1. Identify what you have to sell
What are some of your top three skills or experiences that you have over the competition? What gives you the competitive advantage over other applicants? After all, this is what makes you unique or special (in a good way) in landing your first entry-level position.
2. Prepare examples
At this point, think about certain scenarios such as: What have you done to go above and beyond? How have you handled pressure in certain situations? How have you dealt with members of your group or colleagues? Having these statements prepared will show confidence and shows that you are ready for the interview and the position.
3. Have questions at the end of the interview
People have made the mistake of not having questions ready for when the employer asks “Do you have any questions?” This shows that you have zero interest in the organization and this will get you eliminated from consideration. It is important to have at least 3-5 questions to ask at the end of the interview. Questions such as “What career path will this position lead towards?” or “How will my performance be evaluated?” or “What are the day to day duties of a typical person in this position?” These are all great questions to ask at the end of the interview. It shows that you care and are interested in the position. It also gives them the sense you are interested in the long-term.
4. Practice
Even the pros practice! You should schedule a mock interview with one of your Career Counselors. This way you can practice the timing of certain questions and certain responses and get critical feedback!
5. Be prepared for surprises
The surprises can mean lunch or any pre-employment exams such as Excel, Word or PowerPoint. Try to pre-determine these things by doing some research before scheduling the interview. This way you can prepare by taking tutorials in all three programs, for example.
6. Know where you are going
Make sure you have the correct address. You can also confirm the address with your Career Counselor. It’s smart to do a dry run the day before the interview so you will be familiar with the location of the interview. Ensure you GPS does not malfunction and also print the direction if the GPS fails. Be sure to leave with enough time to anticipate for any traffic. DON’T BE LATE!!
7. Bring several copies of your resume
Make sure you have copies of your resume. Even if the recruiter has a copy, it is always good to have several in case there is more than one manager or an immediate second interview. A portfolio also comes in handy because they may ask for references or even a writing sample from you. (It depends on the position.) For more details on the contents of the portfolio, please see your Career Counselor.
Written by Jairo Borja
I find this blog very helpful. Although, I am usually proactive and ready for questions about how could I be a good asset to the Job and what experience or skills I might have an advantage over other applicants , I now know to ask questions after a interview to show my interest in the Job.
ReplyDeleteI believe that this an very helpful tool especially for someone as myself that has never had an job since I was 16 yrs old this can help me improve with my interviewing skills and to prepare myself better
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading this blog. It was useful. There were many actions in this blog that I had not considered prior to attending an interview. For instance, I had never prepared examples or acted out an interview. This blog showed me to be prepared for the best and worst to happen.
ReplyDeleteKnowing the company that you are appling for helps and gives you the knowledge needed to know if this is the company that you want to work for.During the investigation of the companies backround, what they offer, their services, etc. will help you to prepare questions for the interviewer at the end of your interview.
ReplyDeleteJacqueline Williams
BUS 225
5:30 - 6:20
i enjoyed this post because this tell people on how to prepared for a interview.
ReplyDeleteThis is very helpful because you have to know what to say on an interview and how to say it I know before i go on any interview i research questions that the employer will ask me
ReplyDeleteThis blog is my favorite because now I no where I went wrong in all my past interviews. I now realize that I need to practice, sell myself to the employer, and ask questions. This blog is very insightful.
ReplyDelete