Spiro's Careers

1. Know Yourself
   Make a personal inventory list. Your strengths and weaknesses. What you want in a job and what you don't want.
2. Know the employer
   Read any recruiting literature, Annual Reports, and company websites. 
3. Know the interview procedure
   If you don't know what to expect, you won't be relaxed and natural. 
   Schedule a mock interview with Career Readiness. Prepare yourself using the Common Interview Questions.
4. Make sure the interviewer knows about you
   Fill out the personal information form and other paperwork completely, neatly, and promptly. They give you and the interviewer the foundation for a mutually productive interview.

When you "script" your answers to common interview questions, you actually write out answers to common questions prior to the interview. Scripting doesn't mean you simply memorize and regurgitate each answer.

It means you prepare: highlight a few points you would like to make and emphasize them throughout.

• Dark business suit or business pant suit (preferably navy)
• White or cream-colored center button blouse (not cut too low) or shell, professionally laundered
• Wear neutral hosiery
• Conservative jewelry (one ring per hand, modest pearls or necklace, no dangling earrings, pins are OK, no more than one bracelet)
• Minimal or no perfume
• Conservative (no wild colors) or no nail polish
• Modest make-up
• Professional watch
• Closed toe pumps
• Conservative hairstyle, pulled away from the face

• Dark business suit and tie (preferably charcoal, black, or dark navy)
• White or light colored long-sleeved button-down shirt
• Conservative, non-flashy power tie that emphasizes your features (avoid wild colors or prints)
• Conservative jewelry (one ring per hand, no earrings)
• Minimal or no cologne
• Always be clean shaven or neatly trim mustaches or beards
• Go with a conservative hairstyle

• A lot of facts in a short time
  The interviewer needs enough information to make a decision as to whether the company should invite you to further interviews.
• Your personality
  First impressions are important. They tell a lot about your poise, ability to communicate, and general social skills.
• Your interests
  What you want to do and why you want to do it. Your career goals, interest in continuing education, geographic preference, and willingness to relocate.
• Your qualifications
  Grade point average is important. So are work experience, extracurricular activities, and hobbies. But most important is how all these things relate to your career objectives.

• DO Talk about Yourself
  That's what the interview is for. When asked a question, don't just answer yes or no. Take the opportunity to elaborate on your career goals, interests and qualifications.

• DO Be Honest
  Exaggerations or outright lies are usually attempts to hide some problem that will prevent a good student/company match.

• DON'T Act
  Just be you. The only employer you will be happy working for is one that likes the real you.

• DON'T Be Too Casual
  Remember you are interviewing for a professional position. BE ON TIME. Dress appropriately and have your thoughts and questions well organized.

• Don't expect instant action
  Normally, interviewers don't hire anybody on the spot. Their job is to screen candidates for future interview and hiring decisions.
• What happens next
  Even when interviewers are impressed with students, they will rarely make promises. That's because they must review your qualifications with the hiring managers before making commitments. 
• How to help your chances
  Follow up with a thank you note, phone call, or email confirming your interest and reiterating the points you discussed.
• What if the answer is no
  Sometimes it's obvious from the interview that the student's qualifications and the company's opportunities don't match. In such a case, the interviewer may tell you candidly and courteously that there will be no further action.