Preparing for yourPreparing for your Interview Interview

What the Employer is What the Employer is SeekingSeeking Communication skillsCommunication skills Focus & attention to detailFocus & attention to detail Ability to learnAbility to learn Honesty & accountabilityHonesty & accountability Teamwork & potential fit Teamwork & potential fit

within their organizationwithin their organization AdaptabilityAdaptability An employee who will be An employee who will be

an asset to the an asset to the organizationorganization

Prepare for the InterviewPrepare for the Interview

Research the company: Attend an Research the company: Attend an employer presentation, read about employer presentation, read about the employer and the position, talk the employer and the position, talk to faculty, past interns, or a company to faculty, past interns, or a company employee.employee.

Identify YOUR Key StrengthsIdentify YOUR Key Strengths PracticePractice PackPack Appearance counts!Appearance counts!

Professional PresentationProfessional Presentation

What does professionalism look like…or not?What does professionalism look like…or not? Arrive 5-10 minutes earlyArrive 5-10 minutes early A firm, but gentle, handshake – not a monster A firm, but gentle, handshake – not a monster

grip!grip! Eye contactEye contact Eagerness & enthusiasmEagerness & enthusiasm Neat clothing Neat clothing Personal cleanlinessPersonal cleanliness EatingEating CommunicationCommunication

Why the Challenging Why the Challenging Questions?Questions?

QualificationsQualifications FitFit Information - STAR - Past actions are Information - STAR - Past actions are

the best prediction of future the best prediction of future behavior.behavior.

Technical abilityTechnical ability

QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT BE QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT BE ASKEDASKED

Some of the old favorites:Some of the old favorites:

Tell me about yourself.Tell me about yourself.

What are your long-range goals?What are your long-range goals?

What are your greatest strengths?What are your greatest strengths?

What are your greatest weaknesses?What are your greatest weaknesses?

Why did you choose your major?Why did you choose your major?

Do you prefer to have a lot of Do you prefer to have a lot of supervision supervision or do you work well on your or do you work well on your own?own?

Behavior-Based QuestionsBehavior-Based Questions Some of the new favorites:Some of the new favorites:

Give me an example of a time when you set aGive me an example of a time when you set a

goal and were able to meet or achieve it.goal and were able to meet or achieve it.

Tell me about a time when you were Tell me about a time when you were extremely extremely

busy and had to prioritize your tasks.busy and had to prioritize your tasks.

Describe an unpopular decision you had toDescribe an unpopular decision you had to

make.make.

Give me an example of a time when youGive me an example of a time when you

motivated others.motivated others.

Additional Interview TipsAdditional Interview Tips

Directions Ask questions Thank the interviewer Ask for a business card Offer another firm, but gentle, handshake Send a thank you note