Speaker gives interview aid
by Josh See
reporter

   The Apprentice on NBC is dubbed “The Ultimate Job Interview” because all but one contestant will hear the mighty Donald Trump tell them those two dreaded words: “You’re fired.”
   Those words were never mentioned in the career development’s Job Search Seminar Are You Prepared for a Job Interview Thursday on South Campus.
   Monica Bettle, coordinator for South Campus career center, conducted the seminar as a way to help students overcome their fears and misconceptions of the vast job market.
   Bettle believes people do not succeed in an interview for one main reason.
   “ They [interviewees] doubt themselves,” she said.
   To help students grasp what employers are looking for in a job candidate, Bettle offered several solutions.
   Important interviewing methods, according to Bettle, include giving a firm handshake and a flashy smile when greeting the interviewer.
   “ First impressions are everything,” she said.
   Bettle also covered more complicated issues. For instance, she said a person should never ask the salary of a position until formally offered the position. Waiting lets the interviewer know the applicant is not just interested in the money, but it is okay to ask about benefits and/or bonuses during the interview, Bettle said.
   Bettle also detailed ways to prepare for the interview.
   She advised students to take a notepad and pen to the interview. Before the day of the interview, Bettle said, they should take time to double check the location and name of the interviewer.
   “ A very important key when sitting in the interview room is to remember that you are selling yourself,” she said. “Avoid exaggeration, but some self-appraisal is okay.”
   Bettle provided keys on what to do at the end of an interview. She suggested having a list of previously prepared questions to ask the interviewer when prompted to and always to thank the interviewer for the interview.
   “ Send a thank you letter immediately after the interview, stressing your positive impressions of the interview and highlighting your strongest qualifications again, concluding with something personal that happened during your interview,” she said.
   After an interview, applicants should evaluate themselves. They should write down the things they did wrong and how they can improve. Then, Bettle said, they should write down the things they did right.
   Bettle concluded with the key to achieving a successful interview.
   “ Confidence,” she said.