InterVIEW Your Strengths and Weaknesses [National Conference 2018 Session Recap]
National Conference Session Recap
Session: InterVIEW Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Presenter: Jane Dvorak, APR, Fellow PRSA, President, JKD & Company Inc.
Recap: Applying and interviewing for a job can be a little stressful at times. In the session of “InterVIEW Your Strengths and Weaknesses,” Jane Dvorak reassures that there can be less stress by learning to utilize your network and learning strategic tips to best prepare for that interview. Her advice is below.
1 Do your research before the interview
- Connect with people who work with the company on LinkedIn
- Research the company’s competitors
- What is their mission and focus?
- Be engaged with the company prior interview
2 Dress for success
- Formal attire (make sure attire is IRONED)
- Ladies: light makeup, heels 2.5 inches or less, hair is polished
- Men: Neatly trimmed hair/beard, dress shoes and a shirt
- Display your personality in your outfit
3 “Tell me a little bit about yourself”
- Respond with “what would you like to know?”
- Be intentional in the relevant information you give
- “Tell us your greatest weakness” (remember everyone has a weakness)
- Utilize weakness to how you can improve it or how it helps you I.e. (I take on way too much but I can manage more than one thing at once).
4 Interview and resume tips
- Arrive on time
- Bring extra copies of your resume and portfolio
- Label experience first and education on the bottom of your resume
- Do not fidget, cross your arms or use unnecessary hand gestures
- It takes 20 seconds for an employer to judge you based on your gestures and appearance
5 Exiting the interview
- Include how you can contribute to their team
- Have a firm handshake
- Give a hand-written thank-you note to the receptionist to give to the interviewer
- Ask when they will be making their hiring decision
- Follow up
Follow these tips to ensure a stress-less interview!
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Meagan Clarkson is a Communications student at Indiana University Northwest focusing in Public Relations and Crisis Communications. Being a part of Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), she is motivated and inspired to do better not only in life but in her future PR career. As vice-president of her chapter, she hopes to bring more diversity and knowledge to the table for her fellow IUN PRSSA members.
Follow her @meaganseaturtleor on LinkedIn
