Wednesday, April 17, 2013

All About Interviewing




To successfully get a job after graduation, you will need to conduct a good job search strategy. You should search, network, fill out applications, create resumes and cover letter, and interview. For most job candidates, interviewing is the most stressful part of job searching. Follow these guidelines and you’ll be able to interview effectively.
Before you interview, you need to do a self-assessment. You should ask yourself the following questions:
  • What are my skills and talents?
  • What are five words that describe myself? Are there stories that explain the “why” you would describe yourself in those five words?
  • What are my goals and dreams?
  • What is my proudest accomplishment?
  • What would you do if you knew you would not fail?
When applying to jobs or internships, you want to make sure your application stands out for all the right reasons!
  • Make sure your contact information is correct
  • Pay attention to detail: make sure your experience, degrees, and certifications are up to date on the application and the more detail the better — use keywords in posted job description
There are several types of interviews that you could have. These include telephone screening, one on one, panel, traditional, or behavioral based interviews.
To prepare for an interview, you need to make you do the following:
  • Bring several complete application material packets to onsite interviews (application, cover letter, and resume)
  • The Elevator Pitch
  • Be Prepared to Answer: Why here? Why now? Why this opportunity?
After an interview, it is always important to follow-up with your interviewers.
  • It starts before you leave the interview — ask for business cards of anyone who is interviewing you
  • Send your thank you ASAP to each person who interviews you
If you’re still nervous about interviewing, you can contact us or set up a mock interview with Emmy or Shannon!