Interview Preparation and Execution

Where to Start – The Resume Make sure your resume reflects who you are –Bragging rights start here! Sell yourself, impress yourself and you’ll impress others –One chance to blow it out of proportion 30% of the average resume is fiction

Content of the Resume –Include EVERYTHING you have done Show hard work and lots of it! –Overlapping positions in both school and organizations –Internships are a must! List relevant course work, relevant experience

Format of the Resume - Prioritize by Importance Content: Experience Education Employment Activities Skills Accomplishments Always include a cover letter

Contacting Agencies Do your homework –Clients listed (current) Potential areas of specialization –Campaign or press that was memorable and why –Size of the firm you are contacting

Making the Call Never, Never drop in! Call for an appointment –Depending on the size of the agency, HR is the first stop Arrange to get the resume in their hands – provide options: fax, or mail –Utilize contacts – who you know could save time

Setting the Appointment HR will screen all applicants Called back – your in! –May take two to three interview sessions

Day of the Interview Remember who wants the job more –Make it easy for the interviewer - bring two copies of your resume –Call and confirm the appointment on the morning of, confirm parking arrangements etc. –Bring materials to take notes –Be on time

Be Prepared to Answer Questions Types of questions- –What is/are your long-term goals –What have you found challenging in school? Organizations Previous Internships –What do you find boring? –What has been your most interesting experience so far?

Be Prepared to Answer Questions Types of questions- –How do you deal with frustrations/stress? –What did you like best about some of your classes and/or organizations? –What did you like least? –Describe yourself (what kind of a person are you?) –What do you look forward to in starting your career?

Be Prepared to Answer Questions Types of questions- –In some of your group experiences, how did you get someone to meet a deadline or get more involved in the class project? –If you are not successful in a project – what do you do? –What are your strengths? –What are your weaknesses?

Be Prepared to Answer Questions Types of questions- –What is it that you can do to make a difference in the job? –Tell me why we should hire you.

Be Prepared to Ask Questions You have done your homework so don’t ask about the clients they work on or company size Focus on internal operations: –Leadership philosophy –How they operate – team or individual –Longevity with the company –Ask them what they like about the company most

Be Prepared to Ask Questions Ask about benefits Don’t ask about the salary yet

Traits or Qualities to Exude Dependability Accuracy Organizational skills Ability to solve problems Communication skills Efficiency Self starter Creativity abounds Punctuality

Body Language Personal appearance Eye contact Outgoing Appears Confident Punctuality Handshake General body-language

Close of Interview Ask of you –Available by when –References You ask of them –Can you follow up with a call and if so, when

Final Words – Relax and Don’t Chew gum!