| |
|
 During the Interview
 Make a Positive Impression
Confirm the interview time, place, and with whom you will be meeting, including titles. Be sure to get directions and ask about parking. Arrive about 15 minutes early so you are not rushed and have time to collect yourself.
Be sure to show respect and courtesy to ALL employees with whom you interact as they may be asked to provide input on the candidates.
- Relax, Be Yourself, and Listen
Introductions and handshakes, dress, eye contact, enthusiasm and that initial small talk with the recruiter all help to create that first impression of you as a potential employee.
Relax, be honest, and remember that an interview is a conversation. Many hiring decisions are made based on personality and fit, since several candidates may actually be well qualified for the position.
Follow the lead of the interviewer, do not interrupt, and be sure that you understand the question asked, or ask for clarification. If you need to pause to collect your thoughts before answering a question, do so.
- Commitment to the Career Field
Employers like to know that you have done some thinking about your career goals and that their open position and organization fit appropriately into those goals. Your depth of commitment to the career field indicates how long you might stay with the organization and in the available position. If you are targeting more than one type of position or organization, be sure that you focus on career goals compatible with the position for which you are interviewing.
-
Personal Qualifications and Background
Be able to discuss your educational program(s), coursework, related experiences, leadership roles, and internships that support your candidacy for the position. The National Association of Colleges and Employers conducts a survey of employers each year to ask about the top skills and qualities of the ideal candidate. Below are the results of their latest survey, with skills listed in order of importance. Be sure to look for ways to articulate how you have developed these important skills.
Key Skills & Qualities of the Ideal Candidate:
- Communication Skills (verbal and written)
- Honesty/Integrity
- Interpersonal Skills (relate well to others)
- Strong Work Ethic
- Teamwork Skills (work well with others)
- Analytical Skills
- Computer Skills
- Motivation/Initiative
- Flexibility/Adaptability
- Detail Oriented
- Organizational Skills
- Leadership Skills
- Self-confidence
- Friendly/outgoing personality
- Tactfulness/well-mannered
- Creativity
- GPA (3.0 or better)
- Entrpreneurial skills/risk taker
- Sense of humor
- Bilingual skills
|
|
