Career Development - How to present the BEST YOU in an interview!

Getting the Interview….

Provide a Resume

*Proof read before sending (details matter to your boss)

*State an Objective (which should be for the job applying for)

*Highlight your strengths/ transferable skills

*Include volunteer/extra-curricular activities

*Be truthful (NEVER lie)

Provide current letters of recommendation

*No more than two years old (e.g., if you're 17, don't put down a reference from your 6th grade little league coach)

 INTERVIEW TIPS…

 Know your organization

*Do research – understand the job you are applying for

*Practice the first question…(Tell us a little about yourself)

 Dress for Success

• Dress for the position you are applying for…rarely is anyone over-dressed.

*Be on time  (Be Early)

*Listen to what is being asked

*Answer questions thoroughly and stay on point

 Be Authentic, Upbeat, Focused, Confident, Candid, and Concise.

Talk about your transferable or direct skills (what skills do you have that directly affect this job)

The interview is about YOU…share why you are the BEST candidate

Share any special abilities (e.g., bilingual)

Smile!

FACE TO FACE COMMUNICATION

HOW you communicate matters (not just what you say, but HOW you say it).

55%of your communication is body language

38% of communication is tone of voice

7% are the words used

PITFALLS TO AVOID

Don't be overly casual (e.g., Walking in with a cup of coffee)

Avoid using lots of hand motions

NEVER speak negatively about a previous employer

Don't share irrelevant information

Check your social media accounts (clean up anything that might reflect poorly on you)

COME PREPARED

Think about your areas of strength and weakness (and be prepared to talk about those)