Career Development Services. Interview Guide. at Florida Gulf Coast University

Transcription

1 Career Development Services Interview Guide at Florida Gulf Coast University

2 INTERVIEW GUIDE Table of Contents 2 Interviewing Basics 5 Common Interview Questions 7 Answering Behavioral Based Questions 8 Identifying and Communicating Your Strengths Worksheet 10 Questions to Ask Employers 11 Phone Interviews 12 Video Conference Interviews 13 Conducting Employer Research 15 Accepting and Declining Offers 16 Salary Negotiation 17 Dress for Success Women 19 Dress for Success Men Career Development Services Florida Gulf Coast University FGCU Blvd S. Fort Myers, FL (239) careercenter@fgcu.edu Website: FGCU Career Development Services supports the mission of the University and the Division of Student Affairs by promoting student learning and development and helping students fulfill their career expectations. Within this context, we assist students in developing and implementing career, education, and employment plans and decisions. Overview of Services Advising on career and major selection, including assessments, major and career information, and assistance in the decisionmaking process. Job and internship search advising, including resume/cover letter assistance and preparation for employment interviews and salary negotiation. CDS also assists with student employment, through the use of a web-based job listing system, Eagle Career Link. Graduate school planning, including assistance with resume/cv/personal statements, graduate school research, and preparation for interviews. FGCU Career Development Services Interview Guide

3 INTERVIEWING BASICS The selection process for any job culminates in the interview process. This is typically where the hiring decision is made, and is, therefore, the best opportunity for candidates to sell themselves. Unfortunately, interviewing appears to be one of the least understood and least developed skill for many job seekers. In fact, the number one complaint from employers is that candidates are often unprepared for the interview. Content of Your Answers You must be prepared to answer the interview questions you are likely to be asked. Review the Common Interview Questions part of this guide. In addition, use the Internet to gather sample interview questions specific to your field. Examine the job posting closely. Circle each of the required qualifications and parts of the job description. Be prepared to elaborate on each area. Relate your answers to what they are looking for in candidates for this position. For example, if the interviewer asks what your strongest skills are, your answer should include some of the skills ones that listed as requirements on the job posting (assuming that those are skills you actually have!) Watch for clues from the interviewer. Throughout the discussion, they may provide useful clues as to what they are looking for in candidates. For example, if he/she mentions the company s goal is to provide better supervision of the staff, make sure to talk about your supervision and leadership experience. Most candidates say too little in the interview. Be thorough in your responses and give examples to support your comments. For most interview questions, plan on spending at least one minute answering the question. That doesn t mean ramble unnecessarily. If you can t fill one minute, you probably didn t prepare well enough. The interview is your opportunity to sell yourself. You need to overcome any shyness about talking about yourself and even tooting your own horn. It s difficult to convince someone that you are the person they want if you can t promote your qualifications. Thoroughly research the employer. Go to the company website and learn as much as you can about the company, its history, culture, competitors, and performance. Use the Employer Research Worksheet in this guide to help with this. Also, become more familiar with the industry in which this company operates. Never badmouth previous employers, supervisors, or colleagues. If you don t know the answer to question, acknowledge it ( That s a good question. ) and ask for a moment to compose your thoughts. Relax and let your true personality come out. In most cases, interviewers WANT to like you (or they wouldn t have called you in and spent time interviewing you!) At the conclusion of the interview, you should ask what the next steps in the process are and the timeframes involved. That way you will know when it is appropriate to follow-up if you have not heard back. Your follow-up may consist of a friendly call to the recruiter to see if there is anything else they need from you and check on the status of the process. FGCU Career Development Services Interview Guide

