Interviewing & Networking

for Dummies Created and presented by:

Maggie YangRCSA Professional Development Committee

Imagine

You have been called into an interview for an internship that you have dreamed about for years…and you don’t have a clue what to say.

Research

Rehearse

Review

Relaxed and Ready

Step One: Research

Know the Company Talk about the company’s

interests and how they match yours

Research the company’s past achievements and future plans

Emphasize that you know what you are talking about

Know Yourself “I've been surprised when

applicants weren't able to tell me their dates of employment or what they actually did on a day-to-day basis at their job.”

- Recruiter

Review your work history - and make sure what you say matches what's on your resume

Step Two:Rehearse

Compile a list of commonly asked interview questions

Don’t memorize answers; prepare stories

Practice in front of a mirror

Next, have a friend conduct a mock interview

Step Three:Review – The Check-

List Attire• Often specified• If not, business casual is safe

Prepare your materials• Notebook*• Potential questions to ask your employer*• Resume• List of references• Cover letter

Research location of interview and arrive EARLY

Step Four: Relaxed and Ready

Calm & Confiden

t

1. Arrive early

2. Smile, firm

handshake, confident

introduction 3. Offer

your resume

Interview Etiquette• Do not chew gum or drink coffee• Do not talk, text, tweet, ping,

bing

What not to

do• Speak clearly• If you can’t think of a response,

take a deep breath, think, and then answer

What to do

• Be attentive • Answer the correct question! Listen

Behavioral InterviewsBe ready to talk about what you’ve done at other companies

“Brag’ about what is on your resume without appearing haughty

Based on your research, tailor what you say to what the company needs and wants

Answering Questions Answer honestly, but not brainlessly

IE: “What is your weakness?”

Don’t: I am lazy and careless, but on the bright side, I am a good procrastinator!Don’t: My only weakness is that I give too much to my job.

This is a tricky question. Spin your story so that your weakness is not crippling. Avoid the cliché answers though.

Remember you are talking to a potential employer

IE: What did you like least about your previous position?”

Don’t: "I hated the job and the company. They were awful to work for.”

It's important not to badmouth the companies or people you worked for, because you don't know what relationships they may have with the company interviewing you. More importantly, they want to know that you won’t do the same to their company in another interview.

For more counter examples: http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewquestionsanswers/a/worst-interview-answers.htm

A uniquely terrifying experience

Networking

Networking = DatingDON’T BE DESPERATE

Pre-Networking

Know who will be at the event, if possible

Be knowledgeable about your field of interest • Current events• Interesting

updates• Conversation

starters

Develop “elevator

pitch”

Prepare an LinkedIn account

At the EventIntroduce yourself;

shake hands

Listen carefully

Speak• Leave a

memorable impression

• Be confident

Ask questions;

display genuine interest

Strategize• Express interest in internship (do NOT ask for one)

• Do not appear as if you want something from them

Following Up

- Friendly email within 12-24 hours

- Include a thank you, a memorable moment; interest in future contact

- Don’t be overly pushy

- Add on LinkedIn- Keep the connection going

past the initial email (non-awkward – every 6 months)