Download ACE Your Interview

Preparing for your
Interview
What the Employer is Seeking
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Communication skills
Focus & attention to detail
Ability to learn
Honesty & accountability
Teamwork & potential fit
within their organization
Adaptability
An employee who will be an
asset to the organization
Prepare for the Interview
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Research the company: Attend an
employer presentation, read about the
employer and the position, talk to faculty,
past interns, or a company employee.
Identify YOUR Key Strengths
Practice
Pack
Appearance counts!
Professional Presentation
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What does professionalism look like…or not?
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Arrive 5-10 minutes early
A firm, but gentle, handshake – not a monster grip!
Eye contact
Eagerness & enthusiasm
Neat clothing
Personal cleanliness
Eating
Communication
Why the Challenging Questions?
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Qualifications
Fit
Information - STAR - Past actions are the
best prediction of future behavior.
Technical ability
QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT BE ASKED
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Some of the old favorites:
Tell me about yourself.
What are your long-range goals?
What are your greatest strengths?
What are your greatest weaknesses?
Why did you choose your major?
Do you prefer to have a lot of supervision
or do you work well on your own?
Behavior-Based Questions
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Some of the new favorites:
Give me an example of a time when you set a
goal and were able to meet or achieve it.
Tell me about a time when you were extremely
busy and had to prioritize your tasks.
Describe an unpopular decision you had to
make.
Give me an example of a time when you
motivated others.
Additional Interview Tips
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Directions
Ask questions
Thank the interviewer
Ask for a business card
Offer another firm, but gentle, handshake
Send a thank you note