4 INTERVIEWING BASICS Demonstrating Professionalism and Making a Good Impression Have your professional wardrobe ready. The fastest way to undermine your credibility is to arrive dressed inappropriately for the interview. Refer to the Dress for Success in this guide. As a rule of thumb, you should always plan on wearing professional business attire, even if the employees of that company don t wear suits. It is critical that you are not late for your interview. Plan on arriving 10 minutes early so you can relax and compose yourself prior to the interview. Make sure you know EXACTLY how to get to your interview location. Get directions from the company website (if available) and confirm with MapQuest. Plan extra time if you have never been to the location before (in case you get lost) and to account for unexpected traffic. If you are going to be late, call and let them know when you anticipate arriving. Don t arrive too early (more than 20 minutes), otherwise they may think you can t manage your time effectively or feel obligated to entertain you. If you arrive substantially early, wait in your car and review your notes, or take a walk to clear your head. Depending on the company and where you are interviewing (for example, a resort or college campus), if it is appropriate you may even want to walk around and observe. Be pleasant and professional with whomever you encounter, even receptionists. When meeting someone or being introduced, make eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and have a friendly greeting. During the interview, relax and let your true personality come out. Convey a professional, positive, confident, and energetic attitude. The interviewer may be evaluating your potential as a coworker demonstrate the qualities of someone who is agreeable to work with. Carry your materials (extra resumes and list of professional references) in a professional looking portfolio that has a notepad for you to take notes. If necessary, you can also bring a cheat sheet with key points to remember during the interview. Write down the questions you want to ask and bring them along. If possible, avoid bringing anything that could be cumbersome to carry, such as a pocketbook. Most of the time, it will be a nuisance. Bring only what you absolutely need for that interview! Turn your cell phone off. Even better, leave it in the car. No texting while you wait for the recruiter. Collect the business cards of all you interview with so you have their names, titles, and contact information. Non-Verbal Communication Maintain consistent eye contact with the recruiter(s) throughout the interview. Smile frequently to demonstrate your positive attitude. Maintain proper posture sit up straight with feet on the floor. Maintain positive body language avoid crossing arms in front of you. Limit the amount of gesturing, such as using your hands when you speak. FGCU Career Development Services Interview Guide

5 INTERVIEWING BASICS Using Your Voice Tone Enthusiastic, expressive, but warm. Avoid monotone! Pitch Try to end sentences on an up tone. Tempo Watch your pacing. Try to get in a rhythm and be conversational. Clarity Concentrate on proper enunciation. Avoid mumbling. Hesitation Answer the questions confidently without starting and stopping. Pauses It is acceptable to briefly pause for emphasis or dramatic effect. Language Absolutely no slang or profanity. Avoid clichés and colloquialisms. After the Interview and Following-up As soon as possible, write a brief summary of what happened. Note any follow-up actions you should take and put it on your calendar. Evaluate your performance. Were there any questions you didn t know how to answer or need to answer more effectively? What do you need to improve on? What do you need to prepare (such as additional research) if you get called for a second interview with the company? Send a thank you note within 48 hours to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview for the position, highlight one or two areas in which you think you are an excellent fit for the position, and reiterate your desire to work for the company. In terms of ing or mailing a thank you letter, do what you feel is most appropriate. (It is likely a good idea to a thank you if they plan on making a decision within a week.) Some people prefer to send hand-written notes, while for more executive-level positions a typed letter may be more appropriate. A sample Thank you Letter is available in the Resume and Letter Writing Guide. FGCU Career Development Services Interview Guide

