Interviewing Made Easy!Presented by Alpha Kappa Psi – UCSD Co-ed Business FraternityProfessional Development Workshop, April 11th, 2007

San Diego

So you want a job.. (obviously)

By now you know how to write a brilliant resume

Unfortunately, a resume only functions as an entrance test

The interview is the single most important part of getting a job

Many people worry about cracking under the pressure

This won’t be a problem for you.

….think of it as a fight

You train really really hard, walk into the interview room, punch your interviewers, scream at the top of your lungs, and walk out in victory.

THE END

Before the fight

Know yourself.Know your enemy.

The company (products, services, environment)Know its competitors.Know how it distinguishes itself in the marketplace.

Train, train, trainPractice, don’t rehearse or try to memorizeMock Interviews with friends/familyDress to impress

Show up to fight day

Where are you supposed to be?Know the address, building, floor, etc.

Arrive early – “Ten minutes early is on time, on time is late.”

Arrive properly dressed and ready

Dressing the Part - Men

Professional dress: CONSERVATIVEBlack, Navy, or Grey SuitSilk Necktie with conservative pattern

Dark Socks (Black is best)Dress Shoes (Black Lace-ups are best)Beards, mustaches and hair: neatly

trimmed, short is best. They don’t like walking forests.

Dressing the Part - Men

Business CasualJacket not requiredEverything else is basically the same as

professional dress.

Dressing the Part - Women

Professional dress: CONSERVATIVEA dress blouse and dark colored jacketNo kinky pantyhoseClosed-toe and closed-back dress shoesLight, Natural Makeup, unless you are

interviewing for clown schoolNo crazy bling-blings, please

No more than one ring on each handOne set of earrings only

Dressing the Part – Women

Business CasualOpen-toed shoes okay, but no flip flopsConservative sweater okayJacket not requiredBusiness Casual does NOT mean

clubbing attire

General Rules to looking Hot & Sexy (Business style)

If you fidget with your hair, tie it back. If you fidget with your hands, keep

them folded.Portfolio or briefcase (no purse)Neatly trimmed nailsNo visible body piercing, no rings other

than college or wedding ring

Please be kind…to our noses

Try not to eat right before, especially anything that gives bad breath (onion, garlic, coffee)

Don’t smoke before an interview

Have a mint, but spit out gum

Easy on the perfume / cologne!

Make a good impression

Be early (at least 10 minutes) Refresh by re-reading the job description Relax Good, firm handshake Repeat names Strong eye contact Wear a confident smile. Keep your jacket on Maintain solid posture

In the Interview

Check your ego at the doorThink about your answersUse open body languageDon’t be afraid to laugh (but no psycho

laughing please)Friendly, yet professionalAsk questions, engage conversationThank them using names, get their cards

Put yourself in their shoes

What are they looking for?1. Smarts

“Can they handle the work and do a good job?” Communication, thinking on your feet

2. Cultural Fit “Would I want to work with him/her for long

periods of time” Personality

3. Growth Potential “Are they a future manager (leader), or just a 6

month employee?”

Common questions

Tell me about yourself.What do you know about us?Why do you want to work for us?Why should we hire you?What are your strengths and weaknesses? If you have a pet anteater, what would you

name it and why?

Questions to ask

Tell me about your experience here.Can you describe a typical work day?Describe your management style and

what kind of employee fits in.What are the skills and abilities that

are most important to succeed in this job?

Ask stuff you really want to know!

Follow-up Tips

Send out a thank you letter to your interviewer the day of.

Thank the person for taking the time to meet with you

In your own words, “Thanks for meeting with me and imparting your wisdom.”

Just to recap

PrepareDress wellMobile phone offFirm handshakeWear glasses if you use them (or they

will think you have a lazy eye)Think before you answerRelaxThank you note/email

Don’t give up

Every interview is a part of the journey.

You might get rejected hundreds of times.

Whatever doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger. Learn the lessons and move on.

Good luck!

That’s all folks.

Download me on www.ucsdakpsi.com

THANKS FOR STAYING AWAKE

Any questions?