Interview Tips from the Pros

Last week, the Kalamazoo campus hosted a free Career Workshop. Rich Daudert from Right Management and Dan Dunn from Comerica Bank gave advice to attendees on how to get the "Winning Edge". Here are some tips they shared with the group.

1. Focus on knowing about the company and the job you will be doing if hired. Employers want to make sure you are a good fit for the company; you can't demonstrate that unless you research in advance and then ask good questions. Be sure you show an attitude that conveys, 'This is the job I want and I'm excited about this opportunity.' 
2. There's a good way and a poor way to answer the question, "Tell me about yourself". First of all, don't lead with personal things. Keep it professional, talk about your educational background, career and hobbies. Leave your personal life out of it. 
3. When you are getting ready for an interview, research the company and the position thoroughly to get cues on how you should appear for the interview. Visit the company, go in and see what employees are wearing and make sure you're in the same attire when you interview! Feel free to dress up a bit - but never down. 
4. Clean up your social online sites. Facebook: take off any questionable pictures of yourself. Edit your page with an eye to deleting comments. Especially don't bash previous employers, bosses or any coworkers on Facebook. That's a red flag to employers that you might do the same thing when you work for them. 
5. Check your email address for professional appearance in communicating with employers. This is how most interviewers will see you first; it must be professional. Stay away from funny or questionable e-mail addresses. No; 'peachesandcream97'! If you don't have a professional e-mail, create one and use it for applying for jobs!