TIPS FOR A GOOD INTERVIEW EXPERIENCE University of Minnesota Actuary Club Laura Enoksen, Vice President

1. DRESS APPROPRIATELY  This means:  NO AC/DC T-shirts and ripped Jeans, Polos, or loud/gaudy patterns or colors  Men: dress pants, dress shoes, matching socks, button down dress shirt with tie, suit jacket

 Women: dress pants or skirt, blouse, jacket, nylons, dress heels/flats (dresses are ok too, but be careful)

2. DO YOUR RESEARCH  You (hopefully) already did research for the career fair, but now it’s time to really dig in  Research the company, the person/people interviewing you

3. UPDATE YOUR RESUME & CHECK FOR ERRORS  Job history  Exams  VEE Credits  Programming knowledge  Graduation Date  Contact Info  Spelling/Grammar

4. USE SCHOOL EXPERIENCE  No related job experience? No problem!  Use school projects and the skills you developed with those projects  Examples: professional communication, project management, presentation/public speaking skills, working well on a team for an extended period of time  Use non-related jobs for the same purpose

5. ANSWER BEHAVIOR QUESTIONS SMARTLY  Strength  Something you have received compliments on  Weakness  Something that can be improved upon and seen in a positive light

6. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!  Handshake  Eye contact  Answers

7. BREATHE!  Calm your nerves  Deep breath, close eyes, eat a mint (no gum!)  The person you’re interviewing with is just that – a person!  Be yourself, be personable, and make small talk If you need to relax more

8. THANK-YOU NOTE(S)   If you have no address  If hearing back in less than a week  Snail Mail  If you have an address  If hearing back will not be a quick turnaround  Include:  Thank them for their time and advice (if any was given)  Remind them (briefly!) who you  A quick personalization commenting on something you talked about with them  Make it personal and positive!

HOPEFULLY THIS WILL BE YOU NOW!

QUESTIONS OR YOUR OWN ADVICE