Recap and additional points from HST 590 “Interviewing” on 9/28/06 FJ Schoen Prepare for the interview  Learn about the organization, its people and the work you might do.  If an academic department, learn about its faculty and programs, strengths and weaknesses.  Consider specifically how you will contribute (courses, programs, a unique expertise or focus).  Prepare questions for the interviewer, such as: − How do you see X department changing over next 3 years? − What are your plans for other recruitments? − What are the weaknesses of X department? − How is x department different from others? − How would you describe the ideal candidate for this job? − What are the opportunities for mentoring, and growth in the organization? − Know your motivations, strengths and weaknesses.  Consider what are your “ideal job”, “biggest failure”, and “most satisfying accomplishment”.  Consider how you will answer the questions, “tell me about yourself”, “how would you handle criticism, “how you would improve yourself”, or “why should we hire you”?  Bring a clean copy of your CV, and know it well; ensure no “gaps” in time.  Look over available sample interviewing questions and other tips on available websites.  Find about as much as possible about your interview in advance (schedule, individuals, group/panel vs. single interviews)  Bring clean copy of several key papers you’ve published; offer but don’t “force” them.  Use professional-sounding e-mail address names and material on personal web-sites (be mindful that Facebook and MySpace venues can come back to haunt you).  Invite references beforehand.  Be aware of “illegal” questions.  Be on time. Avoid pitfalls in interview  Be prepared.  Dress appropriately (usually tie and jacket for men, business attire for women).  Body language is important.  Be enthusiastic, interested and confident, but modest.  Go in with a message to deliver, and reiterate it.  Don’t talk too much; use short, direct responses.  Use good manners, smile, and be professional.  Don’t knock your present employer.  Be honest, and don’t take credit for things you did not do.  Don’t negotiate (salary, research space and funding) too early.  Avoid “tired” words, slang and clichés.  Be positive about the negative: How did you learn from failure?  Don’t panic if things seem not to be going well. Follow-up letter  Send within a few days. Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology HST.590: Biomedical Engineering Seminar Series: Developing Professional Skills, Fall 2006 Course Director: Dr. Mya Poe This is courteous.  Shows understanding of business procedures and demonstrates professionalism.  Shows enthusiasm and communications skills.  Express interest in position.  Ask additional questions.  Thank interviewer for taking the time.  Allows emphasis or correction of points that were discussed in interview.  Don’t over flatter the