SEO Career Program

Overview of Interview ProcessElisa Ramos

SEO Interview OverviewInterview Scheduling SystemPreparationWhat we look forTips for Interviewing

Agenda

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Phone Screen by invitation only (20 minutes) In-person interview by invitation only (30 minutes) Location: Several major cities

Interviewees must arrange and pay for travel and lodgingCritical behavior interview & case question

Staff, alumni, partner representativesFor certain programs there will be a follow-up

Interview Overview

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The interview is most important part of the process!The interview is most important part of the process!

Interview Scheduling System

• New Appointment – “Click Here”– Choose a new username and password (different from

phone screen) when you register

• Changes/Cancellations – Log In

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New

Interview Scheduling System

Choose a location, choose Find First, select a date/time, register

Changes /Cancellations

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Spyglass for address details

Rescheduling

Go into Time Trade:Choose my appointmentsCancel/old appt.Select a new appointment

If the day of: email interview@seo-usa.orgEmergencies only

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PREPARATION

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What To Wear

DressBusiness formalConservative colors

Light vs. colorsShirts (blue or white)Suits (black or navy blue)

Use what you have that conforms these standards

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What To Bring What to bring

Photo ID - College or State Resume Pen and paper

Recommendation and Official transcript Bring to interview Fax: (646) 402-6693 Mail: 55 Exchange Place,

Suite 601, NYC 10005

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HOW TO PREPARE

SELL YOURSELF! 10

The Ideal Candidate• Ability• Grasps concepts quickly• Professional, academic or extracurricular experiences

• Willingness• Drive to understand the industry, roles and

responsibilities• Demonstrated passion for the business (current

events)• Fit• Positive, professional demeanor• Commitment to community service

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Would you hire you?

Tips For Interviewing

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Case StudiesIdentify problemsAnalytical skillsProblem-solving processMental calculation ability

Ability

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Ability

• Academics– Relevant coursework and grades

• Extracurricular activities– Leadership/key responsibilities– Relevant activities

• Past Work Experiences– How did you add value?– What did you learn?– How do the skills increase your candidacy?

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Willingness

Know the type of personality needed in the program area and be able to discuss how you meet the personality characteristics Read vault guides, Contact SEO Alums If possible, talk to industry professionals

Think about previous experiences in your life that will convey these characteristics

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Know your storyWhy you want to do the jobKnow your resume and incorporate details into

answers to demonstrate abilitiesDemonstrate passion

Program interest and how it relates to youTransferrable skills from past jobsPersonal preferences and how it aligns with jobs

Fit

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Fit

Be knowledgeable of the MarketsRead (WSJ, NY Times

Dealbook, Barrons, CBSmarketwatch.com, Economist, blogs)

Be able to articulate financial market trends

Express opinion

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Fit

Demonstrate a passion for the marketsConduct trading simulations

Virtual Stock exchange (http://vse.marketwatch.com/Game/Homepage.aspx)

Develop views on stories you are followingEx. Where do you think gold will be by this time next year and

why?Ex. What is your outlook for unemployment over the next 2

years and why?

Views should demonstrate that are actively reading

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Tips For InterviewBe relaxedApproach the interview with a planMake eye contactBe conversational and make a connection with

interviewersBe enthusiastic

Use voice inflectionsHave questions

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Understanding of SEOResearch SEO websiteContact SEO alums

Thorough understanding of Program InterestsSEO webinarsContact SEO Alums Research Partner Websites

HOW TO PREPARE

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FitProfessional demeanor

Ability to communicate in a professionalProfessional etiquette

Ability to communicate with diverse peopleExamples of dealing with different types of personalities Teamwork examplesAbility to resolve differences in order to accomplish goals

HOW TO PREPARE

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HOW TO PREPARE

2 types of badToo Much information –

Do not monopolize the conversationBe brief and concise

Incomplete – not enough information to make any conclusions about youHi, I am interested in investment banking

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Good Luck!