prepareaninterview.docVIP

PREPARING AN INTERVIEW Know Yourself What are my skills and abilities? What are my strengths? How do my skills and experiences relate to the position and employers?needs? What contributions will I bring to the employer? Am I willing to relocate? How do my values compare to the philosophy of the organization? What points do I want to be sure to get across during the interview? How does this position fit into my career goals? If interviewing in a country other than your home country, do you understand the cultural expectations? Prepare Yourself Obtain a copy of the job description. Use the employer information and the employer??ˉ websites to gather information (annual reports, employee handbooks, policy statements, employee newsletters) on the organization. Locate the employer??ˉ home page on the Internet. Conduct informational interviews with persons in similar positions to learn about the career field and how your skills may apply. Develop a list of appropriate questions that reflect your research. Be sure to know the culture of the country where you are interviewing. U.S. employers are expecting you to articulate your future career goals and past accomplishments. They are assessing you according to American values such as self-confidence, initiative, directness, and individualism. Practice Review attached list of questions most asked during an interview as well as list of questions to prospective employers. Practice answering interview questions (out loud). Schedule a mock interview, through the Office of Career Services, to gain experience and feedback. Be aware of your body language???hat is your body language under pressure? Remember to smile and be yourself! Checklist Confirm date, time and place of interview. Pack several copies of your resume; a list of references, including names, titles, addresses and telephone numbers; writing samples if appropriate; and letters of recommendation. Dress appropriately (conservative busines