6 COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS You can significantly enhance your performance in an interview by being prepared to answer the questions they might ask. Review each of the questions below and think about how you would reply. You may find it helpful to jot down some key points. Once you are comfortable with how you would answer the questions, practice your answers so they sound natural and confident! These questions are general in nature in that they could be asked of candidates for any occupation. Therefore, you should also develop a list of questions that relate specifically to the field or type of position you are pursuing. For example, candidates interviewing for an elementary education teacher position will likely be asked about their classroom management strategies, knowledge of learning assessments, and experience with team teaching. To access possible interview questions specific to your field, Google sample interview questions and the type of position you are pursuing.) You are also likely to be asked questions that relate directly to the job posting. Make sure you have a thorough understanding of what they are looking for. If the job requirements state they are looking for candidates with strong organizational skills, be ready to give examples for how you have demonstrated your organizational skills. Or, if they ask you what your strengths are, it would be advisable to state your strong organizational skills (if that is indeed true!) Remember, from the employers perspective, the purpose of the interview is to help them determine whether you are a fit for the position and the company. Therefore, all your answers should show them why you are a good fit (even better, the best candidate) for this position and company. Personal Tell me about yourself? What are your greatest strengths? (This is one of the most frequently asked questions. To help you develop an answer for this question, we recommend that you use the Identifying Your Strengths Worksheet in this guide.) What are your weaknesses or areas of improvement? What accomplishments are you most proud of? What motivates you in a job? How did you choose this career? In what kind of work environment are you most comfortable? How have previous supervisors obtained your best performance? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? What are your career goals? What do you do for your professional development? Education Why did you choose this major? Looking back, would you have chosen a different major? What were your favorite classes? Which were the most challenging for you? Why? What was your GPA? Do your grades accurately reflect your ability? Were you financially responsible for any part of your education? In which campus activities did you participate? Tell us about any leadership experience on campus. How has your college education prepared you for this position? FGCU Career Development Services Interview Guide

7 COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS Work Experience Describe your job-related skills and experience and how they relate to this position. What have you enjoyed most about previous jobs? Enjoyed least? What did you learn in previous jobs that will help you in this job? What were your responsibilities in your previous positions? How would previous supervisors describe you? Why did you leave your last job (or why are you leaving your present job?) Tell me about a work situation that really challenged you. How did you meet the challenge? Can you explain this gap in your work experience? (If applicable.) The Job, the Employer, and the Industry What do you know about our company? (This is one of the most common questions asked, and one where many candidates fail. Use the Employer Research Worksheet to prepare for this one.) Why do you want to work for us? Why are you the best candidate? Why should I hire you? What do you know about this industry? How do you keep current on trends in this industry? Behavioral Based Interview Questions Behavioral based questions are those that require you to describe a specific situation that occurred in the past and how you handled it. They are some of the most common questions interviewers ask, and some companies interview candidates using only behavioral based questions. Therefore, it is critical that you know how to answer these types of questions using the STAR strategy. Refer to the section in the guide titled Answering Behavioral Based Questions, Here are some sample questions: Tell me about a work situation that really challenged you. How did you meet the challenge? Describe a time you had to deal with conflict in a group situation? Give me an example of your ability to manage or supervise others. Describe a situation in which you had to handle an upset customer or co-worker. Give me an example of a time you showed initiative. Tell me about a difficult decision you had to make at work. Give us an example of a time in which you worked under deadline pressure. Describe a time when you disagreed with your supervisor. How did you handle it? Questions about Salary What salary are you looking for? It is inappropriate for you to bring up the salary issue, especially if you have not been offered the job yet. If you are asked about salary needs during the interview, it is best to either inquire as to whether you are offered the job (at which case you are entering the salary negotiation stage of the interview) or ask if they have a salary range in mind for this position. Refer to the Salary Negotiation section of the guide. If you are unsure of how to answer any of the questions above, we encourage you to meet with a Career Services staff member. You can even schedule a mock interview so you can practice your answers. FGCU Career Development Services Interview Guide

