…because you can’t stay in school forever!

Interview PreparationRachel E. WobrakProgram Director, Computer, Mathematical & Natural Sciences and Agriculture & Natural Resources

www.Careers.umd.edu www.PresidentsPromise.umd.edu 3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing

Resources

University Career Center & The President’s Promise

3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing

Phone: 301-314-7225

www.Careers.umd.edu

Reed-Yorke Pre-Health Professions Advising

1210 H. J. Patterson Hall

Phone: 301-314-1281

www.prehealth.umd.edu/otherhealthprofessions/alliedhealth/pharmacy

www.Careers.umd.edu www.PresidentsPromise.umd.edu 3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing

Interviewers want to know:

1. Why are you interested in the position, school or program?

2. Why should they be interested in you?

3. How will you fit in?

4. What is your attitude towards life/work or life/school?

5. Do you have the skills, knowledge, and experience?

www.Careers.umd.edu www.PresidentsPromise.umd.edu 3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing

Before you go to the interview…

Know yourself: Strengths, weaknesses, skills, experiences, selling

points, etc.

Know the org./school/ program: Complete your research online, by networking,

requesting information, etc.

www.Careers.umd.edu www.PresidentsPromise.umd.edu 3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing

Ways to Research Companies

Career Insider

Trade journal/industry magazines

Newspaper articles

Organizations website/pamphlet information

Networking contacts

Informational Interview

www.Careers.umd.edu www.PresidentsPromise.umd.edu 3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing

Ways to Research Professional Schools• School Websites• Speak with your student host in

advance• Attend their visit days and special

programs• Professional School Fair – April 11,

2012

www.Careers.umd.edu www.PresidentsPromise.umd.edu 3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing

Before you go to the interview…cont.Practice answering questions ( Virtual Mock Interview)

Complete a practice drive to the location

Prepare your interview attire

Know what salary you will request/need

CBSalary.com, Salary.com

www.Careers.umd.edu www.PresidentsPromise.umd.edu 3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing

Interview Attire Research your industry

Wear attire before the interview (especially the shoes)

When in doubt ask

Things to remember:

Conservative Suit Color Moderate cologne/perfume

Clean finger nails Clean shaven

Avoid busy prints Little jewelry

Closed-toe shoes Non-scuffed shoe

Correct fitting clothes Trimmed hair

www.Careers.umd.edu www.PresidentsPromise.umd.edu 3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing

Don’t forget to bring…Several copies of your résumé Printed list of referencesQuestions for InterviewerPortfolio of relevant papersPen/notepadSimple folder/attaché/padfolioAnything the employer/school requested of you

www.Careers.umd.edu www.PresidentsPromise.umd.edu 3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing

Going into the interview

Arrive 10-15 minutes early

Be pleasant to everyone

Visit the restroom one more time

Read the organization’s/school’s material and pay careful attention to all presentations

Make eye contact and prepare to shake hands

www.Careers.umd.edu www.PresidentsPromise.umd.edu 3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing

General Interview Tips

Avoid answering questions with yes/no

Be aware of your body language

Avoid nervous mannerisms

Act with confidence

Ask for question clarification, if needed

Answer questions in two minutes or less

www.Careers.umd.edu www.PresidentsPromise.umd.edu 3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing

Two questions to prepare for

Tell me about yourself.

Why do you want to be a XXXX?

www.Careers.umd.edu www.PresidentsPromise.umd.edu 3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing

General Interview Tips…cont.The STAR Method

                      S = Situation

                        T = Task

                        A = Action

                        R = Result

www.Careers.umd.edu www.PresidentsPromise.umd.edu 3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing

Ways to Sabotage Your InterviewNot qualified Lack enthusiasm

Poor interpersonal skills Unprepared

Revealing weakness Unclear goals

What is in it for me? Bad mouthing

Not selling yourself Unclear interests

Not knowing the climate

Asking uneducated ?s

www.Careers.umd.edu www.PresidentsPromise.umd.edu 3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing

At the Close of an Interview…Always ask :

“What is the next step”

State if you are interested in the

position/school

Thank each interviewer

Ask for a business card- helpful for Thank Yous

Leave your reference sheet

www.Careers.umd.edu www.PresidentsPromise.umd.edu 3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing

Interviewing Resources

Books in Resource Room

Virtual Mock Interview

Terp Guide: Internship & Job Search

www.careers.umd.edu

www.Careers.umd.edu www.PresidentsPromise.umd.edu 3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing

Contact Us

Rachel E. Wobrak Program Director rwobrak@umd.edu 301-314-7242

Schedule an appointment: Online

(www.Careers.umd.edu) Call (301.314.7225)

Visit (3100 Hornbake Library, S. Wing)

Visit Careers.umd.edu to learn more about our services such as: Individual Appointments Careers4Terps Jobs/Internship

Database Upcoming Workshops Schedule Interviews with

Employers (internship, part-time and full-time)

And more!

Visit PresidentsPromise.umd.edu to learn how to become competitive in your job/internship search by gaining experience.