Career Planning - Job Search

Interviewing

Discover who you are, what your skills and abilities are, and then find a career that fits you

Once you've landed an interview, you'll need to sell yourself as the best qualified candidate by expanding on information contained in your resumé and by demonstrating that you have the experience, skills, and abilities to meet the employer's requirements.

Interviews may take place face to face — possibly in teams, with more than one person asking questions and having influence over the hiring decision — or they can be over the telephone or even over the computer. Regardless of the setting, be prepared to answer a variety of questions with confidence and poise.

Do:	Don't:
Research the company and the salary range for the job you're seeking.	Bring anyone with you.
Arrange for transportation, if necessary; make a trial run to the company location so you are certain where to go and how long it takes to get there.	Be late or more than 15 minutes early.
Rehearse before the interview. The more experience you have with interviewing, the more relaxed and confident you'll be.	Smoke or eat strong-flavored foods, such as garlic, prior to the interview.
Be well groomed and dress appropriately for the position for which you're applying.	Be rude to anyone; you don't know who may have influence over the hiring process.
Bring extra resumés.	Chew gum.
Have a list of references on a separate sheet.	Wear heavy perfume or cologne.
Bring a portfolio or samples of your work.	Slouch; sit up straight, but be relaxed.
Bring a notepad and pen for note taking.	Yawn.
Arrive a few minutes early.	Talk about your personal or financial problems.
Be friendly and businesslike with everyone you meet; smile and offer a handshake.	Give simple yes or no answers; pause and think carefully so you can give considered responses to each question.
Maintain good eye contact.	Start discussing salary and benefits before the interviewer brings up the topic; listen to what the interviewer has to say before asking for more information.
Be prepared to ask and answer questions.	Ramble when unclear about a question; ask for clarification.
Emphasize your skills.	Make negative comments about other employers.
Send a thank you note (or email) within a day or so after the interview, then follow up with a phone call a few days later to inquire whether a decision has been made.	Leave without asking for the job if you want it.

What Employers Look For in an Interview

Employers want to get a sense of who you are as well as what you can do. Often, the applicant who gets the job offer is the one the interviewer feels "fits in" best with their organization — not only in terms of skills and abilities, but in personality and temperament.

By practicing your interviewing techniques, you'll gain confidence so that you can present yourself in a friendly, assured manner. Be relaxed and professional, but be yourself.

Also, when researching potential employers, learn as much as you can about their "corporate culture." Use your network to find out what the "atmosphere" is like in companies where you're considering working.

Applications

Most employers will ask you to complete an application form. Read the directions carefully, print neatly, and fill in all the blanks. Be prepared to provide the following information. Having it all together on one piece of paper or index card may be helpful.

Address and telephone number where you can be contacted

Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of previous employers

List of school programs and special skills/achievements that help qualify you for the job

Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three references

Driver's license

Drug & Alcohol Testing

Some application forms will include questions or statements about alcohol or drug use. You may want to inquire about the company's drug testing policies. You should also be prepared to submit to a drug test. To be hired for most jobs today, you must be able to pass a drug test. In addition, an employer may decide not to hire you if you have ever been arrested for or convicted of drug use or possession.

Use this
Interview Checklist
to make sure you're prepared