8 ANSWERING BEHAVIORAL QUESTIONS Recruiters use behavioral based questions to evaluate how a candidate handled a past situation or task. The candidates past behaviors may be used to help predict future behaviors, and determine the likelihood of a candidate s success in the position. Answering behavioral based questions is like telling a story. Here is a strategy you can use to ensure you answer the question thoroughly. Use the STAR method, which stands for Situation or Task, Action, and Result. Situation or Task Based on the question, describe the situation that you were in or the task that you needed to accomplish. You must describe a specific event or situation, not a generalized description of what you have done in the past. Be sure to give enough detail for the interviewer to understand what is going on. Take about 15 seconds for this part. Action Describe the actions you took in detail, illustrating the skills you used. This should not be a hypothetical situation, so don't explain what you might do, describe what you actually did. And keep the focus on you even if you are discussing a group project or effort, describe what you did - not the efforts of the team. The Action is the most important part of your answer, so spend at least seconds on this part. Results How did the situation end? What happened? What did you accomplish? What did you learn? It should obviously be a happy ending. Wrap it up in seconds. Here is a shortened example of how this works. Your answer should be no less than one-minute long. Interview Question: Describe a situation in which you had to handle an upset customer. Possible answer: (State situation) I had a situation just last week. I am a sales associate at an apparel store in the mall. We were having our summer sale, and one of our regular customers was upset that we didn t have the outfit she wanted in her size. (Action) She was clearly very angry, so I let her express her disappointment. I reassured her I would do everything I could to help. I contacted one of our other stores in the area to see if they had the outfit in the size she was looking for. They did, so I asked them to have the company delivery truck bring it to our store the following morning. I told the customer we would have it the next day and that I would personally call her when it arrived. (Result) By this time, she had already calmed down quite a bit. She thanked me for all the extra effort, and even ended up buying over $300 in clothes that day! The type of example you use will depend on the interview question, but it is preferable to draw mostly upon previous work experiences. You can also use examples from college (class and extracurricular) and volunteer experiences. Typically, only use personal experiences as a last resort. General interview preparation: Now that you know how the STAR strategy works, refer to the Common Interview Questions section for a list of sample behavioral interview questions. In preparation for an interview for a specific job, review the job posting and assume you will be asked behavioral based questions about all aspects of the duties of the position. FGCU Career Development Services Interview Guide

9 IDENTIFYING AND COMMUNICATING YOUR STRENGTHS Recruiters often ask candidates what their strengths are. Use this worksheet to help you identify your skills and personal qualities so you can better describe yourself in the interview. Instructions: Rate yourself in the following areas by placing a check in corresponding box 1 = not a strength 2 = developing 3 = satisfactory 4 = high 5 = highest Transferable Skills How well do you perform each activity? Analytical Artistic Budgeting Building Collaborating Computer Counseling Creative Critical Thinking Customer Service Decision Making Delegating Editing Financial Helping Interpersonal Investigating Judgment Leadership Listening Management Negotiating Organizing Planning Presenting Prioritizing Problem-solving Quick-learner Researching Selling Scheduling Speaking Supervising Teaching Teamwork Time Mgt. Training Personal Qualities How well does each quality describe you? Adaptive Ambitious Confident Conscientious Creative Cooperative Compassionate Dedicated Dependable Determined Detail-oriented Diplomatic Efficient Energetic Ethical Flexible Friendly Hard-working Innovative Loyal Optimistic Organized Passionate Patient Persistent Practical Precise Professional Reliable Resilient Resourceful Responsible Self-starting Sincere Tenacious Versatile Willing to learn FGCU Career Development Services Interview Guide

10 IDENTIFYING AND COMMUNICATING YOUR STRENGTHS After you have completed the Identifying Your Strengths activity for those strengths that you rated yourself a 4 or 5, select five strengths from the Skills side and five from the Personal Qualities side that you feel best describe you. Ask people that know you well for their feedback if you have trouble deciding which those are. List each strength below, and then write down two examples of how you have demonstrated it. Since you are using this tool to prepare yourself for the employment interview, examples that relate to employment, internships, or school experiences are preferable. Volunteer and extracurricular experiences are acceptable too. Strength: Example #1 Example #2 Strength: Example #1 Example #2 Strength: Example #1 Example #2 Strength: Example #1 Example #2 Strength: Example #1 Example #2 Strength: Example #1 Example #2 Strength: Example #1 Example #2 Strength: Example #1 Example #2 FGCU Career Development Services Interview Guide

