SITE VISIT INTERVIEWS Presented by: Renée Starek Assistant Director, Career and Professional Development Center (call for an appointment with your Career Consultant)

What is a Site Visit?  An invitation to travel to the employer’s location for an interview  A full day of interviewing, touring the organization’s facilities, and meeting the employees

Goals to Accomplish  Convince the employer to hire you because you have the skills, abilities, personality and desire for the job  Evaluate the job---Do YOU want to work there? (they are not just interviewing you...you are interviewing them too!)

Preparation: Genuine Interest  Only go if you are truly interested in that employer  Acknowledge all invitations for site visits and either accept or reject  If your interest level changes, let them know in advance. Do not just NOT SHOW UP for the site visit.

Preparation: Travel Details  Most employers pre-pay airfare/hotel and will reimburse you for other expenses…ask about this, if employer does not mention (keep your receipts)  Write down all details and take it with you

Preparation: Travel Details  Details to set: Date of visit Hotel Contact person for questions Travel information Local transportation Itinerary Reimbursement arrangements

Preparation: What to Wear?  Plan on wearing a suit unless the employer specifies otherwise— you may want to check with your Career Consultant  When in doubt, call your contact person and ASK  If staying overnight, try to take carry on luggage  Make sure you have comfortable shoes/clothes since you may be wearing them all day  If there is a dinner or party the night before, ask about appropriate attire

Preparation: Take Extra…  Resumes  Transcripts  Notebook and pen  Clothes  Money (will be reimbursed later)

Preparation: Research  Review information you learned during your first interview and the information session  Research the employer again Annual reports and company profiles Contact alumni currently working for the company. Use the Carnegie Mellon Alumni Directory. (

Preparation: Be ready to TALK!  Know your resume very well Think about your answers ahead of time Have 3-5 strengths that you want to emphasize  Determine if you have to do a presentation  You may have interviews all day and may answer the same questions over and over

You Arrive  Tips while staying in the hotel Schedule a morning wake-up call with the front desk Do not bill any long distance to the room Review the bill upon check out and keep it to be reimbursed  Examine the city Real estate Shopping Cultural events Sports/leisure activities Weather

The Interview Day  It will be a very full day  Many interviews  Tour of facilities  Lunch/Dinner Order something easy to eat/cut No alcohol  Make a strong impression Learn and use people’s names When given the opportunity during an interview, sell/market one of your strengths or relevant experiences Show genuine interest Ask relevant questions

Know How to Answer Interview Questions  Review sample interview questions and PRACTICE answering them  Think like an employer!  Use specific examples-tell it like a story  Situation  Task  Action  Result of Action

Secrets for Interview Success  Be enthusiastic  Be attentive  Be confident  Listen and answer carefully  Be polite  Be professional  Be prepared  Be early  Be well-groomed  Be consistent  Follow the interviewer’s lead  Be flexible  Be prepared to define statements  Be positive  Be interested in the company

Questions for You to Ask  Ask your potential supervisor How is success in this position measured and rewarded? How are the goals for this job set? What would I be expected to accomplish in the first 6 months? What other departments do you interact with the most? How are teams formed? How long have you been with the company?  Ask your potential colleague What is the culture for young employees? What is your least favorite part of this job/company? What is it like living in this city? Do co-workers socialize together?

Effectively Close the Interview  Ask about the time frame for hearing back  If you want the job—tell the interviewer!  Thank the interviewer for his/her time and ask for a business card

After the Site Visit  Write a thank you letter to your interviewer as soon as possible ( is fine)  Settle travel expense reimbursements (make a copy before sending)  Wait to hear from company (an offer or rejection)