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Spring 2011 Online starts on February 15th. The term begins March 21 through June 10th. April 4th - 8th campuses will be closed during spring break.
Job Interviews
What to wear: The standard recommendations for job interview clothes are based on common sense - be tidy, smart and relatively conservative and understated. You can take a more personal approach by dressing according to the company culture, the position and what makes you feel comfortable while maintaining a professional look. Your interview dress should send the message that you have the insight to recognize what the job and company require and that you are able to fit in.
Here is a list of what you should put in your portfolio or briefcase
- Full name of company, name and position of contact person/interviewer and contact number
- Full address of company and the department or building where your interview is.
- Good directions or map. Get these by calling the company, they usually have a standard set of directions they can email you or they can tell you on the phone. You can also obtain a map from an internet map site such as Mapquest or Google Maps. If you are taking public transport have your route prepared.
- Put in a couple of copies of your resume. Although the company already has a copy you may need to give another copy to the interviewer or interviewers. Take this opportunity to read through your resume again and note any red flags that will have to be dealt with during the interview. Prepare your interview answers to tough questions about gaps in employment, reason for leaving etc.
- Include copies of letters of recommendation or written job references you have.
- Have copies of your reference list ready, the interviewer will ask for this during the job interview.
- Relevant work samples
- Pen and paper. Taking a few notes during your interview shows you are listening closely.
Relax and lean slightly forward, about 10 degrees, towards your interviewer. This gives the message that you are both interested and involved. Leaning back makes you appear too relaxed and casual. Leaning to the side can be perceived as not feeling comfortable with the interviewer.
How you position your head also sends a message. Tilting your head very slightly to one side comes across as friendly and open. Keeping it straight comes across as self-assured and authoritative.
It is also important to pay attention to the posture of your interviewer. Sometimes you can establish rapport by adopting the same posture as the other person. This is called mirroring. If they have adopted a more formal posture do the same until you see that the interviewer has relaxed and become less formal.
Eye Contact: If the interviewer is talking and you want to show that you are actively listening, you need to instigate direct eye contact and maintain it. Avoid appearing as if you are staring aggressively by blinking at regular intervals and moving your head every now and then, such as giving a small nod.
Interview body language experts suggest that when you are doing the talking you need to hold eye contact for periods of about 10 seconds before looking away briefly and then re-establishing eye contact. Overusing direct eye contact when you are speaking can come across as lecturing or challenging the interviewer. Typically the listener maintains direct eye contact for longer than the speaker who breaks it off at intervals.
Looking constantly downwards makes you appear insincere or submissive. It is acceptable to look down if you are making notes or referring to information.
With panel interviews it is best to look at and direct your answer to the person asking the question, with a glance periodically at the other interviewers.
