Tips & Tricks of

Interviewing!MiKayla Sanocki

Leadership Development CoordinatorJanuary 22nd, 2011

LET’S GET MOVING!!

- What is your favorite movie?- What is your least favorite subject in school?- What is your favorite pizza topping?- What do you like to do the most over the weekend?

Types of Interviews

• Phone• Behavioral• Formal• Dinner• Personal

Where to Start?• Research• Up date resume • Dress• The Interview• Tips & Tricks

Research• Find out about the Organization

– Mission Statements?– Goals?– Main Purpose of Organization?

• Ask around, see if anyone else you know has worked there

• Write down questions that pertain

Up Date Materials• Cards• Resumes (Extra copies)• References:

–Give them a heads up–Current place of employment

• Cover Letter• Portfolio• Any materials given to them earlier

Dress for success

Men• Dress Suit • Solid dress Shirt• Shoe color matches Belt color• Long dress socks match your pants• No pink or Crazy ties• Good Hygiene• Winter Time:

– Professional coat

Women• Classic Looks• No Bold Print• No revealing Clothes• No Jingly Bangles• Close toed shoes

– No or low heel height• Tame jewelry• Good Hygiene• Hair• 4 B’s

– Back, Butt, Breast, Belly

The Interview

• Be on Time– Arrive 15 Minutes Early

• Eye Contact• Firm Handshake • Upbeat attitude• Confidence!

During the Interview

• Avoid Swiveling Chairs

• Use hand gestures or keep hands in lap

• Avoid any fidgeting

Mirror Techniques

• Voice• Formal vs. Casual• Hand gestures• Eye Contact• Proximity

Mirror the actions of the interviewer

During the Interview

• Ask Questions:– About the company

• What’s a typical day like?

– About the Interviewer• How did you come to work here?

– When do you expect to have your decision made?

After the Interview

• FOLLOW UP!– Hand written thank you note

within 24 hours

– If you’re hired: Thank them again

– If you’re not: Formally thank them for the opportunity & that you appreciate their time.

Question Categories Typically asked by Employers

• Background/Activities/Volunteer• Work Experience• Interests• Motivations• Work Relationships• Character• Knowledge

Questions!

• Tell me about Past Job experiences.• Tell me about your worst boss.

Never Bad Mouth Past Employers, Friends or Colleagues!

*Find a way to show what you have learned from the experience and share that with the interviewer

Your Turn!

• What are your BEST qualities?• What are your WORST qualities?• How do you handle DIFFICULT people?• How would other people DESCRIBE you?• How do you answer “Tell me about yourself?”

Take some time to think about the answers to these questions. Always show that you are willing to learn and adapt to situations around you.

Tips

• Take time to reflect on yourself• Practice key answers

– Incorporate past experiences and examples• Say them out loud to build comfort• NOW is not the time to by MODEST• Be genuinely curious

Tips

• Questions should show a working knowledge of the company

• Don’t get too personal• Don’t ask about compensation or benefits• Show enthusiasm for how you can contribute• Have business maturity

On Campus Resources

• Career Services– Interview Stream– In your own home:

• http://www.winona.edu/career/interviewstream.html

– Or at career Services

• Advisors

Questions?