Gannon University

Out of hundreds of candidates, you were one of only a handful invited to meet personally with the employer. Why you? Most likely, your resume and cover letter sold you effectively or your network of contacts was able to help get your foot in the door. Don't think you've got the job sewn up, though! The competition may be reduced in number, but it just got tougher!

Since you're well into the job search, some of your preparation should already be underway. We suggest that if you haven't begun these items, START IMMEDIATELY .

• Conduct a self assessment. A systematic evaluation of your strengths and weaknesses can help you focus on your most marketable qualities for the position. To get started, draw two columns, labeled "Strengths" and "Weaknesses," on a sheet of paper and write down as many of each as you can think of. A career services counselor can assist you with this assessment.
• Examine your strengths and find examples that demonstrate them. During an interview, recruiters will be listening to how you describe your past experiences and the results you earned, so it is important to take every opportunity to not only mention a strength, but also to develop good stories about times when you used it. A good formula to follow is SITUATION--ACTION--RESULT. Describe a situation which fits the question asked, explain what action was taken, and emphasize the results of the action (positive feedback received, improvements made, good grade received, new skill developed).
• Look for your weaknesses. What will the employer identify as obstacles to hiring you? Don't let these perceived obstacles stand in your way, however. Prepare a positive response to a potential weakness. For instance, if your major doesn't seem to exactly match the position: "Although my degree is in Political Science instead of Business, the curriculum required several oral presentations, which helped me to develop strong communication and interpersonal skills. These skills will help me to be successful in your position."
• Learn about the company. Questions such as "Why do you want to work at our company?" are asked to invite you to demonstrate your knowledge of their organization.

Where to look:

• World Wide Web sites: start at http://www.gannon.edu/depts/cdes/
• Career Services office: company information organized alphabetically
• Reference section of college or public libraries (ask a librarian for assistance)
• Learn about the position. Analyze the qualifications and duties, then consider your specific strengths and weaknesses as they relate to the job. Do some salary research on similar jobs.

When selected to interview by an organization, you most likely meet the basic qualifications for the job and probably have some specific abilities they seek. During the interview, recruiters have other issues to address.

It is important to handle the initial call from an employer effectively, and to get some information so you can prepare.

• Try to take whatever date and time the employer sets. If it conflicts with an unbreakable commitment on your part (such as a final exam), request the next available date.
• Ask the name and title of the interviewer.
• Get clear directions on how to get there.
• Request a job description if you don't already have one.
• Inquire about the itinerary. Will it be a brief (30-60 minute) meeting, a lunch interview, or an all-day meeting? A group interview? A succession of interviews with different company reps?
• If an overnight stay is required, inquire about hotel accommodations. Ask about the company's policy on travel reimbursement if you must travel over 50 miles one way.

Going into an interview without preparing is like taking a test without studying. Though a bad grade on a test may be made up next time, there is no make-up test for a poor interview. Preparations should begin as soon as possible.

• Review your information on the company and position. Develop some questions to ask the employer (see below for ideas). Many employers seek to find out how much a candidate has researched the company, so be prepared!
• Anticipate questions. Below is a list of many commonly asked questions. Which ones are likely to be asked? Rehearse answers to them.
• Visit Career Development for a mock interview. A counselor will meet with you and ask actual interview questions, then constructively critique your performance. **HIGHLY RECOMMENDED**
• Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse! Practice answering questions with family, friends, or even when you're alone while driving or doing household chores. Use a mirror, tape recorder, or videotape if possible. Your responses need to sound natural, and rehearsing will help to keep your answers at the tip of your tongue.

Because first impressions are formed within 30 seconds of meeting someone, it is to your advantage to look professional. During job interviews, remember that proper business attire is equated with a professional attitude and behavior, while improper business dress is often equated with a lack of professionalism. Dress on the conservative side: You want to be remembered for what you are saying, not what you are wearing! This means that men should remove their earrings (if any) and women should wear minimal perfume.

Many companies are moving toward a more casual-dress workplace. In spite of this trend, interviewees must still dress formally. Employers consider your appearance to be relative to your interest in the job. If you are poorly dressed, you must not be very interested. KEEP IT SIMPLE!