11 QUESTIONS TO ASK EMPLOYERS There are basically two strategic reasons you should be asking questions during the interview process: 1 To make sure this position, department, and company are a good fit for you. 2 To gather information to help you better understand the needs of the company, so you can interview more effectively and sell yourself. Asking questions is also important in order to demonstrate your engagement in the interview process. Candidates that don t ask thoughtful questions may come across as uninterested, unmotivated, and even a little unsophisticated. Therefore, here are some sample questions based on the two reasons above: Make sure this position, department, and company are a good fit for you. I understand the responsibilities of this position as they are stated in the job posting. But perhaps you could give me an idea of what a typical day (or week) may look like? What are the most challenging aspects of this position? What would you consider to be the most important aspects of this job? What are the performance expectations of this position over the first 12 months? Please describe your training program or process. Where does this position (or department) fit in the overall organization of the company? How would you describe the company culture? To gather information to help you better understand the needs of the company, so you can interview more effectively and sell yourself. What do you see ahead for your company in the next five years? What have been the department's successes in the last couple of years? What are the major challenges facing the company or department? What are some of the company s short-term and long-term goals? What skills are especially important for someone in this position? What s the most important thing I can do to help within the first 90 days of my employment? Use the information you gather from these questions to further your candidacy. For example: I understand that your company will be expanding into the technology consulting industry. I have a strong computer background and contacts in that field that may help during this expansion period. Your final questions: What is the next step in your selection process? Do you have a timetable for making a decision? (Ask only if not addressed by question above.) Do not ask about things that you have already been told or are obvious. For example, if the job posting lists the responsibilities of the position, don t ask what job duties are. Don t ask basic questions about the company that you could have researched on the company website. Notice that these sample questions DO NOT include inquiries about salary! In fact, most questions dealing with your compensation and benefits (even tuition reimbursement) are OFF LIMITS. Be mindful as to which people can answer what questions. A human resources staff person may be able to answer questions about the company, whereas the hiring authority is better equipped to answer specific questions about the nature of the job. FGCU Career Development Services Interview Guide

12 PHONE INTERVIEWS You probably have experience with the traditional in-person job interview. However, companies are increasingly using telephone interviews for the first interview. This allows them to conduct a preliminary screening of the candidates to decide who they want to advance to the next stage of the interview process. For employers, this saves them time and money (on candidate travel expenses), and enables them to screen large numbers of candidates efficiently. For the job seeker, the challenge of the phone interview is that it is often more difficult to build rapport with the interviewer(s) since you can t see each other. You also lose the positive elements of non-verbal communication and body language. Therefore, one key to success in the phone interview is ensuring you are prepared to answer the questions. This is the same type of preparation you would use for an in-person interview. If you haven t already, we strongly recommend that you review the common interview questions section of this guide. Also, Career Services staff members are available to give a mock phone interview to practice your skills. Helpful tips: Confirm date, time, and who will be involved in the interview. If possible, use a land line, which is typically clearer and doesn t have a delay. (Turn your cell phone off!) Conduct the interview in a quiet room where there will be NO interruptions or distractions. Write down the interviewer(s) name(s) and use it frequently. This helps build rapport. Dress professionally. Even though they can t see you, it will keep you in the right frame of mind. Have your resume and notes organized in front of you, including the questions you want to ask. If you are in an area with spotty cell phone coverage, confirm who will call who back if you get disconnected. If you need time to think about an answer, let them know. Otherwise, your silence will be disconcerting. Place a mirror across from you. Check it periodically to ensure you are smiling. A smile on your face will produce a smile in your voice. Monitor the time on a nearby clock. Respect the time parameter set by the interviewer. Another key to success is utilizing your voice properly. Consider some of these helpful tips: Tone Enthusiastic, expressive, but warm. (Remember, they can t see you smile.) Avoid monotone! Pitch Try to end sentences on an up tone. Volume Appropriate for the situation. Most interviewees do not speak loud enough. At the beginning of the interview, ask them if they can hear you adequately. Tempo Watch your pacing. Try to get in a rhythm. Clarity Concentrate on proper enunciation. Avoid mumbling. Hesitation If you feel you are struggling to find words and starting/stopping, this will sound even worse to them since they can t see you. Prepare your answers in advance so you can answer the questions confidently. Pauses It is acceptable to briefly pause for emphasis or dramatic effect. Language Absolutely no slang or profanity. Avoid clichés and colloquialisms. Some companies are using video calls since emerging technologies, such as the Skype software application, are making it easier. It may be prudent to at least be aware of these technologies so you are ready in the event one is requested. FGCU Career Development Services Interview Guide

