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CAREER GUIDE 2016–2017
CLEMSON UNIVERSITY
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Co-Worker Interview: Sometimes, your future co-workers may
interview you to see if they can work with you. Usually, these
people are not trained in interviewing and are busy working
when you are introduced to them. The idea is to be pleasant and
positive, give a short statement about your background and
show your willingness to be a member of the team. Remember
to keep your questions and answers brief.
Group Interview: Occasionally, you will find yourself facing more
than one interviewer at the same time. Use your introduction
and questions to steer the interview in the direction you want.
Be sure you interact with everyone present, not just one or two
group members. Make eye contact with everyone there. Conclude
with a statement of your interest in the job. Watch for the cue to
leave from the person who brought you into the group.
DURING THE INTERVIEW
Typically on-campus interviews will last approximately 30
minutes and will include some small talk, the actual interview,
time for you to ask questions about the position and a summary.
Since first impressions are so important, you will need to polish
up your “small talk” skills before you enter the interview.
It will also be important to have an effective closing to the
interview. For example, candidates should always have a few
intelligent and relevant questions to ask about the position
and organization when given the opportunity (
salaries should
not be brought up by candidates during the first interview)
.
Furthermore, ending the interview in a very enthusiastic and
appreciative manner can have a lasting impression on a
potential employer.
CRUCIAL STEPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEW
1. Arrive 15 minutes early
2. Bring extra copies of your résumé, a pen, some
paper and a copy of your references.
3. Make sure you know how to properly pronounce
the interviewer’s name
4. Dress professionally and conservatively
5. Make a positive first impression:
a. Offer a firm handshake
b. Greet the employer by name
c. Be relaxed and enthusiastic
d. Do not smoke or chew gum
e. Maintain eye contact about 70% of the time
6. Be familiar with the typical structure of the
interview
PROFESSIONAL DRESS
While your skills and experience are essential to finding a job or
internship, looking professional is an important part of landing
a position. Having just the right suit will not get you a job, but
looking disheveled and unprofessional can surely prevent you
from receiving an offer.
Appropriate professional dress is dependent on the industry for
which you are applying. For most positions, candidates should
dress professionally for interviews. As a general rule of thumb,
professional dress requires a well-fitting, dark-colored business
suit paired with a light-colored shirt, simple accessories,
polished shoes and well groomed hair.
In a few industries, business casual is appropriate for an
interview. You do not need to wear a suit to an interview on a
farm and you would not want to wear khakis to an interview at
a bank. It is up to you to learn the appropriate dress for your
industry.
Tips for Men:
•
A two- or three-button black or navy suit.
•
White long-sleeved dress shirt.
•
Conservative tie, avoiding loud patterns.
•
Black shoes, socks to match your suit.
•
Hair and facial hair should be well groomed. No cologne.
•
No suit? Dark dress slacks, a long-sleeved white shirt and
a tie is the next best outfit.
Tips for Women:
•
A skirt suit is most professional. The skirt should be knee
length or just above the knee. Avoid styles that are very
tight, too short or too long.
•
Pants suits are acceptable interview attire for most
employers.
•
Solid-colored button-down blouse or shell under jacket.
Avoid sleeveless tops.
•
Closed-toe shoes with neutral hose.
•
Keep jewelry to a minimum.
•
Hair and make-up should be well groomed and
conservative. No perfume.
•
No suit? A black knee-length skirt and a conservative
blouse is the next best outfit.
THE POWER OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS