1. POWER HALF HOUR: INTERVIEWING Center for Career Education East Campus, Lower Level 2008-2009

2. PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW Sell your strengths and skills. Learn as much as you can about the position and employer.

3. PREPARING FOR AN INTERVIEW Prior to your interview, you should research the following three elements: Yourself The industry The organization, company, or firm

4. There are three specific types of interview questions. Traditional questions require you to relay factual information about yourself. Behavioral questions require you to offer concrete examples to reveal key and transferable skills. Case-based and/or technical questions focus on the requirements of specific industries. TYPES OF INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

5. You should always be ready and able to answer the following interview questions: Tell me about yourself. Why are you interested in this field? Why do you want to work here? Why should we hire you? KEY INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

6. You should also be familiar with the following frequently asked questions: What are your strengths and weaknesses? Tell me about a time you faced a deadline. Do you have any questions for us about the company, organization, or firm? ADDITIONAL COMMON QUESTIONS

7. When structuring an answer to a behavioral question, you may want to utilize the STARS framework. What was the situation? What was your task? What action did you take? What was the result? Summarize your s-t-a-r. HOW TO ACE A BEHAVIORAL QUESTION

8. You should remember that “the first impression” is formed within the first two minutes. Be sure to present your strongest professional image when interviewing. Also, you should bring the following to the interview: Extra resumes A reference list A portfolio, paper pad, and pen ON THE INTERVIEW DAY

9. Employers look for the following critical skills: Verbal and written communication Technical and quantitative Analytical and problem solving Drive, motivation, and enthusiasm Teamwork and cooperation WHAT DO EMPLOYERS LOOK FOR?

10. You should write a professional thank-you note to every individual you met with during the course of your interview. This letter may be emailed or handwritten depending on the industry. In addition, you should follow up with the employer if you receive no response within the appropriate time. TO DO AFTER THE INTERVIEW

11. East Campus, Lower Level (212) 854-5498 careereducation@columbia.edu http://www.careereducation.columbia.edu Mon – Fri, 9am–5pm Wed, 9am–8pm (during the academic year) Walk-Ins, 1pm–4pm careereducation@columbia.edu http://www.careereducation.columbia.edu