13 VIDEO INTERVIEWS Video conferencing is another growing trend both for first interviews and/or in cases where travelling to the work site for an interview is not possible. Like a telephone interview, video conferencing allows employers to conduct a preliminary screening of the candidates to decide who they want to advance to the next stage of the interview process. And like telephone interviews, this saves the employer time and money (on candidate travel expenses), and enables them to screen large numbers of candidates efficiently. For the job seeker, video conferences have some distinct advantages over telephone interviews. Most notably, you now regain some of the positive elements of non-verbal communication and body language. This makes it easier to build a rapport with the interviewer. Just like with any other interview, one key to success in the video conference interview is ensuring you are prepared to answer the questions. This is the same type of preparation you would use for an in-person interview. If you haven t already, we strongly recommend that you review the common interview questions section of this guide. Also, Career Services staff members are available to give a mock video conference interview to practice your skills. Helpful tips: Verify that your username and profile picture are both appropriate for a professional interview. Test your equipment. Call a friend early enough before the interview to verify that your webcam and your sound are both working, that the proper microphone is active, and that your connection is stable. Make sure you have enough time to fix any problems you may encounter during the check. Keep the camera at eye level and at arm s length. Look at the camera during the interview, not the screen. Looking at the camera will make the interviewer feel like you are looking them in the eye and will help build rapport. Confirm date, time, and who will be involved in the interview. Verify your time zones! Make sure that you are aware of what time zone your interviewer is in and that you are 100% sure what time the interview will be taking place in your time zone. Conduct the interview in a quiet room where there will be NO interruptions or distractions. Have an appealing yet professional background. Write down the interviewer(s) name(s) and use it frequently. This also helps build rapport. Dress professionally, top to bottom. You never know when you may have to get up. Have your resume and notes organized in front of you, including the questions you want to ask. If you need time to think about an answer, let them know. Otherwise, your silence will be disconcerting. Monitor the time on a nearby clock. Respect the time parameter set by the interviewer. Another key to success is utilizing your voice properly. Consider some of these helpful tips: Tone Enthusiastic, expressive, but warm. Avoid monotone! Pitch Try to end sentences on an up tone. Volume Appropriate for the situation. Most interviewees do not speak loud enough. At the beginning of the interview, ask them if they can hear you adequately. Tempo Watch your pacing. Try to get in a rhythm. Clarity Concentrate on proper enunciation. Avoid mumbling. Hesitation Prepare your answers in advance so you can answer the questions confidently. Pauses It is acceptable to briefly pause for emphasis or dramatic effect. Language Absolutely no slang or profanity. Avoid clichés and colloquialisms. Examples of video conferencing tools: Skype Google Chat FaceTime Any Meeting FGCU Career Development Services Interview Guide

