How to Prepare for an Interview PREPARED BY: KARLA LECHUGA Forward

Topics Covered  Importance of Preparing for an Interview Importance of Preparing for an Interview  Research the Company Research the Company  Know Where You Are Going Know Where You Are Going  Practice Answering Interview Questions Practice Answering Interview Questions  Dress for Success Dress for Success  First Impressions Guidelines First Impressions Guidelines  The Day of the Interview The Day of the Interview  Video Interview Video Interview  Follow - up Follow - up Back HomeForward

Importance of Preparing for an Interview A recent study found that “95% of job interviewers believe that over 90% of interviewees come to job interviews ill- prepared” CJ Enterprises (2013). Thus, it is important to prepare for the interview because…  It will give you the opportunity to learn more about the company,  Know the type of questions you will be asked so you may prepare and practice your answers,  Gather all the things that you will need before and after the interview to insure that you will have a successful experience. Back HomeForward

Research the Company Use the Internet to learn more about:  The history and mission of the company,  How many years have they been in business,  The products and services the company provides,  The organizational structure. Back HomeForward You can also follow the company on social sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and/or LinkedIn to stay atop of their current news and company trends.

Know Where You Are Going  Map your Route, Use online services like:  Google Maps orhttp://  MapQuest  Drive to the location a day or two before the day of the interview,  Plan for unforeseen events by mapping out alternative routes. Back HomeForward

Practice Answering Interview Questions  Interviewers will typically ask questions like:  Tell me about yourself?  What are your strengths and weaknesses?  Why should we hire you?  Give an example of how you worked on a team?  Ask a friend or family member to interview you  Rehearsing your answers will help you prepare for the unexpected, and it will also increase you confidence on day of the interview.  Prepare at least one question to ask the employer Click here to view a list of 100 potential Interview Questionshere

Dress for Success  Convey strong feelings of trust to a prospective employer,  Convey a sense of self-confidence, dependability and professionalism,  Determine how people you meet will react to you. Your appearance plays a supporting role in the interview process, it can:

First Impression Guidelines The Suit for Men Two-piece matched suit Tailored and pressed pants Tailored, long-sleeve shirt Leather lace-up shoes Minimal jewelry and cologne The Suit for Women Two-piece matched suit Knee-length skirt Tailored and pressed pants Tailored, long-sleeve shirt or blouse Closed-toe pumps Minimal jewelry and makeup Back HomeForward

Onsite Interview  Arrive early to the Interview  Arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled interview time  Items to bring to an Interview  Copies of your Resume  List of References  Driver’s License or ID  Social Security Card  Portfolio of your Work Back HomeForward Don’t forget to turn off your cell phone!

Video Interview An hour or two before the video interview make sure to:  Verify that your web browser is compatible,  If applicable, download the necessary software for the interview  Test your web camera to insure that it is working properly  Read and review all of the instructions provided to you  Make sure you have proper lighting Tips  A video interview is just like an onsite interview. Therefore; it is important that you dress in appropriate interview attire,  View the camera at all times, avoid looking down at the desk.  Don’t forget to smile Back HomeForward

During the Interview  Greet the employer with a firm handshake.  Make frequent eye contact.  Smile, be polite, and try to relax.  Listen carefully to the questions asked. Ask the interviewer to restate a question if you are confused.  Answer questions as directly as possible.  Be upbeat and make positive statements.  At an appropriate time in the interview ask one (or all) of the questions you generated about the company Click here for most common interview mistakes to avoidhere Back HomeForward

Follow - up After the interview:  Send a handwritten letter, or an thanking the interviewer for their time and consideration,  Reaffirm your interest in the position in the content of the letter,  Call within a week to follow-up and inquire when they will be making a decision. Back HomeForward

References All Business. (2014)Ten tips on preparing for a job interview. All Business.com. Retrieved from: CJ Enterprises. (2013). Why is preparing for an interview so important? Preparing for an Interview. Retrieved from Doyle, A. (2014). Behavioral Interview Questions. About.com Job Searching. Retrieved from Doyle, A. (2014). Most Common Interview Mistakes, About.com. Retrieved from Doyle, A. (2014) Video interviewing for employment. Video Job Interviews. Retrieved from Foster, R. (2009). 10 tips for preparing yourself for and interview. Ezine Articles. Retrieved from Peterson, T. (2013). 100 potential interview questions. Make a Great First Impression. Retrieved from Questions/article.aspx Questions/article.aspx Back Home