University Relations—Interviewing Tips
"Ask HR"
At Wyeth Consumer Healthcare, we understand how important it is to find a position that fits your abilities, interests, and ambitions. To help you find a job, we've asked our Human Resource recruiters to share their insights about the job search and interviewing process.
How should I prepare for an interview?
What should I wear to an interview?
How early should I arrive for an interview?
During an interview, are recruiters looking for anything in particular?
When should I discuss salary? When is it appropriate to negotiate about salary?
How do I follow up an interview?
How long should my resume be?
- If the job you're applying for is considered to be "entry-level" or if you are just starting out, keep your resume to one page
- Part-time jobs you had while in high school shouldn't appear on your resume unless they are particularly relevant to a job for which you are applying
- If you have had three years or more of work experience, limit mention of your part-time jobs while in college
- If you have extensive career experience, it is acceptable to have a two-page resume
- Always be sure that your resume is updated before you send it out
How should I prepare for an interview?
- Preparing for an interview is critical. Before entering a prospective employer's office, do your homework. Check the company's corporate Web site or online career center for information on available positions, locations, work environment, etc.
- Know what products the company makes or services it performs and who its competitors are
- Think about the kinds of questions you are likely to be asked and practice responding to them
- If you have been told to expect an interview package and you have not yet received one, e-mail or call the HR recruiter. Know the time and location of your interview(s)
- Know how many people will interview you
- If you need to schedule two appointments on the same day, inform the HR recruiter when scheduling the interview
- Before your interview, map out your route to make certain you know where you are going
- Bring several extra copies of your resume
What should I wear to an interview?
- Generally, even if the company is known for its casual dress code, business dress is still appropriate for an interview
- Your appearance should be neat, clean, and polished
- Nails should be kept short, neat, neutral, and clean
- Accessories, jewelry, and makeup should be kept simple
How early should I arrive for an interview?
- You get only one chance to make a first impression, so make it count
- Show up about 10 minutes before the interview
- If you have allowed too much time for travel, you can sit in your car and review the material you researched about the company and your responses to questions
During an interview, are recruiters looking for anything in particular?
- We look for necessary skills, training, relevant experience, and interesting points that tell us something about the person we are interviewing
- We also seek individuals who are focused on our Vision, who are dedicated to upholding our Mission, and who embody our Values
During the interview
- When introducing yourself, always give a firm, solid handshake and smile
- Appear to be approachable, friendly, polite, and confident
- Always maintain eye contact
- Relax and be yourself
- Don't give "textbook" answers; if you need to think for a moment before answering a question, do so
- Avoid "yes" and "no" answers
- Be realistic and specific when answering questions
- Have a "game plan"; know what you enjoy doing, what you do well, and what your goals are
When should I discuss salary? When is it appropriate to negotiate about salary?
- The first discussion of salary should be left to the HR representative
- Before the interview, try to determine salary norms for the position for which you are interviewing
How do I follow up an interview?
- Send a thank-you letter to everyone who interviewed you
- Personalize the letter for each interviewer and mention subjects that you discussed
- Be sure you have the full and correct spelling, with title, of the interviewers (you can find this information on a business card, which you should get at the time of the interview; or you can ask the HR recruiter for that information)
- A thank-you letter should be sent through the mail, immediately
- However, depending on the company and interviewer, an electronic letter (e-mail) might be preferable
- It looks more professional to send a business-like letter than a card
- The content of the letter should include:
- What you can offer the company
- Why you should be considered for the position
- Why you still are interested
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