Welcome to MyRossCareer.com’s job tips series. Whether it’s how to prepare for an interview with Ross, what to wear, or how to follow up after the initial meeting, we’re here to help. We want your interview with Ross to be successful, so read on…
How to Prepare for a Job Interview at Ross
The following is a list of do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when preparing for an interview at Ross.
DO
Before the interview:
Confirm the date, time and location of the interview, as well as the correct spelling and title of the individual who will be conducting the meeting.
Review the address of the location and determine the transportation time by taking into account road construction or rush hour timeframes. If you have advance notice, take a practice run by the location prior to the interview. Most of our campuses are in shopping areas, and have a sign at the road and over the door.
Do your homework! