IMPORTANT INTERVIEWING TIPS!!!

Dear Fellow B-W Students,

Have you ever wondered how to prepare for an interview? How to answer questions. How not to answer questions. What to ask. What not to ask. Have you thought about how you act during an interview? Perhaps you fidget or close your eyes or make funny faces.

If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, I would encourage you to drop by Career Services and take advantage of a great technology tool. Wouldn’t it be great to see yourself in an interview situation and be able to evaluate yourself? With Perfect Interview, you can hear your "ums", "uhs" and "okays", listen to your responses and observe your behavior. Perfect Interview is a software program that simulates an interview situation. A web cam actually tapes your practice interview. The software includes features to coach and guide you in answering questions appropriately. How great is that? I have used Perfect Interview and it was helpful to see my reactions. Now I know what I need to practice to improve my interviewing skills. So stop by Career Services and schedule a time to use the Perfect Interview software. Practice is key to acing an interview.

Here are some interviewing tips that I have found helpful:

· Research the company you are interviewing, jot down notes to take with you to your interview.
· Prepare a list of question to ask the interviewer(s).
· Prepare any documents, writing samples, extra copies of your resume ahead of time. Avoid doing this the day of your interview.
· Get enough sleep the night before
· If the location of the interview is at an unfamiliar place, drive by the day before to avoid getting lost and being late the day of your interview.
· Make sure you are comfortable in business attire. It is always best to err on the conservative side than to not be professionally dressed.
· Arrival early to have time to catch your breath and observe the work environment.
· Ask for a business card to follow-up with a thank you note.

Here are some questions that are common for an interviewer to ask:

1. Tell me about yourself?
2. Describe a difficult work situation/project and how you overcame it.
3. What do you find are the most difficult decisions to make?
4. How do you handle stress and pressure?
5. What do people most often criticize about you?
6. Why should we hire you?
7. What challenges are you looking for in a position?
8. What did you like or dislike about your previous job?
9. Who was your best boss and who was the worst?
10. If you can have your ideal position, what would it be and what would you be doing?
11. What do/did you like most about your job? (As listed in your resume)
12. What is your salary requirement? Make sure to research and respond with a broad range. (Don't ask for too much or too little).