1. Develop rapport with employer. Start
with a firm handshake and a smile. Be sure to speak up and show friendliness
and enthusiasm. You can earn a job offer in the first few moments by making
a good first impression.
2. Prepare three or four reasons why you want this job. The reasons you want the job must be specific. Don't say, "I need the money," because ANY job involves money. Keep in mind why THIS job is your goal. Of course, the more you know about the position and the company, the better. Find out all you can by doing research. BEFORE the interview, read the file in the co-op office and check out the company’s website.
3. Here is some advice from corporate recruiters
on appearance:
Play it safe, stay conservative. Flashy is risky.
Invest in one high-quality suit.
Your hair, nails and clothes should look clean and neat.
Put a lint remover and a brush/comb in your briefcase and use them before
you walk into the interview.
Always use the restroom before the interview and make sure everything is in
place.
Wear deodorant
Women: Suits are preferable to dresses, and suit skirts should not be more
than 1 inch above the knee.
Best colors are blue, black or gray. Avoid pastels or other "feminine
colors." Suits should be long sleeved and fairly conservative
Keep an extra pair of hose in your briefcase.
Match your shoes to your suit or wear black shoes.
Shoes should be made of leather or patent leather in a conservative style.
Wear 1-2 inch heels if you can walk in them. Carry flats in your briefcase
if you need to.
Make sure your makeup and jewlery are subdued.
Makeup should be used only to make you look healthy and energetic--don't look
like you are going out on a date
Dangling earrings and perfume are not considered professional
Men: Wear dark suits, single breasted. Your shirts should be long sleeved,
cotton and either blue or white.
Avoid bow ties and instead wear a standard tie that doesn't look cheap and
isn't too avante garde.
No suspenders or monograms, French cuffs, or anything flashy.
Shoes should be black or brown leather in a conservative style.
Wear simple, dark dress socks that reach far enough up to leg when you sit
down, no flesh is showing.
Do not wear cologne or after-shave.
4.
Common
Questions Asked by Employers: (If
you're ready for these you'll do great!)
> Tell me about yourself.
CLUE: Answer in business related
issues, skills, experience.
> Why are you interested in our
company?
Compliment the company. Indicate
that you did research.
> Explain your current or most
recent job.
Be very specific, no broad
terms.
> Why are you leaving or why did you
leave that job?
Be brief and honest.
> How will you be an asset to us?
Be specific, use examples, proof
from the past.
> How much money do you want?
Give a
range. Indicate the range the co-op office gave you. Show flexibility.
> What is your major strength?
Work-related.
> What is your major weakness?
Can you think of one that could
be an asset to company?
> Why should we hire you?
SHOW CONFIDENCE!
ALL employers want certain qualities in employees. That’s why you should be ready to complete
these sentences (and stress these qualities in your interview answers):
“I work well on a team. A good example of that is when I….”
“I solve problems in my job. One time, I….”
“I proved that I have excellent communication
skills when I….”
Other qualities ALL employers want that you
should be able to show specific examples of with sentences like those above:
>
Getting things done
>
Getting along with others
>
Working hard
>
Managing time well
> Learning
fast
>
Continuous learning
5. QUESTIONS
TO ASK. (Always have questions ready. Show
interest.)
DO ask about:
-
Something you read in your research.
Let them know in some way that you did some research! Read the co-op office’s employer file before
your interview!
- Growth
of the company
- Size
of the company, departments, subsidiaries
-
Training programs
- Major
responsibilities
-
Advancement opportunity (not money, ask about responsibilities)
-
"Describe your most successful worker?"
-
"When my work is done, is there more I can take on?"
If it feels right, ASK FOR THE JOB, or at least
a second interview. Show interest in them.
It will make a difference.
6. DON'T ask about:
Raises,
lunch hours, coffee breaks, vacation time, health benefits, sick days.
These are benefits to you that will not get you
the job. Yes, you need to know them, but not yet. Keep the interview in terms of benefits to the employer
(like hiring YOU), not so much what you get out of it.
7. FOLLOW
UP
This CAN get you an offer. Write a thank you
letter the same day, and usually a phone call the next week is not too pushy.
Again, SHOW INTEREST! Let the co-op
office know how the interview went because we do follow up too and want to help
you get the position.