SEO Career Program
Overview of Interview Process
Elisa Ramos
Agenda
SEO Interview Overview
Interview Scheduling System
Preparation
What we look for
Tips for Interviewing
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Interview Overview
 Phone Screen by invitation only (20 minutes)
 In-person interview by invitation only (30 minutes)
 Location: Several major cities
 Interviewees must arrange and pay for travel and lodging
 Critical behavior interview & case question
Staff, alumni, partner representatives
For certain programs there will be a follow-up
The interview is most important part of the process!
2
Interview Scheduling System
• New Appointment – “Click Here”
– Choose a new username and password (different from
phone screen) when you register
• Changes/Cancellations – Log In
3
Interview Scheduling System
Choose a location, choose Find First, select a
date/time, register
Changes /Cancellations
Spyglass for address details
4
Rescheduling
Go into Time Trade:
Choose my appointments
Cancel/old appt.
Select a new appointment
If the day of: email interview@seo-usa.org
Emergencies only
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PREPARATION
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What To Wear
 Dress
 Business formal
 Conservative colors
 Light vs. colors
 Shirts (blue or white)
 Suits (black or navy blue)
 Use what you have that
conforms these
standards
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What To Bring
 What to bring
 Photo ID - College or State
 Resume
 Pen and paper
 Recommendation and
Official transcript
 Bring to interview
 Fax: (646) 402-6693
 Mail: 55 Exchange Place,
Suite 601, NYC 10005
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HOW TO PREPARE
SELL YOURSELF!
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The Ideal Candidate
• Ability
• Grasps concepts quickly
• Professional, academic or extracurricular experiences
• Willingness
• Drive to understand the industry, roles and
responsibilities
• Demonstrated passion for the business (current
events)
• Fit
• Positive, professional demeanor
• Commitment to community service
Would you
hire you?
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Tips For Interviewing
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Ability
Case Studies
Identify problems
Analytical skills
Problem-solving process
Mental calculation ability
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Ability
• Academics
– Relevant coursework and grades
• Extracurricular activities
– Leadership/key responsibilities
– Relevant activities
• Past Work Experiences
– How did you add value?
– What did you learn?
– How do the skills increase your candidacy?
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Willingness
Know the type of personality needed in the
program area and be able to discuss how you
meet the personality characteristics
 Read vault guides,
Contact SEO Alums
If possible, talk to industry professionals
Think about previous experiences in your life
that will convey these characteristics
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Fit
Know your story
Why you want to do the job
Know your resume and incorporate details into
answers to demonstrate abilities
Demonstrate passion
Program interest and how it relates to you
Transferrable skills from past jobs
Personal preferences and how it aligns with jobs
15
Fit
 Be knowledgeable of
the Markets
 Read (WSJ, NY Times
Dealbook, Barrons,
CBSmarketwatch.com,
Economist, blogs)
 Be able to articulate
financial market trends
 Express opinion
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Fit
Demonstrate a passion for the markets
Conduct trading simulations
Virtual Stock exchange
(http://vse.marketwatch.com/Game/Homepage.aspx)
Develop views on stories you are following
Ex. Where do you think gold will be by this time next
year and why?
Ex. What is your outlook for unemployment over the
next 2 years and why?
Views should demonstrate that are actively
reading
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Tips For Interview
Be relaxed
Approach the interview with a plan
Make eye contact
Be conversational and make a connection with
interviewers
Be enthusiastic
Use voice inflections
Have questions
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HOW TO PREPARE
Understanding of SEO
Research SEO website
Contact SEO alums
Thorough understanding of Program Interests
SEO webinars
Contact SEO Alums
Research Partner Websites
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HOW TO PREPARE
Fit
Professional demeanor
Ability to communicate in a professional
 Professional etiquette
Ability to communicate with diverse people
Examples of dealing with different types of
personalities
 Teamwork examples
Ability to resolve differences in order to accomplish
goals
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HOW TO PREPARE
2 types of bad
Too Much information –
Do not monopolize the conversation
Be brief and concise
Incomplete – not enough information to make any
conclusions about you
Hi, I am interested in investment banking
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Good Luck!