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May 2009

The Art of the Interview Process

During the last few months our newsletters have been focusing on the hiring process. We are hoping to give you valuable information that will assist you in looking for a new position. If this is your first time to our site we encourage you to view the previous month’s articles on writing a resume and setting up references. For May we will be discussing the art of the interview process. This may be the first moment that you meet a potential employer. As they say, first impressions are everything. Here are a few tips:

• While most people assume that professional attire is necessary for an interview it can’t be emphasized enough. Something simple and conservative is the best bet. A suit or jacket and tie for a man. A suit or conservative dress, skirt for a woman. If you are interviewing for a management position you must look the part. A school manager whether admissions, education or financial aid is going to be responsible for leading other professionals. You must present an image that will ensure confidence that you can hold this position.

• Little details do matter. Dramatic piercings, hairstyles, clothing can be looked upon negatively. This is not the time to strut out the latest runway fashions either. Avoid bright or flashy clothes. You want the employer to concentrate on your conversation. Not on the purple spikes in your hair.

• Second, prepare for an interview. Call the school for any information they may be willing to send to a prospective student. Know the literature, the programs, etc. Most companies also have websites that can tell you a lot about the operation – areas of study, certificates or degrees, accreditation, title four, size of student population, background of faculty, history of the organization. This is your time to play Colombo. You can’t know too much.

• Prepare the night before. How long will it take you to drive to the interview location? Do you have a full tank of gas? Any construction in the way? Make sure that you arrive promptly. Racing in the door the last minute can really throw you off your game. Allow at least 20 minutes of extra time. Being late is a sure sign to an employer that you are not ready for the responsibility they are thinking of bestowing on you.

• Lastly, have some intelligent questions that you would like answered. Just one or two is adequate. This shows that you have done your research and you are interested in what the company has to offer.

Good Luck!

 

 

 

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