Interview
Techniques
Career & Advising Services
Lewis-Clark State College
www.lcsc.edu/cas
Overview of This Session
 Pre-Interview Preparation:
Know yourself and your resume
Know the Employer
Practice techniques
 Participation in the Interview:
What to take
Clothing, make-up, and accessory choices
Do’s and Don’ts
 Post-Interview Follow-Up:
How to thank the employer
Practical Points in the Job Search
Process
The Seven P’s:
1 - Prioritize Your Goals and Values
2 - Prepare to Promote Yourself
3 - Package Your Professional Appearance
4 - Practice, Practice, Practice
5 - Profile The Employer
6 - Present Yourself at the Interview
7 - Perform Proper Post-Interview Follow-Up
P #1:
Prioritize Your Goals and Values
1) Self-assessment
2) Application of Results
P#2:
Prepare to Promote Yourself
Know Your Resume
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Work Accomplishments
Private Life Accomplishments
Extracurricular/Volunteer Experiences
Anecdotes
Your Career Goals
Strengths/Weaknesses
Qualifying Details
P#3:
Package Your Professional Appearance
The Three Goals:
 Looking appropriate and “fitting in” with the setting
 Demonstrating confidence
 Feeling comfortable with yourself
Package Your Professional Appearance…
Let’s start from the beginning:
 Shower. Shave. Brush. You’ll feel better and you’ll
look fresh.
 Do not wear cologne or perfume. You never know
who will be allergic to, sensitive to or reminded of
someone by what you are wearing.
 Do wear antiperspirant! The best scent is fresh (a
high quality bath soap should do the trick).
Make-Up Choices:
Cheery Cherry
Smoky Serious
Pretty Peach –
Best for the interview!
According to a survey done in fall 2004 of human resources professionals, by a communications
consulting firm, Employers admit they are more likely to employ a woman who wears make-up
than one who doesn’t.
Jewelry
 Less is more.
 Wear nothing that makes noise or dangles.
 Men should avoid wearing any jewelry unless
it is a wedding ring, class ring or metal watch.
 Women: No more than one earring in each
ear, one necklace, one ring on each finger,
and one item on each wrist. Then…remove
at least one item.
 Generally unacceptable: facial piercings,
tongue jewelry or visible tattoos.
Which one would you pick…
Which one would you pick…
How About These?
Suiting Examples for Women
■ Skirts should be
no more than 2”
above and 2” below
the knee.
■ Full shoes (not
sandals) with hosiery
are recommended for
the interview.
■
Be sure waist isn’t too
low…bend over and
look behind you in the
mirror to check!
Men’s Suiting
Inappropriate Interview Shoes
Women’s & Men’s Dress Shoes
P#4: Practice, Practice, Practice
Interviewing is a learned skill:
The PIE Concept:
 P ractice to prepare
 I nformation Interview
 E mployment Interview
P#5: Profile the Employer
How should you conduct the necessary
research?
What should you know about the
employer?
P#6: Present Yourself at the Interview
When you are invited to the interview,
ask some questions...
Types of Interviews:
INTERVIEW INFORMATION SHEET
Employer/Organization:
Long
Short
Date of Contact/Interview: ________ / ________
Location and Directions to Interview site:
Telephone
Description/Type of Interview:
Formal
Informal
Contact Person & Phone Number:
Names/Titles of Those Met:
Panel
Test
Individual
Thank You Sent:
____________________________________
____________________________________
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Group
Presentation
Job Offer __________
Decline __________
Rejection __________
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Notes About Employer:
(Notes From Interview on Reverse)
What should you take with you to
the Interview
 Extra copies of your resume
 Reference list
 Transcripts
 Writing utensil/paper
 Social Security Number (Card)
 List of questions to ask
 Other supporting materials
 Spending money
The most Important Way to Begin
(and end) the Interview
Four Point First Impression
Four Point Final Impression
Do’s in The Interview…
Points to remember
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Get a good night's sleep before the interview.
Use the restroom before the interview begins.
Arrive Early - 10 minutes is appropriate.
Maintain good eye-contact with each individual that you meet.
Use each person's name that you meet, to help you remember .
Let the interviewer direct the conversation.
Listen to each question carefully, without interrupting.
Take time to think through your answers - pauses are OK.
Keep your answers between 20 seconds and 2 minutes, which is statistically
the optimum time period for answering a question.
Speak positively about previous employers and co-workers.
Be constantly aware of your body language and that of the interviewer.
Let the employer lead into discussion about salary & benefits.
Ask at the end of the interview when you will hear from the interviewer again,
If the information is not offered.
Be sure that everything you say in the interview is verifiable.
Don’ts in the Interview
Points to remember…
 DON’T chew gum, tobacco, or candy during the interview.
 DON'T touch, lean on, or pick up anything on the interviewers
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desk.
DON'T address the interviewer by first name,unless first invited
to do so.
DON'T touch your hair, adjust your clothing, bite your fingernails
or anything else that may be distracting to the interviewer.
DON'T use slang or profanity, even if the employer does.
DON'T be a comedian. Be pleasant, but remember that the
interview is serious.
DON'T answer questions with just one word.
DON'T be overly negative about anything or anyone.
P#7 – Perform Post Interview Follow-Up
Five Reasons why you should send
thank-you notes after an interview:
1 - They prove you are courteous and good with people
2 - They help the employer remember you.
3 - They can be used to reiterate your interest in the job.
4 - They can provide you with opportunities to reinforce certain points
made in the interview
5 - A thank you note may be the one factor that positively sets you apart
from others interviewed!
(The 10 Minute Rule)
Interview Techniques
Your chance to let your personality shine…Make it count !
Career & Advising Services has additional interview, job search, and career
resources in the office at Reid Centennial Hall, 110
Trained staff can assist you with your interview questions
CAS has three computers available for your job search needs
Visit LCSC Career & Advising Services ~ Reid Hall 110
Debra Lybyer, Director
Debi Mundell, Associate Director
Susan Lawson, Career Counselor
Andrea Masom, Career Advisor
Green Baggett, Staff Volunteer
Denise Harris, Administrative Assistant
Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. summer hours