14 CONDUCTING EMPLOYER RESEARCH Once you have identified some employers that you want to work for, and are in the process of applying for jobs, you should also start researching those employers. This research takes place at two levels: Basic and in-depth. Use the Employer Research Worksheet to record the information you gather. Basic Before you even apply for a job, it is advisable that you collect information on the company s: Major lines of business and main products/services History and reputation in the industry Culture, mission, vision, values, goals Why should you know this information even before applying? First, it may help determine whether this is a company you are even interested in working for. Secondly, it is not unusual for recruiters, on the initial call to the applicant, to quiz them on what they know about the company to see whether the applicant is serious and did his/her homework. Sometimes this call can come within 24 hours of submitting your application, so you need to be ready! In-depth To be prepared for the interview process, in addition to the basic research you have already conducted, you should at the very least be knowledgeable of the company s: Competitors and customers Performance (revenues, market share, awards/recognitions, industry ranking, etc.) Size (annual sales, number of employees, number of locations, etc.) Corporate executives, officers, and leaders Much of this information can be found on the company s website in the About Us section. You should also be familiar with any press releases or articles in the newspaper or magazines about the company. This may be available on the company website, or you may want to use some of the resources available through the FGCU Library. Research Tip: All the information on a company website is provided by the employer. If you need to obtain objective information provided by a third-party, you should use the resources available in the FGCU Library, like Hoovers Company Records. This is especially important when you are interviewing for an executive level position. When do I use the information I have collected? Remember, every question you are asked during the interview is an opportunity to sell yourself. Therefore, when you are asked what you know about the company, do more than just recite facts and data. Use your knowledge to link your qualifications to their needs. Here are a few examples: I noticed on your website that you have plans to open a new sales office in Orlando. I grew up in Orlando and am very familiar with the city and have numerous connections, which will enable me to help you with that expansion. I read in an article in a local business magazine that your company s top priority is enhancing your customer service. After spending three years working for one of the top hotels in the area, I have developed exceptional customer relations skills, which will enable me to help you reach your goal. FGCU Career Development Services Interview Guide

15 CONDUCTING EMPLOYER RESEARCH Name of Company: Website: Company Overview (products/services; brands; number of employees; locations; market share; sales/revenue) Company History Company Mission, Vision, Values, Goals Corporate Culture Reputation in the Industry; Awards and recognitions received Future plans for growth/expansion/or new products/services Recent articles in the news about the company Strengths/weaknesses/challenges/opportunities Biographical information about leadership team Other FGCU Career Development Services Interview Guide

16 ACCEPTING OFFERS Congratulations, you have been offered a job! Whether you accept or decline the offer, you should handle this transaction with the utmost professionalism, and communicate your intentions in writing. Accepting the Offer If you have verbally accepted the offer, it s a good idea for there to be some official documentation so that both you and the employer are in agreement as to the details of your employment. Every company handles this differently. Some will send you an offer letter (sometimes called an employment agreement or employment contract) for you to sign and return. If this is the case, carefully review the document to ensure it is accurate, and make a copy for your files before sending it back. Getting an offer in writing is especially helpful if you are a candidate for other jobs. Once you have the offer letter, you may feel better about withdrawing your candidacy from those other jobs. If the company doesn t state whether they send a written offer, make sure to ask. If they state that it is not their policy, it s a good idea for you to send a letter (or ) to the company contact restating your understanding of the offer. Here is some sample verbiage for your consideration: Thank you for your offer of employment as a (title of position) at (name of company.) As we discussed on the phone on (date), I am delighted to accept your offer and look forward to beginning work on (state date) at your (name of city) location. You indicated that I will be receiving an annual salary of $(amount) and will be reporting to (name of supervisor.) At your earliest convenience, please let me know you have received this and that the above information is accurate. Once again, I am very excited about this opportunity and look forward to working at (name of company.) Declining the Offer When declining an offer, do so with a phone call first, then follow-up in writing. Never say anything negative in writing about the employer, even if you had a negative experience. A decision to decline an offer is usually based on the fact that another offer is a better fit for you. It is fine to state this, without giving details about why the declined offer. It is not necessary to state whose offer you accepted. Decline graciously so as not to burn bridges! Here is some sample verbiage for your consideration: Thank you very much for your telephone call to offer me the (title of position) position at (name of company.) While I believe firmly in the mission of your organization and appreciate the challenging opportunity you offer, I have received another offer which I believe more closely matches my current career goals and interests. Therefore, I must decline your offer. As I explained when we spoke by phone this morning, this was a very difficult decision. I do appreciate all the courtesy and hospitality extended to me by your office, and I wish you well in your endeavors. Withdrawing Your Candidacy for a Job Accepting a job offer ethically obligates you to cease job search efforts and to notify other prospective employers that you are withdrawing your name from their consideration. As soon as your decision is made, promptly notify other employers with a phone call. Make every effort to speak to your contact in person rather than leaving a voic message. Follow up with an . Withdraw graciously so as not to burn bridges! Here is some sample verbiage for your consideration: I want to express my sincerest appreciation to you for including me in the interview process as you seek candidates for the (title of position) position at (name of company.) I have enjoyed meeting with the members of your staff and think you have an outstanding operation. However, as I explained when we spoke on (date), I respectfully withdraw from consideration for your position. I have decided to accept another employment offer which I believe very closely matches my current skills and career goals. Thank you again for the opportunity to explore career possibilities with your company. This information is provided as a resource and should not be construed as legal advice for any particular situation. FGCU Career Development Services Interview Guide

