Impression Management

Making a Making a GREATGREAT First First Impression!Impression!

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What to Take?

Résumés (and LOTS of them!)A general Resume works well in this situation with

strong objective.Portfolio

Your 9"x12" leather-bound or vinyl-bound portfolio will be used to store your résumés and for taking notes after talking with each company.

A BIG Smile and a Positive AttitudeBe Enthusiastic

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Awesome interviewing skills:

Getting the position!

Presented by:The Career Management CenterIn

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kills

When you get the Interview:

• Research the company.• What questions will I be

asked?• Develop questions to ask.• Practice, Practice & more

Practice.• What should I wear?• What should I take with me?

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Researching the Company:

• The WWW• The Career Management Center• MSU Career Fairs• Trade Magazines• Things you need to know:

Size of the companyCompetitorsEconomic Markets Products & ServicesLocationsAny additional information you can think of!

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What questions will they ask?

• Tell me about yourself…• Describe a situation in which you were

successful…• Greatest strengths.. Greatest weakness…• What do you know about our company?• Why did you chose to attend your college?• What motivates you?• What do you believe is “ethical

responsibility”?• Are you willing to relocate?

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Focusing on the Question

Remember “STAR” When answering questions!

• S - Situation (Place or Event) • T - Task (Assignment, Mission or Job)• A - Action (What did you do or not

do?)• R - Result (What happened in the

end?)

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Developing your own questions:

• What type of person are you looking for to fill this position?

• How did you become apart of this company?• What long term employment opportunities

does your company offer?• What is the rate of employee turnover?• What do employees seem to like best and least

about the company?• Will I have a corporate mentor?• Are there any opportunities to receive further

training in my specific field?• Are there extra-curricular activities that I can

be involved in?

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Practice, Practice, Practice!!!

• Have your mom/dad/friend or anyone ask you some questions about YOU!

• If you have a video camera, use it!• Use a mirror• Focus on answering the question!• Be yourself~ Don’t LIE!• Practice saying positive statements

about yourself!• When you have done this…

Practice some MORE!!!!

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What should I wear?

• Dress professional• Ladies

• No sandals or flip-flops. Close toe shoes.• Nice, professional attire.

• Guys• No polo shirts.• Nice shirt and tie.

• What will set you apart in a professional way?

• Don’t leave the interviewer asking, “Are they serious?”

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What should I take with me?

• A SMILE!• A positive attitude!• A Leather-bound Folder or a

Notebook•With a tablet of paper•A pen/pencil •Extra copies of your resume•List of References

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Make sure you do the following:

• Maintain good eye contact.• Always smile and be congenial. • Be positive about yourself, past

employers and the future.• Make sure the interviewer

knows you are excited about the position.Inte

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Things to avoid in an interview:

• Answers that are too short. • More detail or information than is

necessary.• Becoming frustrated or uneasy when

asked stressful questions. It’s okay to ask for clarification.

• Making derogatory or negative statements about former employers or positions.

• Discussions regarding politics, religion, company problems, and (during the first interview) salary information or benefits.

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Close the Deal!

• Send thank you card• Determine when you will hear

back• Firm handshake & look them in

the eye.• Thank the interviewer for his/her

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Questions?If you have further questions of

concerns, please contact:

Stephanie SullivanCareer Management CenterMidwestern State University

(940) 397-4432

Stephanie.sullivan@mwsu.eduInte

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