Why Should I Hire You?Why Should I Hire You?

Keys to SuccessKeys to Success

Preparation Appearance

The Interview Follow-up

How do I prepare?How do I prepare?

There are two ways to prepare for an interview

Know about the company and the job you’re interested in

Answer the question Why should I hire you?

Preparation Before the Preparation Before the InterviewInterview

Appropriate email address and voice mail greeting

Research the Company

Portfolios

Email and VoicemailEmail and Voicemail Make sure you have a

valid email

Avoid childish or profane email addresses

Make sure you have a voicemail or answering machine

Professional and enthusiastic greeting

Research the CompanyResearch the Company Internet

Company’s website Press releases Profiles –

www.hoovers.com Newspapers

Upcoming events Achievements

Trade Magazines

PortfoliosPortfolios What is a portfolio?

Your key to becoming memorable!

All about you Resume References Work samples Letters of Recommendation Awards/Certificates

During the InterviewDuring the Interview

Appearance

Body language

Attitude                                                                                                              

Interview AttireInterview Attire Women

Conservative suit Blouse

Cotton or silk White or pastel colors

Minimal jewelry Close-toed shoes with

small heel Hair and makeup not

overdone Panty-hose with skirt

Skirt no shorter than the knee

                                                 

Interview AttireInterview Attire Men

Conservative suit White long sleeve

shirt Tie

Avoid bold designs and colors

High socks Polished shoes

                                                       

Body LanguageBody Language Posture

Shoulders back Sit straight in a

chair Eye contact

Shows confidence and listening skills

Handshake Firm

AttitudeAttitude

Confident

Enthusiastic Optimistic

ProfessionalSlight sense

of Humor

Interview QuestionsInterview Questions

Answer all questions Answer honestly and

thoughtfully Be positive

Turn negatives into positives

Sell yourself and what you can do for the company!

Types of Interview Types of Interview QuestionsQuestions

What do you think it takes to be successful in an

organization like this?

“I think determination, a willingness to work hard, and a desire to excel are

key attributes to be successful in your organization. A successful employee would also need to be a team player,

handle pressure well, and a great communicator.”

Types of Interview Types of Interview QuestionsQuestions

Describe three things that are

important to you in a job?

“I feel my top three important things in any job I take is a great

organization, a product or service I truly believe in, and a

real career opportunity.”

Types of Interview Types of Interview QuestionsQuestions

Explain how your academic

training has prepared you to

step into this position.

Tell me about

yourself.

How do you respond to criticism?

Types of Interview Types of Interview QuestionsQuestions

What are your strengths?

What are your weaknesses?

“I’m well motivated, I’ve got a strong desire to succeed, and I’m always ready and willing to learn new information and skills.”

“I’m a perfectionist. I like things to be in order, and I will keep trying until I think it is perfect.”

Types of Interview Types of Interview QuestionsQuestions

Reliable

Organized

Name three adjectives that can

be best used to describe yourself.

Innovative

Energetic

Hard-working

General TipsGeneral Tips Arrive at least 15

minutes early Bring extra

resumes, a notepad, and pen

Do not smoke, chew gum, swear, or use slang

Be polite to everyone

Turn off your cell phone

Interview DO’SInterview DO’S

Be yourself Be relaxed Be honest

Be a good listener Ask questions Take notes

Interview Don'tsInterview Don'ts

Ask about salary on the first interview

Over exaggerate Make up answers Make negative statements Bad mouth past employers

What are employers looking What are employers looking for?for?

Skills in the field of study

Critical thinking and problem solving skills

Leadership Communication

skills Oral and written

Technical skills

Impersonal skills Confidence Teamwork Flexibility Self-motivation Positive attitude

towards work

After the InterviewAfter the Interview

Send a thank-you note

Phone follow-up once a week until position has been filled

SummarySummary

Preparation, appearance, the interview, and follow-up are all

about one thing, and that is answering the question

WHY SHOULD I HIRE YOU?