interviewing & networking for dummies
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Interviewing & Networking for Dummies. Created and presented by: Maggie Yang RCSA Professional Development Committee. You have been called into an interview for an internship that you have dreamed about for years…and you don’t have a clue what to say. . Step One: Research. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Interviewing & Networking
for Dummies Created and presented by:
Maggie YangRCSA Professional Development Committee
Imagine
You have been called into an interview for an internship that you have dreamed about for years…and you don’t have a clue what to say.
Research
Rehearse
Review
Relaxed and Ready
Step One: Research
Know the Company Talk about the company’s
interests and how they match yours
Research the company’s past achievements and future plans
Emphasize that you know what you are talking about
Know Yourself “I've been surprised when
applicants weren't able to tell me their dates of employment or what they actually did on a day-to-day basis at their job.”
- Recruiter
Review your work history - and make sure what you say matches what's on your resume
Step Two:Rehearse
Compile a list of commonly asked interview questions
Don’t memorize answers; prepare stories
Practice in front of a mirror
Next, have a friend conduct a mock interview
Step Three:Review – The Check-
List Attire• Often specified• If not, business casual is safe
Prepare your materials• Notebook*• Potential questions to ask your employer*• Resume• List of references• Cover letter
Research location of interview and arrive EARLY
Step Four: Relaxed and Ready
Calm & Confiden
t
1. Arrive early
2. Smile, firm
handshake, confident
introduction 3. Offer
your resume
Interview Etiquette• Do not chew gum or drink coffee• Do not talk, text, tweet, ping,
bing
What not to
do• Speak clearly• If you can’t think of a response,
take a deep breath, think, and then answer
What to do
• Be attentive • Answer the correct question! Listen
Behavioral InterviewsBe ready to talk about what you’ve done at other companies
“Brag’ about what is on your resume without appearing haughty
Based on your research, tailor what you say to what the company needs and wants
Answering Questions Answer honestly, but not brainlessly
IE: “What is your weakness?”
Don’t: I am lazy and careless, but on the bright side, I am a good procrastinator!Don’t: My only weakness is that I give too much to my job.
This is a tricky question. Spin your story so that your weakness is not crippling. Avoid the cliché answers though.
Remember you are talking to a potential employer
IE: What did you like least about your previous position?”
Don’t: "I hated the job and the company. They were awful to work for.”
It's important not to badmouth the companies or people you worked for, because you don't know what relationships they may have with the company interviewing you. More importantly, they want to know that you won’t do the same to their company in another interview.
For more counter examples: http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewquestionsanswers/a/worst-interview-answers.htm
Pre-Networking
Know who will be at the event, if possible
Be knowledgeable about your field of interest • Current events• Interesting
updates• Conversation
starters
Develop “elevator
pitch”
Prepare an LinkedIn account
At the EventIntroduce yourself;
shake hands
Listen carefully
Speak• Leave a
memorable impression
• Be confident
Ask questions;
display genuine interest
Strategize• Express interest in internship (do NOT ask for one)
• Do not appear as if you want something from them