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Interview Tips

DRESS PROFESSIONALLY

Stick to conservative solid colors such as tan, grey, black, white. Blazers are a professional touch for either men or women. Men: button down shirt, tie and slacks. Women: blouse and slacks/skirt. Make sure skirt is knee length or longer. Avoid perfume, colognes, and smoking.

INTERVIEW TIPS

  1. Research the business before the interview.
  2. Greet the employer with a firm handshake.
  3. Make frequent eye contact.
  4. Smile, be polite, breathe and try to relax.
  5. Be upbeat and make concise positive statements.
  6. Use examples of how your skills and abilities would fit the job.
  7. Prepare several accomplishment statements.
  8. Be truthful and be yourself.

QUESTIONS TO EXPECT

  1. What do you know about the type of work we do?
    • Thoroughly research the company on the Internet before you go to the interview.
    • If you can, find someone you know who has knowledge of this company.
  2. What is your greatest weakness?
    • Show a "weakness" that you have overcome and tell how you manage it now.
    • Don't pick a weakness that could raise a red flag, such as reoccurring lateness, impatience, bad temper.
  3. What are your greatest strengths?
    • Begin by discussing qualities that you know will be important in your new field.
    • Provide specific examples or stories to highlight at least two of these qualities.
  4. Why did you leave your last job?
    • Don't be negative about your past employer.
    • State the services, or opportunities that your past employer could not provide but your present employer does provide.
    • If you left under negative circumstances, practice an answer that is honest, brief and don't over explain.
  5. Why should we hire you?
    • Prepare a 30 second statement highlighting your skills and abilities related to this position.
    • Express your enthusiasm and confidence in your ability to do the work.
    • Discuss your past work experience and specific accomplishments.
    • Emphasize ways in which you have made a difference to past employers and show what extra value you could bring to the job/company.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE EMPLOYER

  1. Do you have any concerns about my skills and experience that I could address at this time?
  2. What does a typical day look like for this position?
  3. What do you see as my greatest challenges within the first six months on the job?
  4. When do you expect to make a hiring decision?

CLOSING

  1. Thank the interviewer for their time.
  2. Request a business card.
  3. Make eye contact and shake hands with a firm handshake.
  4. Send a thank-you note addressed to the interviewer.