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· A way for you and a potential employer
to get to know each other.
· A dialogue in which the employer assesses your background
and skills, and provides you with information about the job,
organization and you provide information about your skills
and get enough information to decide whether this job/organization
is right for you.
Getting an interview usually means that you're
qualified for the position, so the actual interview is a chance
for the interviewer to confirm your qualifications, and to
find out what you're like and how you will fit into the organization.
Qualities you should try to demonstrate in an
interview are:
· Good communication skills
· Self confidence (being aware of your strengths and
weaknesses)
· Your personality
· Your accomplishments
· Knowledge of organization with which you=re interviewing
Interviewing is a skill that is learned and
developed over time; everyone gets nervous at first. Preparation
and practice are the keys to overcoming nervousness and becoming
an effective interviewer. Here are some tips:
· Know yourself, your skills, strengths
and accomplishments. Prepare short examples to illustrate
these qualities.
· Be sure that you can talk about (and give examples
relating to) everything listed on your resume.
· Research the employer/job so that you know as much
as you can about the organization and possible position. Interviewers
won't expect you to spout statistics, but they will expect
you to know the basics about the position/organization and
how your skills relate.
· Practice. Be videotaped at the Career Advising &
Fieldwork Center, have friends ask you questions into a tape
recorder and play them back.
· Prepare questions to ask of your interviewer.
Dressing for success!
· Dressing appropriately is important.
Your goal is to dress so that the interviewer does not notice
what you are wearing. The interviewer should remember your
qualifications, not your clothes.
· The rule of thumb is to dress like the people who
will be interviewing you. Suits and ties are still appropriate
for men; suits or nice dresses for women.
· Avoid scents, flashy earrings, anything that detracts
from your presentation of your qualifications.
Preliminaries:
· Arrive early to your interview (leave
time to get lost if you are traveling to the interview).
· It is appropriate to bring a portfolio/nice folder
and a purse, if appropriate, in to the interview. If you are
an artist or an educator, you may bring a portfolio and samples
of your work.
· Leave coats, briefcases, umbrellas, etc. in the reception
area.
· Bring extra copies of your resume and a list of reference
names into the interview with you. You may not need them,
but you will be prepared if asked.
The Actual Interview:
· Interviews should be like conversations,
where participants take turn speaking and listening. Try to
avoid creating a situation in which the interviewer asks all
the questions.
· The first few minutes of an interview are important.
Try to greet interviewer confidently, make eye contact and
shake hands. Know their name and make sure they get yours
right. Practice saying your name in a confident, easy to understand
manner.
· Be positive.
· Be honest about what you want.
· Be specific, give examples to make your dialogue
interesting.
· Practice interviewing can help you feel comfortable
and sure of yourself.
After the interview:
· Be nice to everyone, including receptionists
and secretaries. They may not have the power to hire you,
but they may be asked for input into the decision.
· Follow-up your interview with a thank-you note as
soon as possible. Call, if appropriate, to continue to express
interest in the position.
Sometimes an initial interview will be
over the telephone rather than in person. Always schedule
a phone interview in advance, then prepare in the same way
as you would for an in-person meeting. Before the interview
begins, assemble your resume, notes, and questions in front
of the phone. Wear whatever allows you to feel most confident.
And remember, since the interviewer cannot see your body language,
your voice has to convey all your interest and enthusiasm.
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