Do’s and don’ts of interviews

An interview is a time for employers to get a feel for the interviewee: his or her work ethic, clarity in answering questions, ability to make eye contact, knowledge of the field and most important, the look. Businesses are not going to want someone who appears sloppy, unkempt, too casual or lazy. Here are some tips for guys and girls to look their best on interview day:

Some tips for both

• Turn off (not place on vibrate) your cellphone and iPod.
• Cover any tattoos, or piercings not on your ears.
• Bring a breath mint before the interview, but don’t chew gum.
• Get ready the night before. Proper planning prevents poor performance.
• Be confident. It will empower any interviewee to rock your interview. Good luck!

Men’s interview style

• Gray, navy or black suit of a solid color.
• Long sleeve shirt that matches the suit and fits well.
• A tie to match the suit (and please none of these skinny ties that hipsters think are cool right now). Wear a normal tie.
• Don’t overdo it on the cologne or aftershave, please. This is not a club.
• Nice, professional dress shoes with dark socks (same color as the suit).
• Professional hairstyle and a clean shave.
• No jewelry. (A watch or something is okay, but let’s not look like mobsters here.)
• Most important: Bring your portfolio and resume.

Women’s interview style

• Conservative suit (gray, navy or black) and shirt. The suit can be a skirt or pants suit, but make sure the skirt is long enough that it doesn’t reveal anything.
• Conservative shoes. Strappy heels, heels taller than 4 inches, flip flops and sandals are strictly prohibited.
• Light makeup and perfume. Too much of either of these can seem trashy at an interview.
• Professional hairstyle and neat, manicured nails. No hot pink, polka dot or chipped nail polish.
• Keep the jewelry simple. Dangly earrings, clunky bracelets and huge dangly necklaces are inappropriate for a professional interview.
• Most important: Bring your portfolio and resume with a simple purse or briefcase.

What employers want from you:

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ job outlook survey, employers are looking for certain sets of skills from their new hires. These are:

1. Strong verbal communication
2. Strong work ethic
3. Ability to work in teams
4. Critical thinking and analysis
5. Personal initiative
6. Problem solving
7. Strong written communication
8. Interpersonal abilities
9. Strength on the computer
10. Ability to be flexible and adaptable

The skills most new graduates lack are:

1. Interpersonal abilities
2. Strong work ethic
3. Ability to be flexible and adaptable
4. Strong verbal communication
5. Personal initiative

Can’t make it to the career fair?

Hop online for more student resources through UA Career Services or make an appointment:

• Wildcat JobLink: online tool that lists jobs, campus interviews and referral of resumes to link campus employers to students seeking part-time jobs, internships, co-op positions and possible after-graduation employment.

• UA Resume Builder and UA Interview Prep: Through a partnership with UA University Libraries, Career Services helps students create resumes that serve their specific fields and preparation for interviews that can be done online and gone over with a career counselor during a later appointment.

• Wildcat eFolio: Database where students can document their relevant coursework and job experience at the UA and can help employers see what students have to offer.

Sample of employers at this year’s fair

• Abercrombie & Fitch
• AFLAC
• American Express
• Apple, Inc.
• AT&T
• Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
• Dick’s Sporting Goods
• Dillard’s Department Stores
• Edward Jones
• Farmers Insurance & Financial Services
• Frito Lay
• GanettLocal
• Gap Inc.
• General Mills, Inc. (Consumer Food Sales Division)
• Internal Revenue Service
• JCPenney
• Jim Click Automotive Team (Tuttle-Click Automotive Group)
• John Deere
• Kohl’s Department Stores
• Kraft Foods
• KVOA Communications Inc.
• Liberty Mutual
• Lockheed Martin Corportation (Universtiy Relations)
• Marine Officer Programs
• Maxim Healthcare Services
• Microsoft Corporation
• Panda Express
• Payless ShoeSource Inc.
• Peace Corps
• Raytheon
• Saks Fifth Avenue (Human Resources)
• Target
• Teach for America
• The Boeing Company
• The Hershey Company
• The Home Depot
• The Kroger Co. 
• The Princeton Review
• Tucson Police Department
• U.S. Army (Medical Recruiting and Information Systems Engineering Command)
• U.S. Navy

Some employers who’ve hired UA grads
• Boeing
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car
• ExxonMobil
• GEICO
• Honeywell
• IBM
• Intel
• Microsoft
• Nestlé
• Peace Corps
• Teach for America
• University Medical Center
• U.S. Air Force
• Wells Fargo Financial