Paul Shane

1
Introductions . . .

• Paul Shane
• Discover Card
• Riverwoods, IL
• Technical Recruiter
• Iowa State
• Bradley University

2
Interviewing The Basics
How should I prepare?
Dress Code
Quality Answers to the Toughest Questions
What should I expect?
What should I ask the recruiter?
What should I bring?
3
Quick Facts . . .

• Employers are expected to hire 20 fewer
  students in 01-02
• College hiring is off 18 in the Midwest
• Most candidates have at least 2 interviews
  before an offer is made
• Interviewing skills account for 16 of the
  final decision to hire someone

4
How should I prepare . . .

• Read any company literature given to you at the
  job fair
• Visit the firms website do some research
• Prepare a list of 10 to 15 questions that you
  want answered
• Mentally prepare answers for hypothetical
  questions
• Get at least 2 copies of your transcripts
• Prepare a list of references - 2 non-related
  contacts is sufficient

5
What do I bring . . .

• Any company literature given to you at the job
  fair
• Extra resumes
• Transcripts
• List of references
• Pen paper
• List of Questions
• Wear a suit

6
Top 10 Qualities Employers Seek . . .

• Communication skills (written verbal)
• Honesty / Integrity
• Teamwork skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Motivation / Initiative
• Strong work ethic
• Analytical skills
• Flexibility / Adaptability
• Computer Skills
• Self-Confidence

7
Types of Questions . . .

• Education
• Position Company
• Experience
• Behavior Personality
• Leadership Team Participation
• Situational

8
Questions that make you sweat . . .
Tell me about yourself? What do you want to
do? Why do you think you are a good fit for this
company/job? If you could change one thing about
yourself, what would it be? Do you think your GPA
is a good indication of what you have
learned? What do you know about our company? What
do you hope to be doing five years from now? Why
should we hire you over other interested
candidates? What are your weaknesses? What things
do you find difficult to do? What are your
starting salary expectations?
9
Beware . . .
Did you change your major? Why? Do you have
plans to get an advanced degree? What about your
last job did you find most unpleasant? What
college classes did you like the least? How would
you rate your IT skills on a scale from 1 to 10?
10
of Recruiters who stated that the following
would impact their opinion of a candidate
11
Body Language . . .

• A hands-on attitude
• Lip service
• The handshake
• Angling for position
• Legwork
• Eye contact

12
Questions . . .