Students learn to dress to impress

By John Guajardo/reporter

Career services prepares students with tips for success at interviews

NW students who might be discouraged about job interviews received some advice from two career services on NW Campus.

NW student development associate Dalton Doss and NW administrative assistant Manuel Herrera helped students by giving them advice on what they need to do for interviews.

“Dress to impress,” Doss said. “Always dress one step up from the interviewer.”

Looking and feeling good is important for an interview, he said. It gives the employer a sense of being serious and professional.

“Always be prepared for the most common questions,” Doss said. “Questions like ‘What are your strengths and weaknesses?’ will always be asked.”

Doss suggested students become familiar with the S.T.A.R. method: Situation, Task, Action and Result.

This method helps by analyzing a situation, identifying the task at hand and thinking about the result.

This tool can help people prepare for interviews and helps give them a little insight on what will be expected.

NW student Alexis Wise had some advice of her own.

“Go into interviews with note cards so you remember what you need to say,” she said. “I’ve never been in an interview where I’ve been asked, ‘Why do you have note cards?’”

When it’s time to ask questions at the end of an interview, don’t ask intrusive company questions, Herrera said.

“When asking questions, ask more in-depth questions like ‘Where do you see yourself in five years?’” Herrera said. “This helps by making you look like you care about the company.”

Herrera told the audience to not get discouraged if an interview doesn’t lead to a job.

“There are lots of jobs out there,” he said. “Some will flat out deny you while others will quickly accept you.”