Here are some necessities for your interview:

• Extra copies of your resume, references and transcripts (don't bring originals)
• Pen
• Note pad (jot down notes after the interview, not during)
• Samples of your work (papers/projects which demonstrate communication skills, leadership, creativity or problem solving)

These items will typically fit in a plain, clean folder. Teachers should always bring their portfolios, and all interviewees should bring whatever specific information is requested by the employer.

The first few minutes of your interview are absolutely critical. The old saying, "You don't get a second chance to make a first impression" is particularly true in interviewing. Your appearance (see above) and your attitude will combine to make an initial positive or negative impression on the recruiter. Plan to arrive about fifteen minutes early. This will give you a little extra time to check your appearance and relax. Even when waiting for the recruiter to see you, sit or stand up straight. Be ready with a smile, a clear voice, and a firm handshake, and maintain eye contact to show confidence. Remember your manners: "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr./Ms. Jones. Thank you for inviting me here today."

Interviewers often attempt to make small talk ("Nice weather we're having," or "Did you have any trouble finding us?") at the start of the interview. Some employers view small talk as a test of your interpersonal skills. Make only positive comments, and feel free to make some small talk of your own if the employer does not. Remember to be polite with other staff at the company, including secretaries/receptionists and employees passing by.

Some things that create a bad first impression: slouching, mumbling, bad breath, poor appearance, lack of manners.

No two interviews are identical. They may be as short as 30 minutes, or as long as a day. When setting the appointment, try to get a rough idea of the itinerary so you can prepare yourself.

Here are some possible interview situations:

• One-on-one interviews, involving just the candidate and a single interviewer.
• Group interviews, in which several candidates are interviewed at once.
• "Panel" interviews, with one candidate and two or more interviewers.
• A series of interviews, in which the candidate has several short meetings in a row with individuals.
• Lunch interviews, which take place over lunch and involve one or more interviewers.
• Tests. An employer may put the candidate through a written or oral exam to test his or her abilities. More companies are requiring personality, competence and/or drug testing.
• On-campus interview, which lasts about 30 minutes and takes place at Career Development.

Just as there are many types of interview situations, so there are many styles of interview questioning. Often the style depends upon the itinerary and the time available. Questions may come rapidly, one following another, or a recruiter may prefer a more relaxed, conversational style. A few rules for answering all interview questions:

1. Be positive and avoid negative answers.

• If you are asked a question that requires a negative response, such as "Describe a time in which you failed to complete a project on schedule," emphasize a lesson learned from the experience at the end of your answer. Avoid "bashing" current or previous employers, and do not dwell on rationalizations and excuses!

2. Use concrete examples whenever possible.

• Anyone can say that they possess a skill. But a descriptive experience can show the employer that the skill has been used in practical ways and got results . Use work- or school-related examples, or a personal experience that demonstrates maturity.

3. Emphasize professional, not personal, goals and situations.

• Employers do not want to hear about your desire to own a big house and a fast car. They want to examine your professional aspirations as they fit with this job and this company. Employers value evidence of a strong work ethic, teamwork, persistence, commitment to quality, and a can-do attitude.

4. Listen!

• Pay attention to each question asked and provide the information requested. Listen carefully to the employer when they discuss aspects of the company or the job. Demonstrate that you're listening through thoughtful questions and responses.

Past performance is a good indicator of future performance. Because of this fact, employers today are moving toward "behavior-based" interview questions. These questions force the applicant to describe events and episodes in their lives. From these answers, employers learn how the candidate will behave under similar circumstances on the job. If you have followed our tips on interview preparation, you should have plenty of examples to choose from. Consider the following examples:

Many candidates wrongly believe that asking questions is not a good idea, thinking that it shows a lack of knowledge. However, having no questions shows recruiters a lack of interest. A few intelligent, thoughtful questions should be asked, questions that investigate a candidate's suitability for the job and the job's suitability for the candidate. Avoid questions that raise awareness of your weaknesses. What follows is a list of questions that could be asked, and questions that must not be asked.

Questions NOT to ask:

• What is the salary?
• What kind of medical or fringe benefits are there?
• How much vacation time do entry level employees get?
• How do you feel about hiring someone who... has been in jail? ...belongs to ___ (political or religious affiliation)?
• How much money do you make?

