EKU Career Services

-Know what employers look for in applicants

-Prepare for the interview by researching the potential employer and practicing your
interview skills

-Dress professionally

-Be punctual - know where you are going and arrive early to your interview

-Bring at least ten extra copies of your resume

-Prepare questions to ask the interviewer regarding details about the position and the
company

-Plan to follow-up after the interview

First Impression – Lasting Impression: Dress for Success
- Research the employer before the interview and learn about the
dress requirements typical of that career field, and if possible, that specific employer.

- Ask to receive an itinerary of your interview beforehand to make appropriate decisions
of what you should wear.

- Some employers encourage business casual for the interview, but be sure to check first
and avoid making a mistake.

Suggested proper attire for a professional interview:
Recommended for Women

Pant suit, dress suit or tailored dress – best colors: Navy, Black, Gray, or Taupe
Skirts should be no shorter than 1 – 2 inches above the knee and avoid extreme slits
Polished and closed toed shoes or basic dark pumps with medium or low heels (1 – 2 inch heels)
Nail polish should be subtle - fingernails well groomed
Make-up should be minimal
Folio, briefcase, or professional bag with small purse is recommended
Simple, basic jewelry – one bracelet or watch per arm, one ring per hand (with the exception of the wedding set)
Always wear hosiery and keep color neutral
Avoid wearing fragrances
Avoid visible tattoos

Recommended for Men

Dark suit or dress pants and jacket – best colors: Navy, Black, Gray, or Taupe
Shined leather shoes - tassel loafers, wing tip, or lace-up in black, brown, or cordovan
Belt should coordinate with your shoes and wear socks that coordinate with pants
Clean, well-groomed hands and nails
Conservative tie that coordinates with outfit, tied just long enough to cover the belt buckle
Solid cotton blend shirt with plain or button down pressed collar - make sure it is a good fit
Avoid flashy cuff links, rings or neck chains.
Avoid cologne
Avoid visible tatoos

Career Services’ staff is happy to advise you on dressing appropriately for an interview - especially an on-campus interview. Information and handouts are available at the Career Resource Center to help you learn what attire is appropriate. Career Services also provides a Dress for Success Closet for students. Students can shop and chose a complimentary outfit for an interview from the closet. When in doubt, dress professionally.

Research your potential employer:
It is important that you research an employer so you can relate your abilities to the needs of the organization. Also, by having “done your homework,” it will show an employer that you are interested in their company and the position. (Refer to the section “Researching an Employer” for more information).

Making conversation – practice interviewing:
You don’t have to memorize a lot of answers to difficult interview questions, but it is important to practice how you will present yourself in an interview situation. Generally employers are asking questions to find out why you are interested in the position, to find out what you can do for them, to learn what kind of person you are/what makes you unique, and if they can afford to hire you. Review the interview questions listed on the next page and practice your responses by incorporating information about your education, experience, skills and specialized knowledge that makes you the best candidate for the position. Stay focused on the job you are interviewing for and refer to the qualifications and experience noted on your resume.

Active Listening:
Active listening behaviors signal that you are listening to the speaker, that you heard and understand what the speaker is talking about, and that you care about the conversation. Use the following strategies to enhance your listening skills:

During the interview it is your job to convince the interviewer that you are the most qualified applicant for the position. Remember, you only have one chance to make a good first impression!

- Arrive 10 - 15 minutes early. Give the interviewer a firm handshake.

-Be aware of your body language - maintain eye contact and remember to smile. Don’t smoke or chew gum at any time during the interview.

-Choose your words and topics of conversation carefully. Avoid filler words while speaking - i.e., “um”, “uh”, “ya know”, “well”, “like”, and “yeah”. Be professional by avoiding the following – swear words, gossip, jokes, lengthy personal stories, criticism, religion, politics, and diet and weight topics, talking negatively about your personal relationships, your boss or co-workers.

-Maintain your professionalism - don’t let the employer’s casual approach fool you. Remember, don’t address the interviewer by his/her first name unless invited to do so.

- Have your documents handy. Be sure to carry additional copies of your resume, a list of references or recommendation letters, and a quality pen.

-Be gracious when referring to your previous employers or work environments - bringing up negative information only reflects poorly on you.

- Display an upbeat and positive attitude. Being overly critical of yourself or discussing your personal problems leaves the employer with a negative first impression and the employer will begin to doubt your viability as a future employee.

-Listen to the interviewer carefully and give clear and concise answers. Don’t appear overly confident and remember, don’t dominate the interview - avoid interrupting when the interviewer is talking.

- At the close of the interview, establish a date for your next communication and always remember to thank the interviewer for his/her time. Plan to send the interviewer a thank-you letter as soon as possible after the interview (see “Letter Writing” section and refer to the sample thank-you letter).

