’t Ramble Suggests you have poor communication skills Suggests you don’t know the answer Suggests you aren’t interested in the employer May cause you to reveal information that can cost you the offer

9. Avoid Short, “No Response” Answers What is your teaching philosophy? I love teaching and want to share my passion for the subject with students. Why do you want to work at our university? I like Austin. It is near the Hill Country. My wife loves to shop, so the Dallas area is perfect for me.

10. Have a Positive Attitude Don’t criticize a previous employer, your adviser, your university, etc. Interview teams may think you are difficult or hard to work with Show sincere interest in the interview team Interview teams may think you aren’t serious about the position or your work if you appear too relaxed or disinterested

11. Ask Good Questions Come up with 3 to 5 questions that show you’re interested and enthusiastic about the job Avoid unnecessarily negative questions Would you consider the atmosphere in the department to be one of conflict? Ask detailed questions Questions that aren’t easily answered on the university website

12. Sources “Photo Hunt: What Not to Wear on An Interview” www.kforceblog.com