Ace the Interview Make an Impression that Gets the Offer!

Overview Purpose of the InterviewUnderstanding YourselfResearching the OrganizationThe Interview with ActivityQuestions

Purpose EmployerCandidate Mutual Interest

Understanding Yourself Career Goals Educational Experiences Related Experiences Personal Skills and Abilities

Researching the Organization Organization HistoryCulture Philosophy and Objectives Services and Products Advancement Opportunities Geographic Location

How you and the Organization Fit Together Do you want the job?Can you do the job?Will you fit in?Are you self-sufficient?

The Actual Interview Be Yourself!! Dress Handshake Speech Body Language Assertiveness

Questions During the Interview From the Interviewer What are your strengths/weaknesses? What accomplishments are you most proud of? Why do you want to work for us? What are your career goals? What type of work environments do you prefer? How would you define a good manager/customer service? From You What are some of the organization’s strengths? What sort of training can I expect? How is supervision conducted? What progression could I expect? How did you ascend to your current position? What areas are you looking to improve? Could you describe the daily environment of the office? General Questions:

Questions During the Interview Case Studies Solve the problem of a given situation Realistic and unrealistic problems will be present Behavioral Based Share a challenging situation Give an example of… Be a S.T.A.R.

Questions During the Interview S Situation T Task A Action R Response

Inappropriate Questions Civil Rights Act of 1964: Questions centered on the following: RaceGenderAgeReligionEthnicity National Origin What do you do?

Follow up to leave a lasting impression! Ask Questions Send a Thank You Follow up on any requests

Practice Makes Perfect!

Phone and Skype Interviews Quiet LocationGood Phone/Internet signalDon’t depend on notesSmile Dress up!

Desired Skills Employers Want Communication Skills (written and verbal) Strong Work Ethic Teamwork SkillsInitiative Analytical SkillsComputer Skills Flexibility & Adaptability Interpersonal Skills Problem Solving Skills Technical Skills Leadership Ability Organization Skills Friendly and Outgoing Strategic Planning Detail OrientedCreativity NACE Job Outlook Survey 2014

What Impresses Recruiters PreparednessPersonalityCareer GoalsCommunication SkillsAppearanceExperience

Additional Tips and Tricks Stay positive Use past examples Be confident yet humble Organized responses

Additional Interview Assistance Career Services Website Drop-in Counseling Mock Interviews Individual Career Counseling Career Resource Library

Questions? Bank of America Career Services Center Visit. studentaffairs.psu.edu/career Connect. Penn State Career Connection Like. Penn State Career Services Follow. PSU_Career Pin. PSUCareer