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PREPARE FOR YOUR JOB SEARCH by assembling all of your tools. Below are some popular downloads to help you organize and prepare for your job searching experiences. For quick printing you can download the PDF file; or if you want to customize these files, download the Microsoft Word/Excel versions and edit them. Job Search Checklist Job Search Tracking Sheet Network & Informational Interview Tracking Sheet PDF format (Adobe Acrobat Needed) PDF format (Adobe Acrobat Needed) PDF format (Adobe Acrobat Needed) Microsoft Word Version Microsoft Excel Version Microsoft Excel Version How to Prepare and Practice Get the Pertinent Information When you first get the phone call to schedule an interview, you'll need to get some important information. First and foremost, get the date, time, and location of the interview. Also, ask about the structure of the interview (i.e. group. panel, individual, etc.), and how much time should be allotted. When planning your interviews, always allow for the best case scenario: that is, they really like you, and the interview goes very well and much longer than anticipated. If things go well, a 30 minute interview can quickly turn into an hour; and if you have another interview across town and only have 15 minutes to get there, things could get dicey. Ask if you should bring writing samples or if tests will be a part of the interview (bring something comfortable to write with - perhaps a very comfortable pen or a nice mechanical pencil). Ask if you can get a list of the interviewers (this may not be possible, but can help you research the company and the interviewers before the interview). One candidate really impressed her interviewer because she researched him and knew of his publications and interests. She engaged him and had a pleasant conversation about one of his hobbies. Ask for the contact information of the person in charge of the internship (this comes in handy in case something unavoidable happens). One candidate was going to be late for an interview because someone had broken into her car and she needed to clean the broken glass out before driving. The interviewer immediately rescheduled the interview telling the candidate she would be in no condition to interview because her mind would be on her car. Location: Map the address out using an online service like yahoo, then repeat it with another service like Google until you get two consecutive sets of directions. Do a dry-run the day before (especially if it is within driving distance). Try to do this around the same time as the interview. Allow for mishaps. If you arrive too early (more than 15 minutes), stay in your car or get some coffee, but don’t go to the interview site…it may make the interviewers nervous or uncomfortable. Know the Organization To prepare, research information about the organization. At the very least, review the organization's Web site and understand the mission of the company. Notice any important details on the Web site (new products, acquisitions, etc.) in the event these are mentioned during the interview. Additional interview preparation ideas include scanning the company's annual report and company literature, attending an on-campus company information meeting and meeting representatives at Internship and Career Fairs. Read area newspapers and industry trade journals, and listen to local and national news to keep informed about trends. Know the Opportunity Effective interview preparation includes dissecting the job description. Use a highlighter to identify important phrases and job-specific terminology. Before the interview, contact the recruiter to make sure you have the complete job description. Also ask about the structure of the interview, e.g., "Is it a panel interview? How much time should I allow for the interview? Should I bring writing samples to the interview? Are tests a component of the interview?" Review: Before the interview, review your resume and be prepared for questions about what is listed in your resume, specifically: Work, volunteer and internship experience Education-formal and informal Skills Leadership experience Additional preparation tips include: Obtain accurate directions to the interview location. Bring a few copies of your resume, transcripts and reference list with you. Have questions prepared for the interviewer, to ask at the end of the interview. Rehearse: It is important to practice answering questions before the actual interview. Here are suggestions for interview rehearsing: Use a tape recorder. This will allow you to hear the "filler words" in your vocabulary, e.g, "um," "like," and "you know." Listen for how fast you talk and pace your speech accordingly. Use a video camera. Observe your hand gestures, posture, eye contact and decide, "How do I look?" Based on this interview, "Would I want to hire me?" Answer questions in front of a mirror. If a video camera is not available, this method allows for some of the same effect. Hold a mock interview with friends and/or family. Ask for feedback about your interview performance. Use note cards. "Studying" for the interview is another way to prepare. When using note cards, write a sample question on one side and jot down some key phrases you would like to recall on the opposite side. Avoid memorized answers that could cause you to stumble. Anticipate the unexpected. An employer may ask a question for which you are not prepared. If this happens, you can repeat the question aloud, allowing you some time to formulate your answer. Try to determine why they are asking this question. There are no right or wrong interview answers, only better and worse answers. Take a look at possible interview questions you will be asked. At The Interview: When you enter the interview room, shake everyone’s hands and ask for business cards.  You can place the business cards in front of you to help you during your interview (remembering names and titles) and use them afterward to send thank-you letters. The interview process: Casual conversation – to make you feel at ease, they may engage in some casual conversation like "how was your trip down?" or "how was the weather?" They do this because they know you are nervous and they want you to feel relaxed for the interview so they can make an informed decision. Down to business – the interviewer will describe the position and organization.  Listen to any changes, but don’t ask questions at this time. Interview questions - Employer will ask questions about skills, education, training and work history.  Be selective about the experiences you present and always emphasize the positive. Follow-Up Is Necessary No interview is complete until you have followed up with a thank you note. It does not have to be elaborate, just short and sweet. It should be polite, but also establishes the impression you made even more firmly. You should include your address, email and phone number on this note. This follow-up should be done within 24 hours of your interview, and should include the date you interviewed, the name of the interviewer with his or her address and phone number, a summary of the information and advice they provided you with, and any other information that may have surfaced, as well as reinforcing your interest in the position. This thank you note should be addressed to all of your interviewers, as in some cases there may be more than one.

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