1. WX Mentoring Program Interviewing: Best Practices December 8, 2011 US1 9728453

2. 1 FORMAT OF TONIGHTS PROGRAM Part One (20-30 minutes) – group session; discussion of general best practices Part Two (20 minutes) – sector break-out groups Development – Jane Greenblatt Private Equity – Ione Permison Asset Management – Jennifer Stewart Finance – Carmen Bowser Part Three (20-30 minutes) – one on one sessions (mentors and mentees) mock mini-interview resumé review NOTE: Next program is January 31, 2012

3. 2 WRITTEN INTERVIEW MATERIALS – Cover letter Brief Indicate specific interest in firm/position – Resume Easy to read Emphasizes facts relevant to your career goals No exaggerations No gaps – Deal sheet – Transcript/writing sample Customary for the position sought/relevant to the requirements of the position – Have your university career center, headhunter, friend, or industry contact review resume – No typos

4. 3 PREPARING FOR AN INTERVIEW – Researching the company/applicable department Industry contacts Online research of company and interview process (glassdoor.com) Company website Social media (Linked In, Facebook) Alumni network – Understanding the companys interview format and process – Researching the interviewers – Researching the industry/competitors – Preparing your questions Future growth/direction of company Overall responsibilities for the position Opportunities for promotion and advancement Organizational structure/chain of command What do you need to know to determine whether this is the position for you? – Preparing responses to anticipated questions

5. 4 PREPARING RESPONSES TO ANTICIPATED QUESTIONS INTELLIGENCE QUESTIONS – Describe a problem or situation that best demonstrates your analytical skills. – Give me an example of a problem you solved or solution you devised of which you are particularly proud. – Tell me about a problem you had to solve with very little background information, direction or supervision. Describe to me how you went about the process. – Describe a project where you did not find an answer. How did you keep yourself motivated? – Tell me about a situation where you had to communicate a piece of negative information. How did you go about doing this?

6. 5 PREPARING RESPONSES TO ANTICIPATED QUESTIONS PROFESSIONALISM QUESTIONS – Describe a project you had to finish that was tedious and boring. How did you keep yourself motivated? – How has your previous work experience prepared you for this position? – Give me an example of your work style. – For students: Why did you choose the extracurricular activities that you did? What did you gain? What did you contribute? How do you prioritize school and work responsibilities? Describe your typical week.

7. 6 PREPARING RESPONSES TO ANTICIPATED QUESTIONS PROFESSIONALISM QUESTIONS (contd) – What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction, and why? What professional goals have you set for yourself? How do you plan on achieving them?

8. 7 PREPARING RESPONSES TO ANTICIPATED QUESTIONS TEAM-ORIENTED FOCUS QUESTIONS – Tell me about a situation where you had to work with a group of people whose working styles were very different. How did you manage this? – Have you ever worked with a difficult client, co-worker or peer? How did you handle the situation? – What is the most useful criticism youve ever received? What did you learn? – Tell me about a situation where you helped a colleague achieve a goal. – How do you build trust with clients or colleagues? – Describe an ideal working relationship with your colleagues.

9. 8 IN THE INTERVIEW – Appearance – Demeanor – Interest level – Highlighting your strengths – Addressing your weaknesses – Listening to the interviewer and answering her questions – Interviewing with senior level personnel – Interviewing with junior level personnel – Staying on top of your game for a 3+ hour interview

10. 9 AFTER THE INTERVIEW Interviewee – Follow up – Salary/benefits/title negotiation – Use your contacts – Letters of recommendation Interviewer – 360 evaluations – Internet search of interviewee – Review of recommendations