1. Bringing Life to Your Interview:
Developing a Great Interview Style
Presentation by:
Addye Buckley-Burnell

2. Preparation
Identify :
– Who will be conducting the interview?
• Job tiles and how many people
– What type of interview?
– When will the interview occur?
• Exact time
• How long it will run
• Do you need to complete an application on site?
– Where will the interview be taking place?
• Exact location- address, building, & room number
• Where you should park
• Always arrive 10-15 minutes before scheduled time

3. Research
• The Company
– The more you know the better you
look
• The Position
– Responsibilities
– Salary ranges (salary.com &
glassdoor.com)
– Advancement potential
Boeing – Identify the skills needed
(online.onetcenter.org)
• Yourself
– Compile a list of your skills
– List your accomplishments
– Know your résumé

5. Most Common Interviews
• Telephone Interviews
• Long-Distance Interviews
• Group/Panel Interviews
• Interviews Over Food

6. Telephone Interviews
• Room with no distractions
• Use landline phone if possible
• Dress-up
• Prepare
• Cheat sheets
• Listen!!!
• Ask about next step

7. Long-Distance Interviews
• No distractions or
background noises
• Cheat sheets off camera
• Practice to ensure
equipment works properly

8. In-Person Interviews
• What to bring
– Enough copies of your
résumé, printed on résumé
paper, for each person
conducting the interview
– A list of references printed
on résumé paper
– A nice padfolio or folder
• What to leave at home
– Your portfolio (if needed)
– Cell phone
– A nice pen
(at least set to silent)
– Your planner/calendar – Your family and friends
– Your problems

9. Group/Panel Interviews
• Find way to connect
with each interviewer
• Maintain eye contact
with each person
• Shake hands and collect
all business cards

10. Interviews Over Food
• Avoid hard-to-eat or
messy items
• No alcohol
• Keep conversation
professional
• Refresh eating etiquette

11. What to Wear:
Women Tattoos/body piercings:
Conceal tattoos &
Clothing: remove piercings
Conservative suit,
knee length skirt, or
dress pants, with Jewelry:
pressed dress shirt Simple, avoid dangles
1-2 rings
Shoes: One necklace
<2 inch heal,
polished, closed toe, One watch/bracelet
& comfortable
Make-up/nails:
Hair: Neutral shades &
Traditional styles & subtle
colors
Avoid perfume
Pull away from the
face

12. What to wear: Tattoos/body piercings:
Conceal tattoos &
Men remove visible
piercings
Clothing:
Well fitted, conservative Jewelry:
suit with pressed shirt &
Watch & one ring
appropriate tie
acceptable
Shoes:
Hands:
Polished dress shoes
Clean & trimmed
fingernails
Hair:
Well groomed & Cologne:
preferably shorter styles
Avoid cologne or strong
Clean shaven/tidy facial aftershave
hair

13. The Handshake

14. Body Language
• Good Posture
• Eye Contact
• Hand Gestures
• Nod While Listening
• Smile
• Don’t Fidget!

15. Decrease Anxiety
• PRACTICE!!!!
– Practice interview with the Career Center
• The more prepared you are, the more
relaxed you will be and the better you
will look
• Know your worth
• Get plenty of sleep, eat prior to the
interview, and avoid too much caffeine
• Allow plenty of time for travel
• Practice relaxation techniques
• Everyone gets nervous!

16. 30 Second Commercial

17. Common Interview Questions
• Based around basic points:
– How do you differ from other candidates?
– What can you do for us?
– Why are you here?
– Can they afford you?
• Think about the intent of the question and
highlight relevant skills
• Behavioral interview questions

18. Tell a Story
Think of a few
situations that STAR:
exemplify a •Situation
variety of skills
•Task
•Action
•Result

19. Illegal Questions
• Nationality/ancestry
• Age Options on How to Handle Them:
• Marital/Family status • Answer at your own risk
• Religion • Ask the relevance
• Health/genealogy • Refuse- risk looking
• Height/weight confrontational
• Disabilities • Examine intent and respond
• Military experience appropriately

20. Prepare to Ask Questions
• Daily Tasks and Responsibilities
• Short and Long-term Goals
• Organizational Structure
• Performance Evaluations
• Company Culture
• Effects of Current Issue
(layoffs, merger, etc..)
• Promotion Potential

21. Key Points
• NEVER speak badly about a
former employer/job
• Focus on the positive of every
experience
• Use each question to highlight
your skills and capabilities
• Avoid “ums” and nervous
laughter
• Stay professional- no profanity!
• Tell stories
• Do not initiate discussion about
salary or benefits

22. End of Interview
• Thank them for their time
• Shake hands
• Collect business cards
• Establish next step
• Send thank-you letters to each interviewer
• Follow-up to determine if a decision has
been made

23. Job Offer
• Never accept right away!!
• Discuss salary only after
offer has been made
– See Career Center staff for
help with negotiations
• Get the offer in writing
detailing all benefits
• Be sure before accepting
– NEVER back out of a job after
accepting the position!!!

24. Questions???