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Adequate preparation for strong performance in an interview is often underestimated by applicants.
Tips
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Do your homework.
Invest time in researching the company or organization and carefully reviewing the job description. Outline points to make it really easy for an employer to see why your specific skills match what they’re asking for and how you are a good match overall for their company or organization.
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Cover the top 10 attributes that employers are looking for.*
Be sure to assess your strengths in these categories and weave them into prepared answers for anticipated questions during your interview.
- Communication Skills (Verbal and Written)
- Honesty/Integrity
- Teamwork Skills (Works Well With Others)
- Strong Work Ethic
- Analytical Skills
- Flexibility/Adaptability
- Interpersonal Skills (Relates Well To Others)
- Motivation/Initiative
- Computer Skills
- Detail-Oriented
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Know your resume.
Be very familiar with everything included in your resume and be prepared to answer questions about any item on it.
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Be specific.
Don’t say, “I have great teamwork skills.” DO SAY: “I have effectively collaborated on teams of 4-35 colleagues on 3 week to yearlong projects.”
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Be concise.
Make sure that every sentence and every word count. (Remember that they may be interviewing many applicants in one day. The more concisely stated your qualifications are, the more you are showing the employer just how great your communication skills are.)
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Be Robust.
While being concise is important, too few words may give the impression that you are not prepared. Be sure to address the multiple ways in which you are a strong candidate for the job. Use the job description as your guide. (Not sure what to include? Schedule an appointment.)
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Be professional.
Get a mentor in your field (join a professional association, ask a faculty member, ask an advisor in your department) to help you to know expectations for your specific field.
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Be truthful.
There’s no need to stretch the truth. Honesty always pays off.
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Be positive.
Be sure to state your skills in a positive way. Don't tell them which skills you don't have. For example, don't say "Even though I don't read and write in Spanish, I am fluent conversationally." DO SAY: "I am fluent conversationally in Spanish."
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Be polite.
Be sure to present your nicest self in an interview. Leave complaints about the application process to a discussion outside of your interview and maintain the focus of your interview on your skills, talents and abilities as they relate to the job you're applying for.
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Attend to Personal Presentation and Dress.
Your personal appearance should be neat and very clean. Interviewers may notice odors such as cigarette smoke, coffee breath, body odor, etc. So be sure to come in clean and fresh. Do not use perfume/cologne (some interviewers are allergic to scents). Your clothing should show your respect for the interview process and yourself. In most cases a high quality, tailored suit is appropriate. Avoid clothing that distracts attention from your face. Wear clothing and shoes that allow mobility. (You may need to walk quickly for a tour or introductions to staff.) Accessorize minimally (simple items that don't distract from your face).
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Plan your trip.
Know where the interview will take place, where to park (do you need coins? permits?), etc. Have a good idea of how long it will take you to get there (factor in traffic, road construction, etc.) and then add 30 minutes to be sure you won't be late. If you are very early, review your resume and arrive at your interview area no earlier than 10 minutes before your interview time.
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Attend an Interviewing Skills workshop.
Check the Gateway Student Success Center website for a list of workshops and presentations. These are free to all currently enrolled NAU students.
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Participate in a mock interview.
Make an appointment for a mock interview at the Flagstaff Mountain Campus with a trained Career & Academic Advisor at least 1 week before your scheduled interview (at the end of each term, you will want to schedule at least 2 weeks in advance).
24 hours before your scheduled mock interview, you will need to submit a real job description which specifies the hiring company or organization and your resume tailored to that job description. Dress professionally and bring copies of your resume or other items you would present at the real interview.
GSSC staff will meet and greet you as if we are the employer and we'll expect you to conduct yourself as if you are in a real interview situation right from the start.
We will conduct a 45 minute interview as if we are the employer and then we will switch into our advising role and provide 15 minutes of feedback.
We will try to be gentle and very honest.
Be prepared to take notes at the end of your interview.
Mock interviews are free to all currently enrolled NAU students.
Informational Interviewing
This is a great way to find out what it’s like to be in a particular job and/or company by interviewing a professional for 15-20 minutes.
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Use the Gateway Connects Online Recruiting System or other resource to find a contact.
Conduct an Employer Search on Gateway Connects or ask NAU staff, faculty, administrators, or your personal contacts, to find a person in a field you're interested in to invite for an informational interview.
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Ask for a 20 minute interview.
You'll ask the professional what they like about their job, what they like least about their job, and what they do in a typical day. You might also ask about desired skills and their recommendations for education and training in preparation for the job.
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Take them out.
Offer to take the person out to coffee, tea, or lunch for the interview as a way of compensating them for their time.
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Send a thank you.
Follow up with a professional looking card.
Guide to Appropriate Pre-Employment Inquiries |
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Interviewing for Graduate School |
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Phone Interviews -Tips |
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| Appropriate Dress for Men and Women - Making a Good First Impression |
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"Thank You" Letter - Tips |
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Don’t take a chance!
Make an appointment with a trained Career & Academic Advisor:
call (928) 523-4772. This is a free service available to all currently enrolled NAU students.
* The Top 10 personal qualities/skills employers seek according to the National Association of Colleges & Employers Job Outlook 2006. |