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	Preparation	Interview Questions	Behavioral-Based Interviewing

INTERVIEWING SKILLS – the preparation Interview preparation checklist: -Know what employers look for in applicants -Prepare for the interview by researching the potential employer and practicing your interview skills -Dress professionally -Be punctual - know where you are going and arrive early to your interview -Bring at least ten extra copies of your resume -Prepare questions to ask the interviewer regarding details about the position and the company -Plan to follow-up after the interview First Impression – Lasting Impression: Dress for Success - Research the employer before the interview and learn about the dress requirements typical of that career field, and if possible, that specific employer. - Ask to receive an itinerary of your interview beforehand to make appropriate decisions of what you should wear. - Some employers encourage business casual for the interview, but be sure to check first and avoid making a mistake. Suggested proper attire for a professional interview: Recommended for Women Pant suit, dress suit or tailored dress – best colors: Navy, Black, Gray, or Taupe Skirts should be no shorter than 1 – 2 inches above the knee and avoid extreme slits Polished and closed toed shoes or basic dark pumps with medium or low heels (1 – 2 inch heels) Nail polish should be subtle - fingernails well groomed Make-up should be minimal Folio, briefcase, or professional bag with small purse is recommended Simple, basic jewelry – one bracelet or watch per arm, one ring per hand (with the exception of the wedding set) Always wear hosiery and keep color neutral Avoid wearing fragrances Avoid visible tattoos Recommended for Men Dark suit or dress pants and jacket – best colors: Navy, Black, Gray, or Taupe Shined leather shoes - tassel loafers, wing tip, or lace-up in black, brown, or cordovan Belt should coordinate with your shoes and wear socks that coordinate with pants Clean, well-groomed hands and nails Conservative tie that coordinates with outfit, tied just long enough to cover the belt buckle Solid cotton blend shirt with plain or button down pressed collar - make sure it is a good fit Avoid flashy cuff links, rings or neck chains. Avoid cologne Avoid visible tatoos Career Services’ staff is happy to advise you on dressing appropriately for an interview - especially an on-campus interview. Information and handouts are available at the Career Resource Center to help you learn what attire is appropriate. Career Services also provides a Dress for Success Closet for students. Students can shop and chose a complimentary outfit for an interview from the closet. When in doubt, dress professionally. Research your potential employer: It is important that you research an employer so you can relate your abilities to the needs of the organization. Also, by having “done your homework,” it will show an employer that you are interested in their company and the position. (Refer to the section “Researching an Employer” for more information). Making conversation – practice interviewing: You don’t have to memorize a lot of answers to difficult interview questions, but it is important to practice how you will present yourself in an interview situation. Generally employers are asking questions to find out why you are interested in the position, to find out what you can do for them, to learn what kind of person you are/what makes you unique, and if they can afford to hire you. Review the interview questions listed on the next page and practice your responses by incorporating information about your education, experience, skills and specialized knowledge that makes you the best candidate for the position. Stay focused on the job you are interviewing for and refer to the qualifications and experience noted on your resume. Active Listening: Active listening behaviors signal that you are listening to the speaker, that you heard and understand what the speaker is talking about, and that you care about the conversation. Use the following strategies to enhance your listening skills: Good eye contact Attentive posture (lean forward and sit up) Verbal following (respond with ideas that logically follow what was just said) Paraphrase (clarify that you understand the interviewer and show interest in what they are asking) Steps to a successful interview: During the interview it is your job to convince the interviewer that you are the most qualified applicant for the position. Remember, you only have one chance to make a good first impression! - Arrive 10 - 15 minutes early. Give the interviewer a firm handshake. -Be aware of your body language - maintain eye contact and remember to smile. Don’t smoke or chew gum at any time during the interview. -Choose your words and topics of conversation carefully. Avoid filler words while speaking - i.e., “um”, “uh”, “ya know”, “well”, “like”, and “yeah”. Be professional by avoiding the following – swear words, gossip, jokes, lengthy personal stories, criticism, religion, politics, and diet and weight topics, talking negatively about your personal relationships, your boss or co-workers. -Maintain your professionalism - don’t let the employer’s casual approach fool you. Remember, don’t address the interviewer by his/her first name unless invited to do so. - Have your documents handy. Be sure to carry additional copies of your resume, a list of references or recommendation letters, and a quality pen. -Be gracious when referring to your previous employers or work environments - bringing up negative information only reflects poorly on you. - Display an upbeat and positive attitude. Being overly critical of yourself or discussing your personal problems leaves the employer with a negative first impression and the employer will begin to doubt your viability as a future employee. -Listen to the interviewer carefully and give clear and concise answers. Don’t appear overly confident and remember, don’t dominate the interview - avoid interrupting when the interviewer is talking. - At the close of the interview, establish a date for your next communication and always remember to thank the interviewer for his/her time. Plan to send the interviewer a thank-you letter as soon as possible after the interview (see “Letter Writing” section and refer to the sample thank-you letter). Practice through Mock Interviewing! Plan to participate in a mock interview to sharpen your presentation skills prior to interviewing with any employers. Contact Career Services by phone at 859.622.1568 to schedule a mock interview.