An interviewer has just one objective and that objective is to decide whether or not to make you a job offer. People who actually get hired are not only the best qualified, but often are the ones who know the most about how to get hired. Quality of experience, training, and education count; and the more you know about the anatomy of the employment process, the easier it will be to obtain the job you are seeking.

Preparation is the key to success

The job market is very competitive and you probably will not be the only qualified candidate for a position. The deciding factor may simply be the way you present your skills and qualifications relevant to the position, and how well you conduct yourself during the interview.

Are You Right For the Job? Evaluate yourself

• What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses?
• What are your short-term and long-term goals?
• Formulate responses by asking the question: "Why should they hire me?"
• Concentrate your search on positions for which you are competitive.

Do I have the experience?

Every working person has probably, early in his/her work life, agonized: "I can't get the job unless I have the experience, and I can't get the experience unless I have the job!". A few ways of getting that experience are:

• You may need to consider positions other than the level in which you were formerly employed and work your way through the ranks to your employment objectives.
• Keep your sights realistic. Keen competition exists for all levels of jobs at the University, from "--" Assistant I to Management Services Officers and higher. The pool of applicants for any position usually contain many whose qualifications exceed the minimum requirements.

Know The Job:

It is a good idea to pay close attention to the requirements of the position. When you are sure you understand what the job demands, tailor or address your application and/or resume to the specific duties of the position. ("Tailor" means to highlight the related training or experience you have that applies to the duties required.) Always be honest. When you tailor your application to a position, do not claim skills you do not have. If the position involves purchasing, explain in detail your purchasing background. Unless the vacancy announcement lists "preferred, desired, or helpful," the qualifications listed are required.

Learn about the University, the jobs, and their requirement

• Talk to friends who are familiar with the University.
• Regularly check the types of positions that are listed in the weekly Employment Opportunities Bulletin and on the Web site.
• Research the University and be diligent in keeping up with new job opportunities.
• The heavy competition for positions at UCD has made it common for people to be hired after they submit numerous applications.

APPLICATION TIPS BY SUBJECT

Applications:

• Everything should be spelled correctly and free of grammatical errors.
• If your handwriting is not legible, type the application. Do not make typing errors, especially if you are applying for a job which requires typing.

• Your resume should not be more than two or three pages. Too much detail or verbosity will work against you.
• A good resume lists skills and qualifications. This is the area where you emphasize background that is related to the job you want. Volunteer work, special achievements or awards should also be listed if relevant.

• A cover letter is optional. However, this is your chance to summarize your qualifications and show their relevance to the job. A cover letter is especially important when using printed or photocopied resumes that are not "tailored" to the job.
• Many positions require writing skills, analytical ability, or the ability to draft correspondence. A cover letter gives you the opportunity to showcase these skills.

• Be prepared to provide the names and phone numbers of references. These should be individuals who can verify your employment, job responsibilities and qualifications. It is only courteous, and may save you some surprises, to call your references to ask their permission before giving out their names.

Applications-Resumes-Etc.

The interview is critical; therefore, through your answers, you must be able to establish that your qualifications are those the University and the specific hiring authority seek. In addition to your work history and educational background (if required), your strengths and accomplishments will also be important.

An interview is an important screening tool for the University, but it also allows you to learn the things you need to know about the position and the University so you can make an intelligent decision about the job. Ask the interviewers questions about things that are important to you (e.g., working conditions, hours and overtime).

You will be asked to relate your qualifications to the job requirements. Obtain a copy of the job description to read and make notes if necessary, then analyze your qualifications point by point. Think of examples of how you handled similar or parallel tasks and be prepared to describe these examples. Remember that the interviewers are interested only in those experiences you have had that directly relate to the position they are offering, so stay on the subject. Do not get sidetracked with irrelevancies.

• Practice. Have others review your application and/or resume and obtain critiques to improve the marketing of your qualifications.
• Participate in mock interviews, practice impromptu speaking skills, and accept every opportunity to interview for on- and off-campus jobs.
• Consider taking courses and workshops that will help you with oral and written communication skills.

Items to consider bringing to the Interview

References

• Use former supervisors who are familiar with your work.
• Include their names, titles, companies, and phone numbers.

Resume

• Review your resume thoroughly and be prepared to discuss all points.
• Always bring a resume copy identical to the one supplied to the interviewer.
• Bring along samples of your work, if possible.

Other Items

• Bring a folder and pen to the interview to jot down notes.
• Bring directions to the interview location as well as the interviewer's phone number in case you are running late.

Arrival at the Interview

• Arrive no earlier than fifteen minutes before the interview (but no later than five minutes prior to the interview).
• Allow adequate time for traffic, parking, and a last minute appearance check. If possible, scout out the location the day before the interview to avoid last minute problems.
• Review your notes and go in with confidence.

• Shake hands firmly and maintain eye contact with the interviewer. This is your first meeting and the position may depend on your presentation.
• Maintain a high energy level. Maintain your best posture.
• Be yourself. Poise, confidence, and self-respect are of great importance.
• You should give complete but brief and relaxed answers to questions. When possible, use questions as a basis for developing information that you want to make sure is presented.
• Turn off portable phones and beepers in an interview.
• Asking questions for clarification gives you a chance to demonstrate your depth of knowledge in the field as well as to establish an easy flow of conversation and relaxed atmosphere between you and the interviewer.
• Prior to the interview, prepare a list of questions that you want to ask the interviewer.
• Ask about your potential peers, subordinates, and supervisors.
• What would my responsibilities and duties be?
• What are the most difficult aspects of the position?
• Describe a typical day on the job?
• What projects would I be involved in now? In the future?
• May I see my work area?

Nervous? Here are some tips:

• Being prepared and knowing your skills are the secrets to self-confidence.
• Perform practice interviews and be honest.
• You will appear more confident than you feel. Symptoms such as a clenched-up feeling or the onset of excessive perspiration are not usually noticeable by others.
• Do not say, "I'm going to be awful. They won't choose me." You are handing yourself a self-fulfilling prophecy. Interview with a positive attitude.

After The Interview:

• Consider writing a thank you letter to the interviewers to express your appreciation and enthusiasm, to add pertinent information neglected in the interview and to express your confidence in your ability to do the job.
• Review and analyze your interview. Does the job interest you? Why or why not? Analyze how you could improve your performance in future interviews.

Potential Pitfalls:

• Poor attitude. Many candidates come across as arrogant or apathetic. If you want to be considered for the job, act like you want the job.
• Appearance. Many candidates do not consider their appearance as much as they should. First impressions are important.
• Not readily knowing the answers to interviewers' questions. Anticipate and rehearse answers to tough questions about your background, such as recent termination or an employment gap. Practicing with a family member or a friend before the interview will help you to frame intelligent responses.
• Relying too much on resumes. Employers hire people, not paper. Although a resume can list qualifications and skills, it is the interview dialogue that will portray you as a committed, responsive team player.
• Too much humility. Being conditioned not to brag, candidates are sometimes reluctant to describe their accomplishments. Explaining how you reach difficult or impressive goals helps portray your skills for the interview panel.
• Not relating skills to employers' needs. A list of sterling accomplishments means little if you cannot relate them to the requirements of the position. Reiterate your skills and convince the employer that you can do the same for them.