Quick Career Tip
CO-OP and CAREER SERVICES
Issue date: 2/10/10 Section: Feature
Q: I'm so excited! I got a call back from a company after I went on an interview recently; they want me to come back and meet more people. They said it would be an all day event. What should I expect? How should I prepare?
A: Congratulations on making it through the company's screening interview! Be prepared to answer some questions repeatedly throughout the day. Continue to research the company thoroughly so you will not only be informed about what they do, but it can help build your enthusiasm and give you a better idea of what to expect. Become familiar with the departments, services or products, clients, mission and culture. Be ready to answer hypothetical, behavioral, and technical questions. You should also have questions ready to ask the interviewers. The first rounds of interviews are used to screen candidates based on qualifications. The second is geared toward where and if you will fit into the organization, which is part of the reason companies typically have candidates meet with multiple people and departments at this stage of the process.
If it is an all day event, my guess is they will provide a meal at some point during the day. Mealtime interviews give the employer an opportunity to evaluate your social behavior. These observations provide insight as to how you would behave in the workplace with colleagues or with clients. Be prepared to engage in "small talk" during the meal. Typical topics include sports, weather, current events or travel. During mealtime, be sure to mind your manners.
Some quick tips on table manners:
Place your napkin in your lap upon sitting down, if you have to get up before the meal is over, excuse yourself and place your napkin on your chair.
Do not talk with your mouth full. If you have just put a bite in your mouth and someone asks you a question, you can put your index finger up to indicate that you would like them to wait. Your host is likely to appreciate waiting over having you answer with your mouth full.
Avoid ordering foods that are sloppy to eat or things you have not eaten before.
Downplay any food allergies or dietary preferences you may have; that is to say, order in accordance to your needs, but don't make a big production if there are not a ton of choices on the menu for you.
When ordering, use your host as a guide and stay within the moderate price range.
Do not order alcohol or smoke, even if your host does.
Practice your interview skills and obtain further information by signing up for Mock Interview Day on February 10, 2010. For additional information in interviewing check out our guidebook or attend our weekly "Ace the interview" workshop.
http://www.pace.edu/coopcs/wfo/pdf/InterviewingforSuccess.pdf
http://www.pace.edu/emplibrary/Dining_Etiquette.pdf
http://www.pace.edu/page.cfm?doc_id=18397
A: Congratulations on making it through the company's screening interview! Be prepared to answer some questions repeatedly throughout the day. Continue to research the company thoroughly so you will not only be informed about what they do, but it can help build your enthusiasm and give you a better idea of what to expect. Become familiar with the departments, services or products, clients, mission and culture. Be ready to answer hypothetical, behavioral, and technical questions. You should also have questions ready to ask the interviewers. The first rounds of interviews are used to screen candidates based on qualifications. The second is geared toward where and if you will fit into the organization, which is part of the reason companies typically have candidates meet with multiple people and departments at this stage of the process.
If it is an all day event, my guess is they will provide a meal at some point during the day. Mealtime interviews give the employer an opportunity to evaluate your social behavior. These observations provide insight as to how you would behave in the workplace with colleagues or with clients. Be prepared to engage in "small talk" during the meal. Typical topics include sports, weather, current events or travel. During mealtime, be sure to mind your manners.
Some quick tips on table manners:
Place your napkin in your lap upon sitting down, if you have to get up before the meal is over, excuse yourself and place your napkin on your chair.
Do not talk with your mouth full. If you have just put a bite in your mouth and someone asks you a question, you can put your index finger up to indicate that you would like them to wait. Your host is likely to appreciate waiting over having you answer with your mouth full.
Avoid ordering foods that are sloppy to eat or things you have not eaten before.
Downplay any food allergies or dietary preferences you may have; that is to say, order in accordance to your needs, but don't make a big production if there are not a ton of choices on the menu for you.
When ordering, use your host as a guide and stay within the moderate price range.
Do not order alcohol or smoke, even if your host does.
Practice your interview skills and obtain further information by signing up for Mock Interview Day on February 10, 2010. For additional information in interviewing check out our guidebook or attend our weekly "Ace the interview" workshop.
http://www.pace.edu/coopcs/wfo/pdf/InterviewingforSuccess.pdf
http://www.pace.edu/emplibrary/Dining_Etiquette.pdf
http://www.pace.edu/page.cfm?doc_id=18397
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