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Congratulations! You’ve prepared your resume, networked for information,
used appropriate resources to locate job openings and identify possible
employers and obtained an interview. Each of these steps is critical to
the success of your job search. Now it’s time to plan a strategy for the
interview.
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Tip 1: |
Prepare Your 30-Second Summary –
Present your skills and strengths as they relate to the job.
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Tip 2: |
Have a Plan
– Research the company and the position. Prepare notes about the
company and any questions you may have. Bring copies of your
resume and a list of references.
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Tip 3: |
Dress for Success
– Dressing professionally and appearing well groomed conveys to
employers your sincerity and interest.
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Tip 4: |
Role Play
– Once you’ve done your homework, begin rehearsing. Write down
answers to questions you could be asked, and write down
questions you want to ask.
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Tip 5: |
Make a Good First Impression
– Remember, “you never get a second chance to make a first
impression.” Non-verbal signals make a big impact on hiring
decisions. Your handshake, eye contact, posture, listening
skills, and clothing all contribute to the impression that you
make.
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Tip 6: |
Be Positive
– Always avoid negative comments about past employers, teachers
or colleagues.
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Tip 7: |
Adapt
– Listen carefully. Be sensitive to the style of the
interviewer. Pay attention to details of dress, office furniture
and general décor to assist in tailoring your presentation.
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Tip 8: |
Relate
– Try to relate your answers to the interviewer and the company.
Focus on your achievements, skills, talents and abilities
relevant to the position.
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Tip 9: |
Encourage
– Encourage the interviewer to share information about the
company. Demonstrate your interest.
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Tip 10: |
Follow-up
– Find out the next step(s) in the interview process and
follow-up with a “Thank you” letter.
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Westchester Community College’s Career & Transfer Center has written
Interview Guidelines 2009-2011 with community college students in
mind. A hard copy is available for the asking, call 914-606-6760 or
download it using the link above.
Interviewing Workshops
Take
advantage of what Westchester Community College’s Career & Transfer
Center has to offer: workshops on Interviewing Skills, practice
interviewing with a counselor. For Workshop Schedules please see our
calendar of events.
Questions? Please
contact
us.
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