The best way to find success with an interview is by preparing sufficiently beforehand.

There is nothing worse than going to an interview and not being prepared.  Speaking with the employer is an endurance test on both sides. Going through classes is just the start, once you graduate the next phase begins.

Career Services at PCI is here to help our students hit the ground running and be the champ we believe you to be.  The interview is a major factor in hiring decisions. Here are some suggestions to help you represent yourself well and win:

1.     Dress like a professional. Clean up, get dressed, make sure your nails are clean, and brush your hair.  Don’t forget about your teeth.

2.    Research, research, research. Who are you talking to? What does the company do? How big is the company? Are they in the news?  Who is their leadership team? Most of all, what are their needs? The company is not worried about your needs, but in meeting their. Knowledge is power, and companies like when you know about them before making that first step.

Example: So, Interviewee, tell me what you know about the XYZ Company. How did you hear about us?

3.    Bring copies of your resume with you. The employer may bring in additional people to interview you and they needs a resume as well. Make sure before you get there, the resumes don’t have coffee spills, page crinkles, etc. Often the resume the employer sees may be formatted as just text or in an email – a copy designed to be printed works well in person just as a version that can be easily converted to text works well in submitting.

Example: Do you have a copy of your resume, some people haven’t seen it.

4.    Know who you are. Strengths, weaknesses, and areas of opportunity are all things you should know. You should be authentic. We teach you the technical, but the rest is about work ethic, teamwork, the ability to accept constructive criticism, etc.  How does your skillset match with the position? Have examples prepared. We constantly hear from employers that they want to hire people with good soft skills – that’s why we use the Pacific Institute to help tech that.  The interview is where those skills shine.

Example: So Interviewee, tell me about yourself? Why are you looking? Tell me about your background? What is your work experience? What makes an ideal candidate for the position?

5.    Know what YOU want, you get to ask questions too! You need to make sure that the company is a good fit for you just as much as you are for it. 

Example: Employer, what do you enjoy most about working with the XYZ company? What are the performance expectations at three months? Six months? A year? Company culture?

6.    What now? The interview goes great! It’s not over. Before you leave ask what’s next, get a business card, play nice and shake hands thanking them for their time.

7.    Thank you and thank you. Send an email within 24 hours thanking the employer for taking the time and consideration.  It is also a great time to highlight things from the interview that you want the employer to remember. Unless you don’t want the job, but rules are still send them a thank you email – some hiring managers at different company talk to each other and word can spread fast. Now, if you really really want this position, go old school: send a letter in the mail with actual handwriting and a stamp.  Remember that hiring decisions are not made on the spot, and follow up helps keep you in the spotlight.

The cool thing is you don’t have to do this alone, that’s why Career Services is here. Don’t forget we help you, you help yourself, and together you will be amazing for your new employer. You can connect with our Career Services by clicking here.