Interviewing Workshop
To start, please provide us with some basic information so we can connect with you after you've finished the workshop. You'll be presented with some written information, videos, and graphics. We'll ask a few questions along the way to make sure you're learning the material. This digital workshop should take about an hour to complete.

Have a question or need help? Email University Career Center at career@jmu.edu.
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If you would like narration for the workshop, open up this audio guide in a new window and pause it as needed.
Name *
Major(s) and minor(s) *
Dukes email *
Academic standing *
If you are taking this for a class assignment or credit, please include your professor name and course title.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Interviewing Workshop, students will be able to identify resources to prepare for an interview, recognize tips on how to be professional during an interview, and name the steps in the STAR interviewing strategy.

This workshop addresses the following Career Readiness Competencies: Oral and Written Communication, Career Management, and Critical Thinking/Problem Solving.

This first section will focus on how to present yourself and navigate in different types of interviews.
Your elevator pitch
In order to do an interview, you first have to get one! When introducing yourself to an employer, you want to have an introduction that makes a strong first impression. An elevator pitch is a 30 to 60 second “commercial” where you give an overview of your experience, skills, strengths, accomplishments and goals. Include your name, major, class year, skills gained from experience, career interests, employer needs, and an ending question. Watch the video below to learn more.
Now, practice writing your own elevator pitch. Don’t worry, it doesn't need to be perfect. Just try writing one for yourself. *
Remember, include your name, major, class year, skills gained from experience, career interests, employer needs, and an ending question.
Types of interviews: Informational Interview
Informational interviews are meant to connect you to people in a professional field in which you are interested.
How to find someone to interview:
  - Figure out what you are interested in and research people in that field. This may be someone you were referred to, a professor,
    a family member, etc.
  - Use LinkedIn or Handshake and utilize your network

How to set one up:
  - Send an email requesting a brief interview (15-30 minutes is a good time to request)
  - Cold call and set up an appointment
  - Make sure to clearly indicate the purpose of the meeting in your initial contact

How to prepare and what to ask:
  - Research the organization/company/field to develop well-thought questions (at least 5 or 6)
  - What would you suggest for someone just starting out in the field?
  - What is a typical career path in the field?
  - What do you do on a typical day?
  - How competitive is the job market in this field?

Types of interviews: In Person
In person interviews
On Campus
  - Some employers will schedule one or more days to come to JMU to interview students for their positions listed on Handshake
  - These take place in the University Career Center Interview Center

On Site
  - Conducted at the organization/company’s location
  - This allows you to see the physical surroundings of where you could one day be working
  - It may last all day and/or include a shadowing portion so that you can really get a feel for the atmosphere and see what the
    organization is like
  - You may meet with many different people who have input in the hiring decision

Board or Panel Interview
  - Multiple people may be asking you questions
  - It’s important to establish rapport with each member of the group
  - Try to reply to individuals by name and make eye contact with everyone as you respond to questions

Panel interviews
Types of interviews: Phone
A lot of companies now will conduct a first interview, or a “screening,” over the phone. Have your documents (resume, cover letter, etc.) ready to go so that you can refer to them. Feel free to mark up your resume with different things you can talk about each experience.

If available, have the company website pulled up as well as the job description so you can refer to company-specific points. Make sure to be in a space where you won’t have any loud disruptions. It helps to smile while talking, it changes the tone and pitch of your voice.
Types of interviews: Virtual
Over half of companies now are conducting interviews using video programs such as Skype, Google Hangout, or Zoom. Some of these are one-sided which require you to send in a recorded interview via a program like InterviewStream.

Here are some helpful tips:
  - Dress professionally for the interview, just as you would if it was in person
  - Have your out resume so that you can refer to it
  - Practice with the video program that will be used beforehand with a friend or family member to avoid technical issues
  - Find a place where you won’t have any disruptions during the interview, the sound and lighting have no issues, and the
    background is minimal
  - Practice with InterviewStream to assess your interview performance and catch any technical issues

InterviewStream is a free online program that allows you to record yourself answering common interview questions from almost any industry, allows you to review the video, and even send it to others for feedback.
What type of interview involves multiple people asking you questions? *
1 point
What should you do for a virtual interview? Choose all that apply. *
2 points
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