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Interviewing skills.

Developed by and borrowed from

The Career Management Center

Preparation for a Job Fair:

Making a Making a GREATGREAT First First Impression!Impression!

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MSU Career Fair - 2013

• Wednesday, March 20Wednesday, March 20– Bolin Science HallBolin Science Hall– 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Attendance is REQUIREDAttendance is REQUIRED

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What to Take?

Résumés (and LOTS of them!)A general Resume works well in this

situation.

PortfolioYour 9"x12" leather-bound or vinyl-

bound portfolio will be used to store your résumés and for taking notes after talking with each company.

A BIG Smile and a Positive Attitude

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What to Say?

Hello, (as you offer your hand for a shake)

My name is Joe Smith. (first & last)

I am a senior at MSU majoring in Computer Science. (can mention minor)

Does your company have any job opportunities for computer science graduates?

Wait for response.Can I leave my resume with you?How do I apply or find out more?

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Top 10 List for a Successful Job Fair

#10 – Dress for Success.#9 – Your Attitude determines your

Altitude.#8 – Scan the environment.#7 – Target the companies you want

to talk with and visit them first!#6 – If you have to stand in line to

talk with a recruiter, make sure that you are reading the company’s material.

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Top 10 (continued)

#5 – Be assertive, but polite and flexible.

#4 – Your time with a recruiter is actually an interview.

#3 – Be ready for their rapid-fire questions with your rapid-fire responses!

#2 – Make sure you get a business card for follow-up.

#1 – Take the event seriously!

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The Absolutely Critical Last Step

Follow-up!Send a "thank you" card by mail to

confirm your ongoing interest. Thank you for taking time to meet with me

today. I feel I would be an valuable employee for

your company . . . I would appreciate the opportunity to speak

with you further. I will call you next week to arrange a time

when we can meet and further discuss how my skills can benefit your organization

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The Other Absolutely Critical Last Step

Follow-up!If you need to contact someone

else. I met with … at the MSU job fair. He

recommended I contact you. I feel I would be an valuable employee for

your company . . . I would appreciate the opportunity to speak

with you further. I will call you next week to arrange a time

when we can meet and further discuss how my skills can benefit your organization

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Com

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ceAwesome interviewing

skills:

Getting the position!

Developed by and Borrowed from

The Career Management Center

Before the Interview

• Research the Company• What questions will I be asked?• Develop questions to ask.• Practice, Practice & more Practice.• What should I wear?• What should I take with me?• Clean up your internet presence.• Develop a web site.

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Researching the Company

• Internet• Career Management Center• Trade Magazines• Things you need to know:

Positions available for youThe company's productsTypes of Customers & Competitors Principle locations & number of employeesSales & profit trendsAny additional information you can think

of!

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What questions will they ask?

• Tell me about yourself…• Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10

years?• If I were to ask a teacher/employer about

you, what would they say?• What are your greatest strengths?• What are your weaknesses?• Why do you wish to work at this company?• Why should we hire you for this position?• See 12 Interview Questions Link

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Focusing on the Question

Remember PAR When answering questions!

• P - Problem• A - Action • R – Result

Brief – to the point! Just a few sentences on each!

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Developing your own questions

Always be prepared to ask a few questions!!

• What type of person are you looking for to fill this position?

• What type of projects would I be working on?• What long term employment opportunities does

your firm offer?• What is the rate of employee turnover?• What do employees seem to like best and least

about the company?• What are the long-term goals of this company?• Who are your major competitors?

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Practice, Practice, Practice!!!

• Have your mom/dad/friend or anyone ask you some questions about YOU!

• Develop practice questions related to the particular interview you are going to!

• Develop technical questions to practice!– Ask others for suggestions.

• Focus on answering the question! (PAR)• Write out answers. Practice, don’t

memorize.

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Practice, Practice, Practice!!!

• Emphasize previous work experience.• Be yourself ~ Do Not LIE!• Practice saying positive statements

about yourself!• If you have a video camera, use it!• Use a mirror!• When you have done this…C

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Practice some MORE!!!!

What should I take with me?

• A SMILE!• A positive attitude!• A Leather-look Folder or a

Notebook•With a tablet of paper (take

notes)•A pen/pencil •Extra copies of your resume•List of References

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Clean up your Internet

Presence

• Google Yourself• Check your Facebook page, etc.

– Remove questionable images – Remove offensive comments

• Take stupid videos off YouTube• Attempts to correct inaccuraciesC

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Develop a Web Site

Include Professional Information• Contact information• Resume• Expanded information

– Description of work experience– Course work

• Sample work/projects

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Make sure you do the following

• Maintain good eye contact • Always smile and be congenial • Be positive about yourself, past

employers and the future• Make sure the interviewer knows

you are excited about the position and the organization

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Make sure you do the following

• Be aware of your– Posture– Hands– Expression– Nervous habits

• Never say never

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Things to avoid in an interview

• Answers that are too short. • More detail or information than is

necessary.• Personal information.• Becoming frustrated or uneasy when

asked stressful questions.• Making derogatory or negative statements

about former employers or positions.• Discussions regarding politics, religion,

company problems, and (during the first interview) salary information or benefits.

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Close the Deal!

• Send thank you card• Determine when you will hear

back• Firm handshake• Thank the interviewer for his/her

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Questions?

If you have further questions or would like help with any aspect

of your job search, please contact:

Career Management CenterHardin 211

940.397.4473

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