1. Tips for a Successful Interview

2. Clothing Choices
Rule #1 – Dress at least one above the standard that you would normally wear on the job
Polish your shoes
Empty your pockets
No loud/bright colors
No jeans, leggings, shorts or t-shirts
Limited jewelry
No more than 1 ring on each hand
No dangling earrings or arms full of bracelets
If you have lots of piercings, limit it to 1
Cover tattoos

3. Business Casual Khaki or dark pants - neatly pressed
A pressed long-sleeved, buttoned solid shirt is safe for both men and women
Polo/golf shirts, unwrinkled, are appropriate IF you know the environment
Men –Tie optional
Women - can wear sweaters; cleavage is not business- appropriate

4. Men’s Clothing
Business Formal
Business Casual

5. Women’s Clothing
Business Formal
Business Casual

6. Interview Preparation
Plan what you will wear
Research the organization before you go & refer to the information you learned during the interview
Practice answering difficult questions.
Prepare questions to ask – they want you to ask them

7. Tips for a Successful Interview
Check your clothing and grooming in the mirror before you arrive
Arrive early – about 10 minutes
Bring extra copies of your resume
Be friendly and professional
with the receptionist
Shake hands & greet the person by name*
Smile!

8. Tips for a Successful Interview
Emphasize your best skills and experiences for the job and give examples to support them
Sound confident and knowledgeable
Don’t be afraid to ask them to repeat or clarify a question for you
At the end of the interview, ASK an appropriate question!

9. Don’t do this Bring a friend or relative with you
Display nervousness by tapping a pencil, twirling your hair, or other annoying habits
Use poor posture
Answer questions with “yeah,” “nope,” or “uh-huh”
Misrepresent your strengths or accomplishments
Criticize past employers or teachers
Chew gum or mints
Bring an electronics device
Bring your own coffee, soda, water, etc.

10. Salary Negotiation Tips
The #1 Salary Negotiation Rule: Only negotiate salary AFTER you have been offered the job
The person who names a specific amount first loses.
Research the probable pay range in advance
Speak in terms of wide pay ranges, leaning towards the high side.
If you think the job will pay around $25,000, say you will accept “Mid to upper twenties”

11. Common Interview Questions
Tell me about yourself
If I called one of the people you listed as a reference, what do you think he/she would say about you?
What is your greatest strength & weakness?
Why should I hire you?
Why do you want to leave your current employer?
Why do you want to work at this company?
Where do you see yourself in [x] years?
Tell me about a time when you had to work with a difficult person?

12. Thank You Notes – Why send them?
Reinforces your interest in the job
Shows that you are courteous and professional
Demonstrates communication skills
Helps you stand out from other candidates
Gives you an opportunity to reiterate your good points
Most expect a Thank You Note, because it’s been a professional standard for years
Some might consider it unprofessional if you ignore it
SEND A THANK YOU NOTE
WITHIN 24 HOURS AFTER THE INTERVIEW

13. Thank You Notes – Writing Tips
Hand write the notes – makes it personal
Make it clear & legible
Keep them brief & to the point
Taylor the note to each person you interviewed with
Never send 1 note for a group of people
Remind them about the position you interviewed for
Reaffirm anything you liked about the organization OR any ways you believe you will meet their needs
If possible, restate something from the interview
Thank them for their time
Close by saying “you look forward to hearing from them”
Sign “Sincerely,” – followed by your legible signature.