Computer Science
Interviewing skills.
Developed by & borrowed from
The Career Management Center
Computer Science
Preparation for a Job Fair or
Interview:
Making a GREAT First Impression!
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MSU Career Fairs - 2016
Engineering Career Fair
• February 18th – 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Education Career Fair
• March 4th – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Business Career Fair
• April 14 – 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. - Dillard
Attendance required for at least one
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Professional Development
Engineering Resume & Job Fair Prep Workshop
• Feb. 11 – 12:00 to 1:30 – CSC Wichita 1 & 2
Business Resume & Job Fair Prep Workshop
• April 5 – 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. – Dillard 121
• April 6 – 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. – Dillard 328
Mustangs Moving On – Entire week of Career Events
May 2 – 6. Details to follow.
Will count as a professional development assignment
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What to Take?
Résumés (LOTS of them!)
A general Resume works well in this
situation.
Portfolio
9"x12" leather-bound or vinyl-bound
portfolio
Store résumés & take notes after talking
with each company.
A BIG Smile & a Positive Attitude
Computer Science
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. – Dress for job you
want, not job you have.
#9 – Your Attitude determines your Altitude.
#8 – Scan the environment.
#7 – Target companies you want to talk with
& visit them first!
#6 – While standing in line to talk with a
recruiter, make sure you are reading
company’s material.
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Top 10 (continued)
#5 – Be assertive, but polite & flexible.
#4 – Your time with recruiter IS an interview.
#3 – Be ready for 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
Computer Science
Awesome interviewing skills:
Getting the position!
Developed by and Borrowed from
The Career Management Center
Computer Science
Before the Interview
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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 - Portfolio.
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Researching the
Company
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Internet
Career Management Center
Trade Magazines
Things you need to know:
Positions available for you
Company's products
Types of Customers & Competitors
Principle locations & number of employees
Sales & profit trends
Any additional information you can think of!
Computer Science
What questions
will they ask?
• Tell me about yourself…
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 10 years?
• If I 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 & 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. See posted doc.
• 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…
Practice some MORE!!!!
Computer Science
What should I take
with me?
• A SMILE!
• A positive attitude!
• A Leather-look Folder or Notebook
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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
• Create LinkedIn page
• Google Yourself
• Check your Facebook page, etc.
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Remove questionable images
Remove offensive comments
Unfriend people who post inappropriately
Then stop posting stupid/offensive things
• Take stupid videos off YouTube
• Attempt to correct inaccuracies
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Develop a Web Site:
Portfolio
Include Professional Information
• Contact information
• Resume
• Expanded information
– Description of work experience
– Course work
• Sample work/projects
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Always do the
following
• Maintain good eye contact
• Always smile & be congenial
• Be positive about yourself, past
employers & the future
• Make sure the interviewer knows you
are excited about the position &
organization
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Don’t Forget!
• Turn off cell phone & put it out of sight
– If you forget & it rings, DO NOT answer
• Be aware of your
– Posture
– Hands
– Expression
– Nervous habits
• Never say never
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Things to avoid in
an interview
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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!
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Send thank you card
Determine when you will hear back
Firm handshake
Thank the interviewer for his/her time
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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 Center
Hardin 211
940.397.4473