This document provides information about career center staff and resources available to help Michigan Tech students prepare for job interviews. It outlines best practices for various aspects of the interview process, including first impressions, dress, research, answering common questions, and following up after the interview. Students are encouraged to practice their interview skills by scheduling mock interviews at the career center during the week of September 21-25.

1. WELCOME
TO
“INTERVIEW” IDOL

2. CAREER CENTER STAFF
Jim Turnquist, Director
Jeff Kangas, Assistant Director
Tina Giachino, Manager of Job Development
Julie Way, Career Advisor
Gina Goudge, Coordinator of Career Center
Programs
Matt McCormick, Analyst/Programmer
Rita Smith, Staff Assistant
Adam Griffis, Office Assistant
Laura Givens, Office Assistant

3. THESE CAREER CENTER PARTNERS
GENEROUSLY SUPPORT
MICHIGAN TECH STUDENTS!

4. THESE CAREER CENTER PARTNERS
GENEROUSLY SUPPORT MICHIGAN TECH STUDENTS!

6. FIRST IMPRESSIONS
 A good beginning sets the stage for the “Halo” effect
 You want the interviewer’s initial response to be: “This
is a friend.”
 So…
 A likeable, relaxed, friendly smile goes a long way
 Confident, strong, upright posture – head held high
 Firm handshake
 Comfortable, consistent, direct eye contact
 Repeat your interviewers name – “Nice to meet you Ms.
Jobgiver.”

7. DRESS TO IMPRESS
Experts say that interviewees should expect
every nuance of their appearance to be
noted and interpreted at a job interview.
Conservative is your best bet…for now
 Wear a Suit – Men and Women
 Light Colored Shirt
 Simple but strong tie
 Dress Shoes
 Belt

8. MORE “NUANCES”
Impeccable Grooming is a must!
Again, conservative is your best bet:
 A purposeful hair style for men and women
 Less is more with make-up
 Well-groomed facial hair – if at all
 Tattoos and piercings – hmmm
 Easy on the cologne

9. INTERVIEW ETIQUETTE
 Be prompt – 10 minutes early.
 Be friendly and respectful to anyone you encounter before your
interview.
 Bring a portfolio with numerous copies of your resume, paper,
pen, notes.
 Give a firm handshake, friendly greeting, and repeat your name.
 Wait to be invited to sit.
 Hands held loosely in your lap or holding your open portfolio.
 Watch for signs that the interviewer wants to wrap up the
interview .

11. “SO…TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF”
IS THE FIRST QUESTION AN INTERVIEWER ASKS
IN THE VAST MAJORITY OF TIMES…
 This is where you set the tone for the interview.
 Develop and practice your 60 second “infomercial.”
 A smile conveys confidence, high self-esteem, competence,
warmth, and enthusiasm.
 Tell something unique to remember you by.
 Be funny if you can.

12. YOUR 60 SEC “INFOMERCIAL”
 Experts say memorize – literally memorize – a
personal commercial about yourself
 Your infomercial can include:
 Your hometown
 Your degree and focus, minor, concentration
 Your specific professional interests
 Your specific personal interests/activities, especially if they
highlight leadership, discipline, dedication, sacrifice, a high
level of skill, competitive spirit
 Specific skills, expertise, special training, certificates
 Future goals and aspirations
 Why you want to work for the interviewer’s company

13. INTERVIEWERS WANT TO KNOW:
 Who you are as a person
 Your interest in the position
 Your knowledge of the company
 If you’re the type of person who will fit in with the
company’s culture, environment, atmosphere
 Do I like being around you?

14. THEY ALSO WANT TO KNOW:
 About your teamwork and leadership skills and
experiences.
 How tenacious you are at problem solving – do you
think outside the box?
 Do you take initiative, will you take risks, are you
competitive?
 Do you set goals and can you meet them?

16. THE BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW
Past Behavior = Future Behavior
The interview relies on Story telling
Interviewers will ask you how you’ve handled
specific situations to find out what behaviors,
skills, and decisions you used to solve problems.
 Tell your story in 2 minutes or less using the STAR
method

17. SOME SAMPLE QUESTIONS:
 What are your 3 greatest strengths/weaknesses?
 Give me an example of a time you took initiative, where you went above
and beyond what was expected of you.
 Tell me about a timed when you had to manage several tasks at the same
time that will convince me that you are capable of multitasking.
 Describe a situation where you’ve had a conflict with another individual,
and how you dealt with it. What was the outcome?
 What’s the biggest mistake you ever made and how did you try to fix it?
 Do you like working in groups or alone?
 What 3 words best describe you?

19. RESEARCH THE COMPANY
Why?
 To find out whether or not it’s a place you want to work.
 To discover what skills the job or company most values so
you can align your strengths, skills, and abilities to those
needs and desires.
 To impress the interviewee by having a direct answer to:
“What do you know about our company, and why do you
want to work here.”
 To be able to make informed, intelligent queries when the
interviewer asks if you have any questions.

20. YOUR TURN…
 Be sure to ask intelligent, informed questions of your
interviewer. This shows you know their company and you’re
making an educated decision to work for them.
 Some Sample Questions:
 Ask about a specific project you know the company is working on.
 What is the company’s biggest challenge at this time.
 Where would the company like to be in 5 years?
 Ask your interviewer about his position and work history with the
company.
 Ask about professional development opportunities
 Ask about advancement opportunities
 Finally – Don’t forget to send an immediate
THANK YOU letter. This is appreciated and expected!

21. MAKE THEM REMEMBER YOU!
Comparing American Idol winners to job
interview candidates, Phoenix career coach Joe
Turner says it’s the total package that counts.
 “You don’t have to be the best singer, just the
most remembered decent singer.
 Same for the job interview - you may not be the
candidate with the most experience or the best
grade point average, but you have to find a way
to be the most memorable ,qualified candidate.

22. THE KEY TO FEARLESS INTERVIEWING
 Is to Practice, practice, practice
 This is your opportunity to tell an employer about your skills,
abilities, and strengths, how you used them to accomplish your goals
in the past, and how you’ll use them to help your future employer
meet theirs.
 The Career Center is devoting a whole week to help you prepare and
practice for your interviews:
 Register with NACElink to make a one-on-one
appointment for the week of September 21 – 25.
 Learn what to expect and how to answer those tough
questions.
You’ll be glad you did!

23. LET US HELP YOU PRACTICE!
 The Career Center is devoting a whole week to help
you prepare and practice for your interviews:
 Register with NACElink to make a one-on-
one appointment for the week of
September 21 – 25.
 Learn what to expect and how to answer
those tough questions.
You’ll be glad you did!