Why Should I Hire You?Why Should I Hire You?
Keys to SuccessKeys to Success
Preparation Appearance
The Interview Follow-up
How do I prepare?How do I prepare?
There are two ways to prepare for an interview
Know about the company and the job you’re interested in
Answer the question Why should I hire you?
Preparation Before the Preparation Before the InterviewInterview
Appropriate email address and voice mail greeting
Research the Company
Portfolios
Email and VoicemailEmail and Voicemail Make sure you have a
valid email
Avoid childish or profane email addresses
Make sure you have a voicemail or answering machine
Professional and enthusiastic greeting
Research the CompanyResearch the Company Internet
Company’s website Press releases Profiles –
www.hoovers.com Newspapers
Upcoming events Achievements
Trade Magazines
PortfoliosPortfolios What is a portfolio?
Your key to becoming memorable!
All about you Resume References Work samples Letters of Recommendation Awards/Certificates
During the InterviewDuring the Interview
Appearance
Body language
Attitude
Interview AttireInterview Attire Women
Conservative suit Blouse
Cotton or silk White or pastel colors
Minimal jewelry Close-toed shoes with
small heel Hair and makeup not
overdone Panty-hose with skirt
Skirt no shorter than the knee
Interview AttireInterview Attire Men
Conservative suit White long sleeve
shirt Tie
Avoid bold designs and colors
High socks Polished shoes
Body LanguageBody Language Posture
Shoulders back Sit straight in a
chair Eye contact
Shows confidence and listening skills
Handshake Firm
AttitudeAttitude
Confident
Enthusiastic Optimistic
ProfessionalSlight sense
of Humor
Interview QuestionsInterview Questions
Answer all questions Answer honestly and
thoughtfully Be positive
Turn negatives into positives
Sell yourself and what you can do for the company!
Types of Interview Types of Interview QuestionsQuestions
What do you think it takes to be successful in an
organization like this?
“I think determination, a willingness to work hard, and a desire to excel are
key attributes to be successful in your organization. A successful employee would also need to be a team player,
handle pressure well, and a great communicator.”
Types of Interview Types of Interview QuestionsQuestions
Describe three things that are
important to you in a job?
“I feel my top three important things in any job I take is a great
organization, a product or service I truly believe in, and a
real career opportunity.”
Types of Interview Types of Interview QuestionsQuestions
Explain how your academic
training has prepared you to
step into this position.
Tell me about
yourself.
How do you respond to criticism?
Types of Interview Types of Interview QuestionsQuestions
What are your strengths?
What are your weaknesses?
“I’m well motivated, I’ve got a strong desire to succeed, and I’m always ready and willing to learn new information and skills.”
“I’m a perfectionist. I like things to be in order, and I will keep trying until I think it is perfect.”
Types of Interview Types of Interview QuestionsQuestions
Reliable
Organized
Name three adjectives that can
be best used to describe yourself.
Innovative
Energetic
Hard-working
General TipsGeneral Tips Arrive at least 15
minutes early Bring extra
resumes, a notepad, and pen
Do not smoke, chew gum, swear, or use slang
Be polite to everyone
Turn off your cell phone
Interview DO’SInterview DO’S
Be yourself Be relaxed Be honest
Be a good listener Ask questions Take notes
Interview Don'tsInterview Don'ts
Ask about salary on the first interview
Over exaggerate Make up answers Make negative statements Bad mouth past employers
What are employers looking What are employers looking for?for?
Skills in the field of study
Critical thinking and problem solving skills
Leadership Communication
skills Oral and written
Technical skills
Impersonal skills Confidence Teamwork Flexibility Self-motivation Positive attitude
towards work
After the InterviewAfter the Interview
Send a thank-you note
Phone follow-up once a week until position has been filled
SummarySummary
Preparation, appearance, the interview, and follow-up are all
about one thing, and that is answering the question
WHY SHOULD I HIRE YOU?