TIPS FOR A GOOD INTERVIEW EXPERIENCE

University of Minnesota Actuary Club

Laura Enoksen, Vice President

1. DRESS APPROPRIATELY This means:

NO AC/DC T-shirts and ripped Jeans, Polos, or loud/gaudy patterns or colors

Men: dress pants, dress shoes, matching socks, button down dress shirt with tie, suit jacket

Women: dress pants or skirt, blouse, jacket, nylons, dress heels/flats (dresses are ok too, but be careful)

2. DO YOUR RESEARCH

You (hopefully) already did research for the career fair, but now it’s time to really dig in Research the company, the person/people interviewing you

3. UPDATE YOUR RESUME & CHECK FOR ERRORS Job history Exams VEE Credits Programming knowledge Graduation Date Contact Info Spelling/Grammar

4. USE SCHOOL EXPERIENCE

No related job experience? No problem! Use school projects and the skills you developed with those

projects Examples: professional communication, project management,

presentation/public speaking skills, working well on a team for an extended period of time

Use non-related jobs for the same purpose

5. ANSWER BEHAVIOR QUESTIONS SMARTLY

Strength Something you have received compliments on

Weakness Something that can be improved upon

and seen in a positive light

6. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE! Handshake Eye contact Answers

7. BREATHE!

Calm your nerves Deep breath, close eyes, eat a mint (no gum!)

The person you’re interviewing with

is just that – a person! Be yourself, be personable, and make small

talk If you need to relax more

8. THANK-YOU NOTE(S) Email

If you have no address If hearing back in less than a week

Snail Mail If you have an address If hearing back will not be a quick turnaround

Include: Thank them for their time and advice (if any was given) Remind them (briefly!) who you A quick personalization commenting on something you talked about

with them

Make it personal and positive!

HOPEFULLY THIS WILL BE YOU NOW!

QUESTIONS OR YOUR OWN ADVICE