1. Tips for a great interview
The Key To Success
Tips for a great interview

2. Top ten tips for an interview
Arrive Early – But not too early
Make a Great First Impression
Everyone You Meet Matters!
Use a Firm Handshake
NO CELL PHONES!
Have Good Energy
Know Yourself – Strengths and Weaknesses
Know What you Want
Come With Questions
Follow Up
*Adapted from jobsearch.about.com

3. Arriving On Time Be careful:
Too early - implies that the interviewers time is not valuable
Too late – demonstrates a lack of interest/reliability
15 Minutes before interview is PERFECT!
Why It’s Important:
First chance to show interviewer that you are responsible and dependable
Shows respect for others

4. Make a great first impression
Presentable outfit
No wrinkled clothes
Dress nicer than you typically would
Professional attire (no tight/ill fitting clothing)
No distracting jewelry
Grooming
Neat hair
Brushed teeth
Why It’s Important::
First impressions are hard to change – good or bad
Gives Interviewer a chance to focus on what you’re saying

5. Everyone you meet matters
More important for future interviews:
Interview begins when you step out of the car
Be nice to everyone you encounter
Why It’s Important:
You never know whose opinion will matter
Inter-workplace relationships are important
Shows your interviewer a respectful attitude

6. Use a firm handshake Somewhere between wet noodle and bone-crushing
SMILE
Make Eye Contact
Why It’s Important:
A strong handshake conveys confidence
A warm greeting and eye contact make you seem more friendly/approachable

7. No Cell phones
Leave your cell phone in your locker –avoid the risk of having it ring during your interview
If you insist on bringing it, turn it off or at least on SILENT
No text or call is as important as the interview
Why It’s Important:
No need to explain.

8. Have good energy Enthusiasm shows interest in position/organization
Keep all conversation as positive as possible – even when discussing negative past experiences
Try to find a positive spin for all challenges/weaknesses
Maintain good posture
How do you want to be remembered?
Why It’s Important:
Interviewers want to surround themselves with positive people
Having an upbeat attitude conveys excitement for opportunity

9. Know yourself Come prepared to answer questions about yourself…
Know 3 strengths
Know 3 weaknesses – be careful!
Know what you bring to the table
Think of specific reasons why they should choose you – based on description
Why It’s Important:
How can you expect them to see your value, if you don’t show them?
This is your only chance to show them why you are the right choice… Be prepared!

10. Know what you want Why do you want this position?
Make specific references to position details
Think about how you fit in with organization
Let your interviewer know that this is something you want!
Why It’s Important:
This shows your interviewer that you are serious about position
Details can help them picture you as part of the team

11. Come with questions
Almost ANY interview you will ever have will end with a chance for you to ask questions – NEVER COME WITHOUT QUESTIONS
Be careful choosing questions
Make them meaningful
Don’t ask questions that you should already know the answer to (i.e. what does your organization do?)
Don’t ask “Yes” or “No” questions
Why It’s Important:
It is another way to reinforce interest in the position
Shows that you’ve given it a lot of thought

12. Follow up! Immediately following interview:
Send a “Thank You” note – Address all who were involved in interview
Use names
Should be sent within 24 hours of interview
Can be – but card is nicer
Why It’s Important:
Shows respect for interviewers time
Can help you to be remembered
Last chance to reinforce your good interview or fill in gaps you may have left out

13. Common interview Questions
“Tell me your three greatest strengths.”
“Tell me you three greatest weaknesses”
“Why do you want to be a part of Junior Leadership?”
“Tell me about a conflict you’ve had and how you resolved it.”
“Tell me about a time you showed leadership skills.”
“What is your greatest accomplishment?”
“What is your greatest failure?”
“Give me an example of a time you’ve worked as part of a team.”