Interview Preparation

Here are some options for you to use to help prepare you for the interview process

General The interview process is a crucial first step. It provides you the ability to make a lasting impression on a prospective employer. Below we have provided some hints and tips with your interview Interview Tips & Hints Sample Interview Questions Mock Interviews & Interview Preparation Workshops Resume Writing Workshops Forcina 155 Career Library: TBA Resume Critique Drop-In Hours Forcina 155 Career Library: TBA   If you are unable to drop-in during the above scheduled times, drop your resume off at Career Services, Forcina 158. It will be reviewed by a career counselor within three business days   For Education Majors Only! Interview Skills Workshop for EID Candidates Monday, February 2, 2009 5:00-6:30 PM Wednesday, February 18, 2009 5:00-6:30 PM Sample Interview Questions for Education Interviews

Interview Preparations Sources Career Services Handbook Vault Guide to Interviews Books 2005 Job Search Handbook for Educators Knock 'Em Dead by Martin Yate Interview for Dummies by Joyce Lain Kennedy National Business Employment Weekly Job Interview Almanac by Adams Publishing Interview Tips Video Asking Questions in a Job Interviews Dining Etiquette Choosing a Major The Telephone Interview

Interview Tips & Hints

The interview process is a crucial first step. It provides you the ability to make a lasting impression on a prospective employer. Below we have provided some hints and tips with your interview. If you have any further questions call Career Services.

• General Tips & Hints
• Proper Interview Attire
• The Interview Do's
• The Interview Don'ts

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General Tips & Hints

• Try to be conservative.
• Your attire can and will out voice you, if you allow it to. Keep your attire simple.
• Hair should be neat and trimmed. Style your hair so it won't fall into your face if that is a problem.
• Keep clean hygiene. Nobody wants to hire a dirty person.
• Cologne and perfume are nice, but should be kept to a minimum.
• Clothing should be neat and pressed.
• Remember your resume! Carry it in a briefcase or portfolio.

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Proper Interview Attire

The clothes you wear to an interview say a lot about you. Make sure you dress to impress!

Men:

• The suit should fit comfortably, permitting 1/2 in. of the shirt sleeve to shows. Pant legs should barely hit the shoe. Try to keep the color choice dark, but avoid black.
• Dress shirt with bottom down collars, neatly pressed. Light, but not bright colors should do the trick. And make sure you wear an undershirt.
• The tie should always be darker than your shirt, never extending below the belt. Solid colors or small patterns work best.
• Shoes should be newly shined, while wearing dark socks. Shoe color is best matched with your belt.

Women:

• The suit should be a business dress, with a jacket, but try not to wear trendy lapels or buttons. Keep colors conservative. Oh, and be sure to keep the skirt length right at knee length.
• Avoid a low-cut or see-through blouse. Keep the colors neutral, but not loud and bright.
• Too much make-up can be devastating to the interview, as well as the amount of jewelry. Keep earrings and rings simple, with one to each ear or hand.
• Avoid heels higher than 2 in. and open toe shoes. Keep shoe color coordinated with the rest of your attire. You do not want to clash.

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Interview Do's

• Give a firm handshake at the start and completion of each interview.
• Be clean, including fingernails.
• Maintain steady eye contact at all times with the interviewer(s).
• Always remember to say "Thank you" at the end of the interview.
• Ask the interviewer(s) for their business card.

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Interview Don'ts

• Do not exhibit nervous or stressful body behavior.
• Do not wear excess perfume or cologne.
• Do not wear facial jewelry.

Remember: You're there for the interview, not the job.

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