Interview/Career Preparation
TYPICAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Tell me something about yourself.
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Most everyone says the same thing, you will NOT stand out
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“I am hardworking”...what do you not think everyone says that!!
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Take the basic answer and turn it into something memorable
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Say AN INTERSTING STORY..Something that separates you.. Maybe a personal
connection to the company or the brand or a related experience that can make you
stand out..
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Use a quick summary of your skills and talents!!
“My parents never went to college..made sacrifices so I could better myself and education was the key.. I have always been competitive and hate to lose..provide example..maybe say “ I am a difference maker, no problem working by myself but if there is team work , I want to be a leader..KNOW the job and the company.. Maybe an article you read..some accomplishment company experienced.. Reference someone you know that works there..
Why should we hire you?
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I have extensive experience in the ??? environment
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Stress what you have in terms of skill and experience directly related to job req.
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I work well in a team setting
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I have ?? background and graduated with honors from ??
What do you know about our business?
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Do your research on them
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Find out as much as possible on the industry, any notable accomplishments
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Future expectations in terms of market growth or industry challenges
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Competitive landscape
Why do you want to work here?
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Reference something from the company description or website or evaluations from internet?? Is it growth potential, promote from within, culture, know someone who works there,, the people and the culture
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Industry growth? Proven development program?
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The position can allow me personal and professional growth
What are your greatest weaknesses?
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Having come over from Columbia 10 years ago I did not know the language or culture, this put me at a big disadvantage to succeed in academics and career
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However, through hard work I was able to overcome this weakness
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Lack of international banking experience working in the Midwest but taking the internshipoverseas last summer expanded my horizons
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Inability to say no and then struggle to balance priorities
Why did you leave your last job?
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NEVER BADMOUTH BOSS!
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Mention growth potential, lack of challenges, wanted a change of careers
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Seeking professional and personal growth
Describe a problem situation and how you solved it. Example
Throughout my UIC experience I worked in group projects. Unfortunately many times there were conflicts amongst team members and lack of effort. I assumed a leadership role in order to overcome the challenges within the team. I set priorities, established communication and monitored our team efforts in order to be successful in the class. I led by example and gained the respect of my teammates.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Without a doubt I am most proud of not just graduating from UIC but doing so with honors. When I first came to this country it seemed impossible but now that I have obtained my goal I want to continue towards a master’s degree.
What are you salary expectations?
The salary expectations should be based on what my responsibilities are. I am flexible in this regards. RESEARCH THIS FIRST –Know the range...example if average salary for that position is $50,000, state your range starting at $50000- 60,000. Why? Because you are NOT AVERAGE!! Reinforce your skills, achievements, ability to PROGRESS. Google salaries for that position
QUESTIONS YOU MAY ASK
Only ask these questions if they have not been addressed in the interview
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What do you feel would my biggest in challenge within this position? Where do you see the company in 3 – 5 years?
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What are the opportunities for advancement? The typical career path? Reference an industry challenge or company challenge. Pose a question.. Where am I at in the interview process?
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When do you plan to make a decision?
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I noticed from LinkedIn that you have been there for 7 years and been promoted twice, what do you like most about your job? Least?
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What advice would you give me if I was hired?
APPLICATION TIPS
Always send a cover letter when you apply.
Don't be lazy even if it's not required.. you want to stand out! Insert in front of the resume if there isn't a spot for it online!!
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Use RIGHT file name of both resume and cover letter
Example:
David Koehler Resume
David Koehler Cover Letter- XYS Corporation
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Make sure you follow attached cover letter sample, white space above and below content should be the same!!
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Use proactive verbs and NOT the same ones for each bullet!! Past tense used if needed
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Update LinkedIn profile always! Research those who are interviewing you on LinkedIn
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Send email thank you within 24 hours after interview. Reference future status of where you are in the interview process. Template below. PROPER subject line and NEVER start an email form the top of the box, space as if handwritten.
EVERY DETAIL MATTERS!!
INTERVIEW TIPS
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Make good eye contact and give a firm handshake- it matters Women! Make sure you get to the web of the hand before closing grip- IT’S ALWAYS IMPRESSIVE.
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BAD HANDHSAKE. DO IT OVER.
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Bring extra resumes or portfolio on nice paper
Portfolio Outline if you choose to do so...
Company Logo and your name on Cover Letter
Resume
Letters of Recommendation
Work samples if possible.
MAKE IT NICE- Kinkos , report cover.. 3-5 copies depending upon situation.
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Stress your love for THE INDUSTRY – What YOU BRING TO THE TABLE
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Maintain a copy of job description, don’t rely upon saving link.. IT EXPIRES!!!
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Know each bullet and be prepared to have experiences mentioned that FIT the job posting!!!
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Emphasize your vast work experience and relevant strengths
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If foreign, talk slowly to eliminate accent
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Keep your answers short and tight, don’t ramble
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SELL YOUR HAPPINESS AND EXCITEMENT FOR THE JOB
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Always thank them for the opportunity for the interview
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Try to get a business card so you can send a follow up thank you
TOPICS COVERED
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Typical Interview Questions
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Questions You May Ask
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Application Tips
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Interview Tips
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Salary Negotiation
SALARY NEGOTIATION
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Go on GLASSDOOR, find what people are saying about company and check out relative salaries and any postings with interview advice
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Know the average salary, for example $50,000. Find something that makes you above $50k, unique experience, work ethic, past successes, great education, etc..
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You never think you are average so ask for a range 55-60K.
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When offered, ask if it is negotiable, if not “Can I think about the offer and get back to
you tmw?”
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If there is room to negotiate, give them a range that is not 50-60k because you will get
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offered 52.5k range...55-60 k is best....fastest way to make 2-5 k in less than 5 seconds
is to ask for it..
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They will not let you go as by the time the offer stage is there, they are committed to
bringing you on board!!
JOB FAIR ADVICE
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Research companies in advance be prepared to be knowledgeable
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Bring 30 resumes on nice paper
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Get business cards and write something on back of card to remember each lead you
meet
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Email resume next day and follow up on anything you are told to do by a contact you
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have met, attach resume
Keep lines of communication open, connect with them on Linkedin..Reference meeting -
them at job fair.