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Making Interview Arrangements:
- Prepare a professional message on your answering machine and cell phone
- Check email daily
- Use a professional email address
- Keep calendar readily available by the phone
- Ask for name and phone number of the interviewer when scheduling interviews
- Obtain clear directions and parking information
- Ask if a tour of the company will be included in the interview. If there is a tour, be aware of particular safety requirements and/or dress restrictions
Appearance:
- First impressions are lasting impressions… Make yours a great one!
- Cleanliness is a must
- Hair should be neat and professional
- Jewelry should be kept to a minimum – absolutely no body piercing should be visible
- Men: suit, dress pants, white shirt, tie, matching socks and dress shoes
- Women: suit with slacks or knee-length skirts, hose and polished closed-toe dress shoes with low heels
Research the Organization before your Interview:
- Know the company’s products and/or services
- Geographic locations
- Number of plants, stores or facilities
- People you know within the organization
- Potential growth in the industry and their competitors
- Recent items in the news
- New products, services and markets
Where can you find this Information?
- The Internet
- Your Co-op Manager
- The library
- Ask the organization for literature or brochures
The Interview
Things to Bring:
- Several copies of your resume and references
- A notebook and pen
- Three to five prepared questions to ask the interviewer
Use Good Communication Skills:
- Firm Handshake – Remember to begin and end your interview with one
- Eye Contact – Make good eye contact with all of your interviewers
- Body Language – Lean forward and smile, do not slouch or fidget
- Speak Clearly – Speak loudly enough to sound confident, do not mumble or talk too fast
- Vocabulary – Use proper English and avoid slang terms
- Enthusiasm – Always have a positive attitude
Rehearse these Sample Interview Questions before you interview:
- Tell me about yourself.
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- What high school courses did you like the most? The least?
- What did you gain or learn from your part-time job or volunteer work?
- What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction?
- Why do you plan to attend Kettering University?
- Why do you plan to major in your intended field of study?
- Give me an example of when you had to work in a team environment.
- How do you handle conflict?
- How would you describe your work ethic? Give me an example.
- Why do you want to work for us?
- In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our organization?
Be Prepared to ask the Employer Questions:
- Does your organization employ other Kettering students? Other co-op students?
- What type of assignments do freshmen students receive?
- What type of increased responsibility would I experience during my time here?
- Do you have an example of a Thesis project completed by a Kettering student?
- What do you like the most about working for this organization?
- What is the next step in the hiring process and can you give me an estimated timeline?
Finish Strong:
- Say “Thank you” and shake hands with all interviewers
- Collect business cards from all interviewers
- Always send a thank you letter
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