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Interviewing Workshop
Presented by: Peter Wick, FCAS, MAAA
Sarah Shoemaker
Milliman, Inc.
September 10, 2009
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Agenda
Introduction
Ten Ways to Blow an Interview
Follow-Up
Questions
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Introduction
Peter G. Wick, FCAS, MAAA
– Principal and Consulting Actuary, Milliman, Inc. – Milwaukee, WI
– University of Wisconsin Graduate – 1978
– 31 years experience, last 24 at Milliman, Inc.
– Chairman, Milliman Recruiting Committee
Sarah Shoemaker
– Actuarial Assistant, Milliman, Inc. – Milwaukee, WI
– Purdue University Graduate - 2008
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10 Ways to Blow an Interview
1. Come in Jeans and a T-shirt
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What to Wear
Men
– Suit & tie
– Belt
– Dark socks
– Make sure your shoes are tied
– Clean shave
– Wear conservative jewelry and cologne
Women
– Suit – Skirts are acceptable but should be knee length
– Blouse – Nothing low cut or revealing
– Simple jewelry – Nothing dangly that can become a distraction
– Be conservative with makeup and perfume
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10 Ways to Blow an Interview
2. Act like you would rather be somewhere else by avoiding eye contact or acting nervous
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How to Act
Shake hand firmly
Speak clearly
Show an interest in the interviewer
Focus on the style of the interviewer and adapt
Have a positive attitude
Research the company
Plan ahead and be ready to support everything on your resume
Practice interviewing
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10 Ways to Blow an Interview3. When asked if you have any questions, just say “no”
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Questions to Ask
Describe the duties of the job for me
What do you offer students in terms of study hours?
What is your pass ratio?
In what ways is a career with your company better than one with your competitors?
What do you like best about your company?
What skills are especially important for someone in this position?
When should I expect to hear from you or should I contact you?
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Questions NOT to Ask
What does this company do?
Will I have to work overtime?
What do I have to do to get to your position?
Why do you think I’d be a good fit for the company?
If I get the job, how soon can I use my vacation?
How much will I get paid?
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10 Ways to Blow an Interview
4. Tell the interviewer you did not learn anything in college because your professors were idiots
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How to Respond
Avoid negative comments and single word answers
Try to maintain a flowing conversation
Give appropriate responses that relate to the interviewer or company
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10 Ways to Blow an Interview5. Explain your 2.3 GPA by saying “I wasn’t motivated, but if you hire me
I will be”
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Motivation
If you did well, be able to explain why you were so successful
Avoid being a know-it-all
If you had a rocky patch, it is OK as long as you can show why and explain what you changed
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10 Ways to Blow an Interview6. Explain your lack of exam progress as being due to excessive
drinking
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Exams
Interviewers do not need to know specifics about your life outside of school work
Every company will be different when it comes to exams
– Passing two exams will open many doors
– Can you have too many exams?
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10 Ways to Blow an Interview7. Tell the interviewer from Wisconsin you can’t wait until Purdue beats
the Badgers in football, basketball, and every other sport
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First Impressions
Don’t make a bad impression
You are trying to find out about the company, but the company is also trying to find out about you
Be yourself
Know your audience
Networking is a big part of the working world - - you never know who you might run into down the road
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10 Ways to Blow an Interview
8. Tell the interviewer the best way to contact you is via your cell phone and then lose it
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Best Form of Contact
Be careful with call backs.
– Could happen at an inconvenient time for you
– Roommate answers
– You pick up not knowing who is calling
– Make sure you are in a quiet environment
Using e-mail as best form of contact is acceptable as well
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10 Ways to Blow an Interview
9. Have incriminating photos on Facebook
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Social Networks
What you put on the web is out there for anyone to see, not only your friends
Facebook and other social networks can give employers the wrong impression of you
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10 Ways to Blow an Interview
10. Return for your afternoon of onsite interviewing covered in your lunch
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Dining Out
Be careful with what you order
– Wings, ribs, and spaghetti are all very messy
Alcohol not acceptable for lunches
– If taken to dinner and alcohol is ordered, watch your consumption
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10 Ways to Blow an Interview1. Come in jeans and a T-shirt
2. Act like you would rather be somewhere else by avoiding eye contact or acting nervous
3. When asked if you have any questions, just say “no”
4. Tell the interviewer you did not learn anything in college because your professors were idiots
5. Explain your 2.3 GPA by saying “I wasn’t motivated, but if you hire me I will be”
6. Explain your lack of exam progress as being due to excessive drinking
7. Tell the guy from Wisconsin you can’t wait until Purdue beats the Badgers in football, basketball, and every other sport
8. Tell the interviewer the best way to contact you is via your cell phone and then lose it
9. Have incriminating photos on Facebook
10. Return for your afternoon of onsite interviewing covered in your lunch
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Follow-Up
Order of importance
– Handwritten letter
– Typed letter
Send in a timely manner
– 1-2 days
Do not send exact same letter to everyone in the company
Will not make or break your interview, but could be a deciding factor
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Questions??
