2016 MSOE Career Services Dept Guide

Preparing for the interview… x Research the company or organization

All hiring and promotion decisions hinge ultimately on conversations and relationships. Credentials get you the interview – attitude gets you the job offer. Attitude = Positive, Interest, and Enthusiasm. The interview is a conversation with a purpose. Interviewer’s Purpose x Are the candidate’s interests and this position a match? (focus) x Can the candidate do the job? (skills) x Will the candidate do the job? (attitude) x Will the candidate fit into my organization? (ability to relate to others) Interviewee’s Purpose x Are my interests and this position a match? (career goals) x Is this the type of organization I want to work for? (values) x Will this position provide me with opportunities for continued personal and professional growth? (values and goals) To interview effectively, you have to… x Prepare x Continually evaluate your performance and improve x Be able to interview based on your strengths x Talk about those skills and attributes that you possess that are important to the position x Ask questions that show insight and interest x Ask for the “sale” (i.e., reiterate interest in the position)

x Conceptualize the position x Articulate your competencies

Employers look for… x Communication skills

x Interpersonal relationship skills x Intelligence x Positive attitude x Diversity Your goals during the initial interview… x Make a good first impression x Establish a positive relationship with the interviewer x Sell your strengths x Show interest and enthusiasm x Be invited to the next step in the process After the interview… x Evaluate your performance x Make notes of: o Names o Date of interview o Follow-up actions o Personality traits noticed o “Clues” picked up from interviewer x Send a thank-you letter within 24 hours, if possible

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