17 SALARY NEGOTIATION Preparation Base your salary expectations on the market value of your education, skills, and experience, as opposed to just your personal needs and expectations. Most positions have compensation ranges that reflect the level of expertise and qualifications necessary to perform the job. Research salaries of comparable jobs with similar companies or within the industry. There are numerous salary information websites, such as Check out similar job postings for salary information. If possible, contact people you know in the industry to get this information. Look for patterns, not a single figure. Research the cost of living in the city you will be living and working in. Try sites like Based on information above, determine a minimum salary and ideal salary. Develop your interview skills! Make them feel like you are the ideal candidate for the job. This may enhance your value to them and increase what they are willing to pay you. When to Negotiate First things first get the job offer! You can t negotiate a salary for a job you don t have yet. Once you are offered the job, you are in a better negotiation position since it is clear they want to hire you. Asking the employer about the salary before you have been offered the job may be too early in the process and viewed as inappropriate by the employer. Let the prospective employer make the first move into the salary negotiation phase. Suggestions for Handling the Negotiation If the employer asks you for your required salary, try not to give an actual figure. Ask if there is a salary range that is authorized for the position. ( Since you have a more comprehensive understanding of the specifics of the job, what salary range do you have in mind? ) If possible, don t allow comparisons between past salaries and the new position. Emphasize the differences in responsibilities, companies, industries, etc. When you discuss salary figures, give a range. Make sure to put your expected salary at the bottom of the range with your desired salary at the top. Show flexibility. If the offer is unacceptable, counter the offer instead of rejecting it altogether. If you must receive more than is offered, find out if they would be willing to provide you with another type of compensation, such as tuition reimbursement, to help offset the differences in salary. It is not unreasonable to ask for time (24 hours) to discuss the offer with those that are affected by your decision, such as family. Ask employer if they typically submit the offer in writing. Remember - A compensation package typically includes more than just a salary - it can be worth an additional 35% of the salary to the total compensation value. Evaluate the benefits offered, such as Medical/Dental/Vision insurance, Pension or 401k, tuition reimbursement, and stock ownership. Also, consider the intangible benefits of the position, such as opportunity for advancement, training, company reputation and culture, commute, and desirability to work for the manager. FGCU Career Development Services Interview Guide

18 DRESS FOR SUCCESS WOMEN FGCU Career Development Services Interview Guide

19 DRESS FOR SUCCESS WOMEN FGCU Career Development Services Interview Guide

20 DRESS FOR SUCCESS MEN FGCU Career Development Services Interview Guide

21 DRESS FOR SUCCESS MEN FGCU Career Development Services Interview Guide