Impression Management Making a GREAT First Impression! Interviewing Skills

What to Take?  Résumés (and LOTS of them!)  A general Resume works well in this situation with strong objective.  Portfolio  Your 9"x12" leather-bound or vinyl-bound portfolio will be used to store your résumés and for taking notes after talking with each company.  A BIG Smile and a Positive Attitude  Be Enthusiastic Interviewing Skills

Awesome interviewing skills: Getting the position! Presented by: The Career Management Center Interviewing Skills

When you get the Interview: Research the company. What questions will I be asked? Develop questions to ask. Practice, Practice & more Practice. What should I wear? What should I take with me? Interviewing Skills

Researching the Company: The WWW The Career Management Center MSU Career Fairs Trade Magazines Things you need to know: Size of the company Competitors Economic Markets Products & Services Locations Any additional information you can think of! Interviewing Skills

What questions will they ask? Tell me about yourself… Describe a situation in which you were successful… Greatest strengths.. Greatest weakness… What do you know about our company? Why did you chose to attend your college? What motivates you? What do you believe is “ethical responsibility”? Are you willing to relocate? Interviewing Skills

Focusing on the Question Remember “STAR” When answering questions! S - Situation (Place or Event) T - Task (Assignment, Mission or Job) A - Action (What did you do or not do?) R - Result (What happened in the end?) Interviewing Skills

Developing your own questions: What type of person are you looking for to fill this position? How did you become apart of this company? What long term employment opportunities does your company offer? What is the rate of employee turnover? What do employees seem to like best and least about the company? Will I have a corporate mentor? Are there any opportunities to receive further training in my specific field? Are there extra-curricular activities that I can be involved in? Interviewing Skills

Practice, Practice, Practice!!! Have your mom/dad/friend or anyone ask you some questions about YOU! If you have a video camera, use it! Use a mirror Focus on answering the question! Be yourself~ Don’t LIE! Practice saying positive statements about yourself! When you have done this… Practice some MORE!!!! Interviewing Skills

What should I wear? Dress professional Ladies No sandals or flip-flops. Close toe shoes. Nice, professional attire. Guys No polo shirts. Nice shirt and tie. What will set you apart in a professional way? Don’t leave the interviewer asking, “Are they serious?” Interviewing Skills

What should I take with me? A SMILE! A positive attitude! A Leather-bound Folder or a Notebook With a tablet of paper A pen/pencil Extra copies of your resume List of References Interviewing Skills

Make sure you do the following: Maintain good eye contact. Always smile and be congenial. Be positive about yourself, past employers and the future. Make sure the interviewer knows you are excited about the position. Interviewing Skills

Things to avoid in an interview: Answers that are too short. More detail or information than is necessary. Becoming frustrated or uneasy when asked stressful questions. It’s okay to ask for clarification. Making derogatory or negative statements about former employers or positions. Discussions regarding politics, religion, company problems, and (during the first interview) salary information or benefits. Interviewing Skills

Close the Deal! Send thank you card Determine when you will hear back Firm handshake & look them in the eye. Thank the interviewer for his/her time Interviewing Skills

Questions? If you have further questions of concerns, please contact: Stephanie Sullivan Career Management Center Midwestern State University (940) Interviewing Skills