Preparing for your Interview

What the Employer is Seeking Communication skills Communication skills Focus & attention to detail Focus & attention to detail Ability to learn Ability to learn Honesty & accountability Honesty & accountability Teamwork & potential fit within their organization Teamwork & potential fit within their organization Adaptability Adaptability An employee who will be an asset to the organization An employee who will be an asset to the organization

Prepare for the Interview Research the company: Attend an employer presentation, read about the employer and the position, talk to faculty, past interns, or a company employee. Research the company: Attend an employer presentation, read about the employer and the position, talk to faculty, past interns, or a company employee. Identify YOUR Key Strengths Identify YOUR Key Strengths Practice Practice Pack Pack Appearance counts! Appearance counts!

Professional Presentation What does professionalism look like…or not? What does professionalism look like…or not? Arrive 5-10 minutes early Arrive 5-10 minutes early A firm, but gentle, handshake – not a monster grip! A firm, but gentle, handshake – not a monster grip! Eye contact Eye contact Eagerness & enthusiasm Eagerness & enthusiasm Neat clothing Neat clothing Personal cleanliness Personal cleanliness Eating Eating Communication Communication

Why the Challenging Questions? Qualifications Qualifications Fit Fit Information - STAR - Past actions are the best prediction of future behavior. Information - STAR - Past actions are the best prediction of future behavior. Technical ability Technical ability

QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT BE ASKED Some of the old favorites: Some of the old favorites:  Tell me about yourself.  What are your long-range goals?  What are your greatest strengths?  What are your greatest weaknesses?  Why did you choose your major?  Do you prefer to have a lot of supervision or do you work well on your own?

Behavior-Based Questions Some of the new favorites: Some of the new favorites:  Give me an example of a time when you set a goal and were able to meet or achieve it. goal and were able to meet or achieve it.  Tell me about a time when you were extremely busy and had to prioritize your tasks. busy and had to prioritize your tasks.  Describe an unpopular decision you had to make. make.  Give me an example of a time when you motivated others. motivated others.

Additional Interview Tips Directions Ask questions Thank the interviewer Ask for a business card Offer another firm, but gentle, handshake Send a thank you note