Kansas Next Step - Preparing for an Interview   Learning about an organization is an essential step in preparation for an employment interview.  One survey shows that lack of familiarity with a company will your chances with 75 percent of the interviews you may encounter.  Find out as much as you can about each organization before you interview.  It may be the most important homework you ever do.   What you should know: ·        Major products and services of the organization ·        Size of the organization o       Number of employees o       Annual sales ·        Profit and loss record of past years ·        Growth pattern of organization ·        Current trends and development of organizational structure ·        Company philosophy ·        Key people in organization In addition, when possible, find out as much as you can about the background and perspective of the person conducting the interview. Traits on Which You Will Be Judged 1.     Personal Characteristics. Do you have good grooming? Do you have good manners? Do you maintain good eye contact? 2.     Self-expression. Are you forceful or vague in expressing your ideas and when responding to the interviewer’s questions? 3.     Maturity. What about your overall sense of balance.  Can you make value judgments and decisions? 4.     Personality. What are you like? Outgoing? Shy? Overbearing? Quiet? Tactful? Enthusiastic? Warm? Do you have a good attitude? 5.     Experience. What about your academic achievement? Involvements in extracurricular activities? Job accomplishments? Job skills? 6.     Enthusiasm and interest. Are you really interested in the employer? The particular job? Industry? Perhaps you’re simply getting interview experience? 7.     Career Goals. What do you want to do in you professional life?   The Interview: Some Points to Remember   Analyze Strengths and Weaknesses. In preparing for an interview, start by doing some solid, honest self-assessment. Analyze your strengths and weaknesses, your background, your academic performance, your vocational interests, and your personal aspirations and values.  In other words, begin to formulate, in your own mind, not only what you would like to do, but also what you feel you are best prepared to do. Read Employee Literature.  Next, study your prospective employers.  It is imperative that you have some knowledge about their policies, philosophies, products and services.  Failure to do your home before an interview can be the kiss of death.  Nothing turns recruiters off faster. Dress in Good Taste. Although most employers are becoming more liberal in their standards of dress and appearances, let basic good taste be your guide.  If a beard or “Alice-in-Wonderland” look is going to jeopardize your chances for a job, that’s your decision.  With some employers, appearance could be the deciding factor.  The question you have to ask yourself is, “How important is it?” Be Yourself. Your attitude is going to influence the interviewer’s evaluation.  Don’t try to be something you aren’t… just be yourself. Emphasize your strong points and remember that the recruiter is looking for inherent personal energy and enthusiasm. The interview is your opportunity to sell a product and the product is you! Dwell on the Positive. Try always to dwell on the positive.  While past failures and shortcomings need not be volunteered, don’t try to cover them up or sidestep them.  Should recruiters ask about them try to explain the circumstances rather than give excuses or blame others. Remember, they’re human too…and probably have made a few mistakes. You’ll create a better impression by being honest and candid. Ask Questions—When Indicated.  If appropriate, ask meaningful questions, particularly if you’re not clear about the details of the job, training program, or other job-related concerns. Don’t’ ask questions just because you think that’s what is expected. Follow Up.  Finally, follow up on the interview.  Provide whatever credentials, references transcripts which are requested by the prospective employer as soon as possible.  Be sure to write down the name, title, and address of the recruiter.  You may want to consider a typed letter of appreciation for the interviewing opportunity. Use Your Career Planning and Placement Office.  These, of course, are only general suggestions and observations.  For more detailed and personalized advice, take advantage of the service of college’s career planning and placement office. Looking Professional   How to Sabotage Your Image:   Buy cheap clothing. Wear worn-out or soiled clothing. Look sloppy. Dress too “cutesy.” Or wear anything that is “too” anything. Emphasize your worst features. Minimize your good physical features. Disregard your grooming ( hair not combed, fingernails dirty, etc.) Improperly match and blend items in your wardrobe. Wear inappropriate accessories—things that stand out garishly, such as cheap jewelry  Dress inappropriately for the occasion—casual when you should appear elegant or vice-versa. Dress without any flair—always dull and uninteresting, uninspired, always the same. Dress inappropriately for your age. Ignore your personal habits (gum chewing, body odor, bad breath, etc.) Follow the latest fashion trends blindly, obediently and thoughtlessly.   More Interview Tips     Before the interview:   1.     Prepare answers to questions you may be asked. 2.     Prepare two or three success stories that describe your skills, education, experience, or personal qualities. 3.     Bring an extra copy of your resume for the interviewer. 4.     Bring a sheet with the names and addresses of your references. 5.     Arrive at the interview five or ten minutes early.   During the interview:   1.     Shake hands firmly. 2.     Establish and maintain eye contact. 3.     Don’t criticize previous employers or others. 4.     Keep the interview focused on your strengths. 5.     Describe past jobs; don’t evaluate them. 6.     Prepare to answer salary questions. 7.     Be ready for inappropriate questions. 8.     Conclude the interview by summarizing your strongest qualifications.   After the interview: 1.     Immediately write a letter thanking the interviewer. 25 Reasons Applicants Don’t Get Hired   1.  Poor communication skills 2.  Low grade-point average. 3.     Inability to articulate clear goals or future career directions. 4/  Personality of individual mismatched with corporate culture  for environment. 5.  Lake of match between skills or academic background and position. 6.  Insufficient technical competency for job. 7.  Lack of general enthusiasm, energy, and motivation- personally and professionally. 8.  Weak interpersonal skills 9.  Failure to demonstrate leadership or management potential 10. Inadequate analytical or problem-solving skills or deficiency in capacity to handle concepts 11. Lack of participation in or contribution to extracurricular activities. 12. No pattern or history of top performance or success 13. Questionable work ethic. 14. Unrealistic expectations. 15. Interests of candidate are narrow- personal and professional 16. Lack of relevant work experience part-time or summers. 17. Failure to “sell self” in interview 18. Lack of ability to be a team player 19. Unwillingness to relocate or travel. 20. Lack of preparation for interview 21. Immaturity and/or lack of self-confidence 22. Personality: arrogant, overly aggressive, pompous, or over- confident. 23. Misrepresentation on resume:  education, GPA, depth of experience or skills. 24. Failure to be competitive with applicant pool 25. Appearance - wanting in professional presence: dress, grooming, habits.