interviewing tips..

Before the Interview:

• Review the Job Specification and Position Description. Job Specifications can be found at www.michigan.gov/mdcs under Job Specifications/Pay and Position Descriptions are attached to the job posting.

• Learn more about the department by visiting their web page.

• Review your résumé and be prepared to discuss your relevant skills.

• Decide who your references are. They should be a current or past supervisor, coworker, teacher/professor or associate who has knowledge of your work history, skills, abilities, accomplishments, initiative, education and integrity. Get permission to use their name in advance and collect their current contact information (including e-mail address).

• Bring extra copies of your résumé and a notebook.

• Dress for Success -Appearance should reflect maturity and selfconfidence. Be neat, clean, and dress in good taste.

• Find out where the interview will be, obtain clear directions, and confirm the time. Plan to arrive 10- 15 minutes early.

During the Interview:

• Relax! Think of the interview as a conversation, not an interrogation.

• Be enthusiastic, confident, courteous, and honest.

• Listen to the questions carefully and give clear, concise, and thoughtful answers.

• Convey interest in the organization and knowledge of the position.

• Ask relevant questions about the job or department.

• Present a list of your references and any letters of recommendation or reference that you may have to offer.

• End the interview with a firm handshake and thank the interview panel for their time and consideration.

After the Interview:

• Send a concise 1 – 3 paragraph thank-you letter within 24 to 48 hours of the interview. Reiterate your interest in the position, mention anything you know reinforces you as a good fit for the job, and your contact information.

• If you are not selected for the job, it is OK to politely ask an interviewer which area(s) you could improve on in the future.