INTERVIEWING SKILLS

Since a candidate gets only one chance to make a good first impression, careful preparation must precede every interview. Preparation generally means five golden rules: Know the company with which you are interviewing; know the job requirements; know how your skills, experience and accomplishments fit the job requirements; know why you are uniquely qualified to fill the position; and know why this firm has unique qualities, values or culture that make it a particularly good fit for you.

It is essential to remember each organization is a type of community, with values and expectations that go well beyond the mechanics of the job. These values extend to factors such as honesty, reliability, efficiency, personal chemistry, leadership traits or a whole host of other criteria that significantly influence the hiring decision. Consequently, research into these traits can make a huge difference. Perhaps a former colleague works for the firm, or a networking event can offer an opportunity to meet someone who can supply information. Candidates must never lose sight of the "human side" of the organization, those values that interviewers consider critical for success.

When you're prepared, your confidence will shine through. You'll learn how to act when confronted with a single interviewer or a group, develop interviewing techniques to help respond to a wide variety of questions, and what constitutes appropriate attire and behavior. We'll discuss interviewing tips and what you should never say or do! Through role-playing, you'll develop an interviewing process to put your best foot forward in a job or college interview.