22 BEFORE AN INTERVIEW Remember that you are assessed from the moment you enter the building, even before you sit down in front of the interviewer for questions. • Be on time; this shows that you respect the interviewer’s schedule • Plan on getting to the interview location about 15 minutes early in case you get lost • Keep in mind that arriving too early can send the message that you are overly anxious or make the interviewer feel rushed; if you are too early take time to review your material in the car or some other space before announcing your arrival • When you have arrived make sure you greet the security guards, receptionists and anyone you come into contact with professionally • Be courteous at all times; you do not know the relationships within the organization and word may travel fast if you are rude or unprofessional • Turn your cell phone or any other personal electronic devices off; this demonstrates that you want to focus on the interview • Go to the interview alone, bringing your friends or children to the interview is not professional • If it is a virtual interview, make sure everything works, including all the technology, the night before INTERVIEWING DO’S AND DON’TS Interviewers seek enthusiastic people. Show enthusiasm by speaking positively about previous experiences, internships or supervisors. Smile often and express your desire to be a part of the organization. • Arrive ten minutes early • Dress appropriately • Take copies of your resume and reference letters • Greet the receptionist or security guards • Demonstrate knowledge and skill • Ask questions related to the position / company • Allow the interviewer to present a complete thought without interruption • Be honest about your background and experiences • Restate your interest in the position • Use jargon and acronyms, only when appropriate • Send a thank-you email / letter after the interview • Freeze or become tense Arrive late for the interview • Make unrealistic promises • Take friends or children to the interview. • Criticize ex-bosses, employees or yourself • Dress inappropriately • Interrupt the interviewer • Ask about your expected salary, benefits or vacation time until after you have been offered the job • Use slang DURING AN INTERVIEW The interview is usually a two-way discussion between you and a prospective employer. The interviewer is attempting to determine whether you have what the company needs. You are trying to determine if you would accept the job if offered. Both of you will be trying to get as much information as possible in order to make those decisions. The interview that you are most likely to have is a structured interview with a traditional format. It usually consists of three phases. The beginning of the interview includes the greeting and an overview of which areas will be discussed during the interview. The second, or exchange of information phase, is a question-and-answer period. The interviewer asks most of the questions, but you are given an opportunity to ask questions as well. The closing phase gives you an opportunity to ask any final questions you might have, discuss any important points that haven't been addressed and get information about the next step in the process. DO DON’T
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