WOU CG 2024-25 DM Accessible - Flipbook - Page 24
INTERVIEWING
Before stepping into an interview, be sure to practice.
Use these simple steps and suggestions to prepare for a
successful interview.
1. RESEARCH COMPANY AND INDUSTRY
▶ Research helps you decide whether you’re interested in
the company and gives important data to refer to during
the interview.
QUESTION: Why do you want to work for this company?
ANSWER: As I understand the job, there’s plenty of
opportunity to be involved in both the planning of
marketing strategies and the actual selling. Besides using my
communication skills and knowledge of chemicals in direct
selling, I believe I’m creative when it comes to marketing.
2. PREPARE
▶ Prepare five or more “success stories” listing your key skills,
assets, and unique strengths.
▶ Reflect on past experiences where you used your talents
successfully.
▶ Write these in STAR Technique for practice and to get
comfortable using this technique. (See next page.)
3. IMAGE
▶ Dress the part: suit or business casual, depending on
position, and type of company.
▶ Give a firm handshake, use strong eye contact, sit upright,
and remember to smile!
▶ Go in as unscented as possible. Allergies, or aversion to
scent, can harm the interview.
4. GIVE EXAMPLES
▶ Provide examples to give concrete evidence of your strengths
and skills.
▶ Expect 2-3 minutes for each question in most 30 minute
interviews.
▶ Be concise.
▶ End every answer, including discussion of a weakness, with a
positive spin, or something you learned.
▶ Avoid generalities! Think of examples as short, informative
stories. Stories connect on a personal level, and the
employer will remember you.
ELEVATOR PITCH
The elevator pitch is a short introduction given in the time span of an elevator ride (approximately 30
seconds to two minutes) to engage your audience and to start a conversation.
HERE ARE SOME STEPS TO ASSIST IN CRAFTING
A GREAT PITCH:
▶ Introduce yourself - include something unique such as, area
of study, degree, internships, experience, research, projects
or military service.
▶ Identify your goal/purpose - Be succinct. If your goals aren’t
clear, they won’t be able to effectively assist you.
▶ Describe your relevant experience - You can briefly discuss
research, awards, or presentations you’ve given. Don’t repeat
anything you mentioned earlier.
▶ Wrap it up - Pull everything together in a concluding
sentence. This will reaffirm what you want and how they can
help you.
▶ Practice, practice, practice - Put it on paper! Write out a
script or talking points, then craft your pitch and practice
until you can smoothly give your pitch.
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EXAMPLE PITCH TEMPLATE
Hello, My name is ____________, and I’m a senior completing
a bachelor’s degree in ____________ with a minor in
___________at Western Oregon University. I’m interested in a
career (or internship) in ____________ in the ____________
field. During college I was involved in ____________ and
____________ where I developed skills in ____________.
I’d love to learn more about opportunities in ____________.
Would it be possible to set up a meeting to discuss more about
____________, or could you refer me to the person in charge of
recruitment?
