Interview Strategies

You are welcomed into the office for an interview. What should you NOT do?

• Plop down in a chair, & pull your phone out
• Wait quietly until they are seated first
• Shake hands with the interviewees then take a seat
• Say thank you, and then ask if you can take a seat

What should you do before you interview with a company?

• Add the interviewers to all your social media
• Do some background research on the job
• Ask them if they serve food during the interview
• Tell them you have another interview 15 minutes after theirs

Why should you bring extra copies of your resume and cover letter?

• You should not bring extra copies
• In case you never sent it to them in the first place
• In case there are more people interviewing you, you can offer it to them

What's a good answer: "Tell me about yourself" ?

• I am 5'9" and 140 pounds with straight teeth. I have 2 cats and 3 dogs and love Netflix and cheese sticks. 
• Well, I am a student. My favorite subject in History. I am active in many clubs, and actually won an award for community service last year.
• Well, what do you want to know? 
• I am a student. My grades aren't great, and I don't do much in school, but I am the oldest in my family, and I want to get out of Merced. 

What should you do with the information about the company's mission, successes, and values?

• Keep it to yourself and do not mention it

• Include this knowledge in the interview where you can

• Only discuss it with other candidates

What should you note when reading a job description to prepare for an interview?

• The exact skills they're looking for

• The company's stock prices

What is the best way to practice or prepare for an interview?

• Memorize all possible questions and answers

• Study common job interview questions

• Only practice the questions you think are easy

• Avoid practicing and answer spontaneously during the interview

What should you bring with you to the interview?

• A gift for the interviewer

• Extra copies of your resume and a notepad with a pen

• Your high school diploma

If you have a Zoom interview, what is recommended to do beforehand?

• Send a friend request to the interviewer

• Test your technology and check your background

• Prepare a presentation about your hobbies

• Dress casually since it is an online interview

What should you do to practice active listening during an interview?

• Interrupt the interviewer to show enthusiasm

• Avoid making eye contact to focus on the questions

• Remember the interviewer's name and make eye contact

• Speak quickly to show you can think on your feet