1. INTERVIEW TIPS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO INTO AN INTERVIEW

2. 1. KNOW THE BASICS What to think: You cannot know every single question you will be asked in an interview. What to do: Focus on the basics of responding to any interview question. Follow these basic rules: Be positive Focus on what you can contribute to the company. When possible, use examples of successes from previous jobs to demonstrate your abilities. Practice answering commonly asked interview questions.

3. 2. ANTICIPATE QUESTIONS What to think: Anticipate general questions that might be asked. What to do: Think about your answers from the interviewers point of view. If you were hiring for the position, what would you want to know? Anticipate these commonly asked questions: Tell me about yourself. Why are you interested in this job? What are your greatest strengths & weaknesses? Develop & practice aloud your answers.

4. 3. PREPARE SUCCESS STORIES What to think: The best predictor of how you will perform on this job is how you performed in past jobs. What to do: Prepare 6 – 8 success stories from prior situations with friends, family, organizations, school or past jobs. A success story should include a brief description of the situation, the challenges you faced and the outcome (of success). They can be big or small successes. Look for openings in an interview to share your success stories.

5. 4. KNOW YOUR STRENGTHS What to think: Knowing your strengths, talents, skills, values & weaknesses will make you a more powerful and focused applicant. What to do: Make a list of your strengths & weaknesses Tie your strengths to specific situations you may face on the job and tie into a success story. Avoid talking about your weaknesses.

6. 5. KNOW THE COMPANY What to think: The more information you have about the company, the better prepared you will seem. What to do: PREPARE! Find out the company’s Market (who they sell to) Strengths Challenges Prepare questions you can ask based on this information.

7. 6. PREPARE QUESTIONS TO ASK What to think: Ask job and company-specific questions. What to do: Prepare a list ahead of time and bring them with you. At the end of the interview, they will ask if you have questions. Ask!

8. 7. PREPARE A LIST OF REMINDERS What to think: An interview can be stressful so write down ahead of time what you want to ask, examples of successes as well as what you want to talk about or avoid talking about. What to do: Bring in a portfolio with all of your pre-prepared information to refer to should you have a moment during your interview where you can’t think of what to say! Keep copies of your resume and references in the portfolio too as well as a copy of the job description and any information you researched about the company.

9. 8. KEEP YOUR INTERVIEW SKILLS FRESH What to think: Interviewing will get you the job (or not) so it must be practiced! What to do: Keep researched about current skills and job requirements as well as what to do or not to do in an interview.

10. 9. DON’T BE MODEST What to think: This is the time to brag about you! What to do: Review your list of skills before you go into your interview. If you have ideas, share them. Don’t leave having regrets – say all the great things there are to say about YOU!

11. 10. FOCUS ON THE PROCESS What to think: The outcome of the interview is beyond your control. What to do: Focus on preparing for and participating in the interview to the best of your ability.

12. 11. CONTROL CALLS What to think: Someone from the company may call you unexpectedly to do an impromptu or screening interview (initial interview). What to do: Don’t take the call – call them back later that day. Prepare for the call by reviewing the company, position and your own qualifications. Use notes during your interview (unless it’s a video call).

13. 12. TREAT EVERY CONTACT AS AN INTERVIEW What to think: Everyone you talk to at a company is like an informal interview. What to do: Be positive Ask good questions. Focus on what you have to offer the organization. Sound interested in the person and organization.

14. 13. WHAT TO BRING What to think: Be prepared with the appropriate materials. What to do: Bring the following in a portfolio: 10 copies of your resume 10 copies of your references When you sit down for the interview ask if anyone doesn’t have a copy of your resume and give them one if they don’t. At the end of your interview, ask if they would like copies of your references and hand them out if they want them.

15. 14. BE ON TIME What to think: Better to be early than late and if you are on time you are considered late. What to do: Map out your route so you know how to get there. Know where in the building you are going. Arrive at the business doors 10 – 15 minutes early.

16. 15. PRESENT YOURSELF What to think: Your interviewers’ impression of you includes all aspects. What to do: Dress appropriately for the position – when in doubt dress up professionally! Wear neutral colors. Do not wear cologne or perfume. Do not wear excessive jewelry. Use professional language; avoid slang. Be confident. Be likeable and friendly.

17. 16. MAKE THE FIRST 10 SECONDS COUNT What to think: Your first impression is made immediately and will be very hard to change. What to do: Smile Stand straight Make eye contact Introduce yourself with a good, firm handshake (wipe sweaty palms off before going in!)

18. 17. ANSWERING QUESTIONS What to think: Keep the interview conversational and as natural sounding as possible. What to do: Listen, then respond (pause before answering) – it is also OK to have them repeat a question. Keep answers brief – don’t ramble on! Focus on being positive and your strengths. Communicate a willingness to learn. Show you are a team player. Present yourself as flexible. Answer thoughtfully.

19. 18. DISCUSSING WEAKNESSES What to think: We all have weaknesses. What to do: If asked, address a weakness that is not crucial for your job. Then explain how you can overcome this weakness or what you do to diminish it. This might be a great time to implement a success story on overcoming a weakness.

20. 19. TOUGH QUESTIONS What to think: You may be asked a question you really don’t know how to answer. What to do: Answer as best you can (don’t not answer it!) Admit when you lack experience but show you are willing to be taught. Display knowledge of the job.

21. 20. FOLLOW UP What to think: After the interview, the process is not over. What to do: Hand write a thank you note to each person on the interview committee and drop it in the mail the same day. Be prepared to wait. Keep searching and interviewing for additional jobs. Accept or decline a job offer with grace. If you are not offered the job ask for feedback so you can learn what to do better next time.