Interviewing Tips

Interviewing Tips for Recent Graduates

Dress for Success Preparing for the Interview The Interview After the Interview

When in Doubt, Dress for Success

         Women: Suit or business dress, NO low cut necklines, NO very short skirts.
                         We advise no pants/slacks.
                         Add color in blouse, scarf, etc., neutral hose, medium heel,
                          moderate make-up, moderate jewelry
                          Avoid noise (charm bracelets, etc.)

Men: Dark suit, white shirt, tie, dark socks; low, dark, polished dress shoes.
Clean-shaven is safer.

                All:   Avoid clothes that wrinkle easily, look floppy or baggy.
                         No neon colors, casual wear, spandex, jeans, sneaks.
                         Nails and hair must be clean, trim, no garish colors.
                         Get opinions of friends, spouse, consultant, professor etc.
                         Sit in front of full-length mirror. This is what the interviewer will see!!

Preparing for the Interview

Do not accept an interview “just for the sake of learning how to interview”, or if you are truly not interested in the employer or position. Instead, practice with an experienced interviewer: parent, neighbor, advisor, and business friend.

Be realistic about relocation requests. If you live in New Jersey and want a job in Denver, consider the costs and logistics of several interviews and relocation. Few employers are prepared to pay these for an entry-level candidate. Instead, drive/fly there and stay for several weeks, making you available for interviews. Specifically notify the prospective employer in advance.

Know your prospective employer and be prepared to discuss (see details in section “The Interview” )

Contact Marketing Dept. for annual reports, marketing brochures, and
newsletters.

Research via library or Internet and get recent publications on company/facility.

Contact peers, former co-workers, instructors, what they know of company, facility.

Set up the interview

Confirm the time, length of interview and place.

Ask the name, correct spelling, and title of person(s) conducting the interview(s).

Get accurate directions. Practice getting there. Determine drive time, parking etc. Tour the site in advance.

Ask about the interviewers: Their role, concerns, special requests, what they will discuss.

Get a phone number to contact if you need to cancel, or are running late (Reminder: Late is not appropriate!!)

Confirm interview the day before.

Never be a no-show. Your reputation is at stake here.

Bring:

Extra resumes (one for each person you will be meeting and an additional spare) Keep resumes flat, not folded.

Names, addresses, phones of references

Your social security #.

Small pad, (portfolio type is good), professional pen

Samples of your work, only if very notable, and shared only after requested.

Do not bring large bags, heavy briefcases.

Meeting Each Other

Be on time, but no more than 10 minutes early. Go elsewhere if you are too early.

Listen carefully for names, titles, get spelling of names. Ask for their card!

No gum chewing or smoking even if offered. We also recommend not drinking liquids.

Avoid poor body language: Propped elbows, drifting eyes, fidgeting hands, slouching, face and hair touching, wriggling in seat, frequent head nodding. Practice this!!

Maintain direct eye contact. SMILE!!

The Interview

Expect that you will do 50% of the talking. Ask if it’s OK to take notes, and then prepare to do so.

Stay positive. Enthusiasm goes a long way. Avoid negative comments about current or former employers, peers.

Listen and respond to the questions. Feel free to ask for a moment to think about the question. Elaborate, but do not drift away from the point.

Offer your skills and knowledge: Technical and clinical expertise, computer applications, food science, organizational.

Describe your attributes: Humor, honesty, loyalty, creativity, values, ambition, interpersonal savvy, problem solving, and teaching ability.

Closing
Some tactical suggestions for Salary overview:

If the company asks you what you need for salary, ask if positions are in fixed salary bands/ grades and, under what circumstances would a starting salary vary. Ask if there is an incentive program. Return the question with a question!

Explain if you are flexible depending upon benefits, profitability, challenge, and interest in the job. If the stated range is too low, explain your interest in position, but that the salary may be a sticking point. Discuss possibility of a 3-month review and an increase based on performance, passing RD test etc.

If this is the only face to face interview, request benefit information, preferably from Human Resources. Ask what the time frame is to fill the job and if their will be subsequent interviews. If you are interested in the job or employer, tell them so! Ask when you will hear back. Who will be the contact person? Is there anything else they need from you in the meantime?

After the Interview
Send a thank you note to each person with whom you interviewed:

Hand written OK on business style Thank You card. Or type it if your handwriting is not pleasing.
Be sure to include a comment, common interest, relating to a topic discussed in interview
State your level of interest in the position or company.

Follow up with a phone call in 3-7 days, unless directed otherwise . If an offer is extended, ask that it be put in writing.

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