Presented by: Camille G. Mason
Ball State University - Career Center
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Writing a good resume is a waste of time
without good interviewing skills
Candidate Selection:
 50% based on skills
and qualifications
 50% based on a
company’s assessment
of you
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Usually 30 mins
Location can vary:
 On campus
 At company site
 Off site
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Method can vary:
 In person
 Via Phone
 Via video conference or the web SKYPE
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Number of interviewers:
 Usually one
 Could have multiple ppl
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May have greeters:
 On campus
 At company
 Share insights with you
 Many times greeters are BSU alumni or recent
hires
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Research the company,
industry and position
Identify key requirements of
the job
Determine the questions you
will most likely be asked
Develop answers for both
expected and unexpected
questions
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Speak to someone in the company and/or
industry (i.e.: LinkedIn Groups, Vault)
Know yourself: resume, strengths,
weaknesses and interests
Pull together relevant projects, writing
samples, etc. to bring with you (i.e.: portfolio)
Do a practice interview with one of our career
advisors
Prepare typed references
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Get the name, title and email address of the
interviewer
Confirm the date, time and location
Don’t be afraid to ask for directions or
parking information
Do a dry run (travel to location) to confirm
directions and parking
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Purchase or prepare proper
clothing in your 2nd semester
sophomore OR 1st semester
junior year (business suit)
Get a haircut/trim
Attend to every detail of
hygiene and attire
 Shower & deodorant
 NO perfume/cologne
……begins the moment you
have contact with the company
– at every aspect and point of
contact with people in the
company.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cov0bmfO_w
While on the phone to
schedule an interview
 While attending an
employer presentation
 While walking into and
out of the interview
site
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When meeting or
speaking with the
receptionist
 During lunch between
interviews or after they
are completed
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Arrive early
What to bring:
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Resumes
References
Pen
Notepad
Directions
Name, title and
address of
interviewer
 Portfolio
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Always shake hands,
introduce yourself and be
pleasant
Maintain eye contact
Watch body language
1. Repeat what you hear
2. Ask follow up questions
3. Even better: ask questions
pertaining to them
4. Read more literature
5. Go with the flow
6. Find commonalities
7. Smile
8. Show consideration while
speaking
9. Be a "mirror"
Get Your Interviewer to Like You: 9 Hacks
by Cathy Vandewater | October 15, 2013| Vault.com
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Introduction
Information Sharing
 Interviewer questions
 Answering questions
 Interviewee Questions
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Closing
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Smile and shake hands
5 mins or less
Small talk: “Did you
have trouble finding
us?”
Intended to help you
relax!
Two Common Types of Interview Questions
1. TRADITIONAL
o
o
o
o
2.
“Tell me about yourself.”
“What is your greatest strength?”
“What are your weaknesses?”
“Why should we hire you?”
BEHAVIORAL
o
o
“Tell me about a time when…”
“Give me an example of a time when…”
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Tell me about yourself?
PAST
PRESENT
FUTURE
- When your career aspirations began
- Location/Family background
- Current major
- Current/past relevant position
- Most relevant accomplishments
- Where you would like your career to go
- Emphasis your interest in the company
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What are your strengths?
Strength
#1
Example
Strength
#2
Example
Strength
#3
Example
List Your Skills for the Target
Job
Printing Technology – Interned
with a printing company
Market Trends – Presented
market trends in my
Printing Estimating & Cost
Analysis course
Leadership – President for the
Technical Association of the
Graphic Arts (TAGA)
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What are your weaknesses?
 "I'm a perfectionist," or "I work too hard”
•
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Answering this way shows a lack of self-awareness and an
indication that you are unable to assess yourself well enough
to communicate your weak points
Tell the interviewer a weakness but explain how you
are working to overcome it.
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Why should we hire you?
Strength #1
Strength #2
Strength #3
Soft Skill
Soft Skill
Soft Skill
Use the P.A.R technique for behavior based
questions:
Problem – Describe the problem
Action – Explain the action you took to fix the
problem
Results – Explain the result that occurred
because of your action
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cyww7eRVj3E
Listen carefully!
Be sure you understand the question. If
unclear, ask for clarification.
 Clear & concise responses
Make sure to emphasis your strengths.
 Use examples
Use relevant or related examples that
focus on skills, experiences and
accomplishments.
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DO NOT criticize previous
employers, teachers, coworkers, etc.
Speak clearly.
Use complete sentences.
Avoid one word answers.
Avoid using the words “think”,
“guess” or “feel”
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Ask questions that show your interest
If you have done your research, good
questions will follow
If you can find the answer online then it is not
a good questions to ask.
Ask about the next step in the process
Do NOT ask about salary or benefits
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Interviewer will generally prompt the end of
the interview
Have a closing prepared!! Summarize your
skills and express interest (30 seconds – 1
min)
Ask for a business card
Thank the interviewer
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Send a thank you after the interview to
everyone who interviewed you within 24 – 48
hours
 Letter
 Email: Email thank you should be even
more timely, preferably same day.
Contact the employer if you do not hear from
them within the timeframe communicated
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Be brief
Reaffirm interest
Remind interviewer of the
position and date of interview
Express gratitude for their time
Re-emphasize how you would fit
into the company and position
Take responsibility for next
contact
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Jobs and Internship Guide (Publications)
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!
 Schedule a practice interview with your
Career Advisor
 Schedule an interview advising session with
your Career Advisor
How to sign-up for on
campus interviews
Come Visit The Career Center!!
For Assistance:
•Career Lab in LU 235
•8am – 5pm Monday - Friday
•Drop-in Career Advising
•MTW – 1-3pm and Thu/Fri –
10am to Noon;
•Individual career advising by
appointment –Call 285-1522
Camille G. Mason
765-285-1522
cgmason@bsu.edu