As stated above, salary is not an issue for the candidate to raise. However, the recruiter may bring it up, and so it is critical to do some research on salaries for similar positions. If asked about your salary expectations, give a range as opposed to a specific amount. You may now ask whether their salary fits within that range. Express your flexibility, depending on location, duties and fringe benefits. Please read the section on Salary Negotiation (below) for more information.

Within 24 hours, write and mail a short letter of appreciation. This note may be typed or handwritten, on paper or on small, plain thank you cards. DO NOT EMAIL YOUR THANK YOU LETTER! The Adams Cover Letter Almanac has excellent sample thank you letters. A good message will include:

• A statement of appreciation for their time.
• An enthusiastic expression of your interest in the job.
• A brief mention or elaboration of a topic discussed OR something critical that was NOT discussed.
• A positive closing statement.

Your interviewing skills made a positive impression. You've made the company's 'short list'! This is a very positive sign for your candidacy. Time to breathe easy? NOT YET!!! You still have some work to do! Here is what to expect at a second interview or company visit.

• You'll meet and be interviewed by the people who will be supervising you. You may have individual or group interviews. Expect a long day. Stay poised. You'll be asked the same questions more than once.
• Questions will be designed to learn about your personality, your knowledge of the field and the company, and how you will 'fit' in their organization. Questions will be more specific and technical. You're already considered a strong candidate. Be positive and upbeat.
• If you go to lunch with the interviewer(s), eat light. Don't order alcoholic beverages, and order easy to eat food. Take your cues from the interviewers. Ask them what they would recommend to eat.
• If given a tour, ask questions and show interest and enthusiasm.
• Be prepared to discuss salary and benefits. Many entry level positions have set salaries. You need to be aware of your worth, as well as the typical salary for the job. Consult Career Development for more info.
• Prepare questions to ask your interviewers. The second interview should consist of give and take for both sides. Some ideas: training programs/professional development, company or departmental goals.
• Be sure to find out what the next step is in the hiring process and when they plan to make a hiring decision. If you don't hear from them by the designated date, feel free to call them yourself.
• You may be asked to complete skills, personality, honesty, and/or drugs/alcohol tests.

Your hard work has finally paid off and you have an offer to consider. That's right, "to consider." You don't have to take it! An offer may come at any time, at the end of the interview, or days later. Follow our job offer checklist to make a good decision.

As always, a Career Development counselor can assist in your decision making process. Call 871-7680 for an appointment.

When offered a new position the following points can help you to ensure that you are receiving appropriate compensation. Career Services counselors are available to assist you as well.

• Ask questions and make sure you have a clear understanding of the answers before accepting the job.
• If you're asked for a salary figure, give a range rather than an exact number.
• If the number given by the employer is lower than expected, respond with "I was hoping for something closer to $X," with X being an amount somewhat higher than the number given. This leaves room for compromise.
• When considering your ability to live on a given salary, remember to consider taxes, the local cost of living, parking, bonuses, and health/stock/vacation benefits. Is anything deducted from your salary for health benefits? Don't consider Christmas bonuses as part of your salary; they're not guaranteed.
• Focus on the skills and qualities you're bringing to the company rather than the salary. Convince them that you're worth the salary you're asking for based on your education and accomplishments.
• If your salary includes commission, get a realistic estimate of what to expect. Expect that the employer will give you 'best case scenarios.' Ask what the average commissions are within the department for new employees over time (first 6 months, first year, first two years).
• Get all promises in writing.
• Unless the negotiations have met or exceeded all your requirements, don't accept a job, or a salary offer, immediately. Request some time to consider your options. Resist recruiter pressure to make a split-second decision. If given an offer, request 24-48 hours to evaluate and compare their offer against other offers.

Visit this site for more information on NEGOTIATING THE JOB OFFER .

Career Development is available to students and alumni to discuss career-related issues. If you are conducting a job search consult Career Development for information on salary, interviewing, company visits, or making the decision. Please call us at 871-7680 or stop in to set up a time to meet a counselor.

Interview Network: http://www.pse-net.com/interview/interview.htm

College Grad Job Hunter: http://www.collegegrad.com/intv/

College View  http://www.collegeview.com/career/interviewing/index.html

University of Kansas Virtual Interviewing Assistant: http://www.ukans.edu/cwis/units/coms2/via/index.html

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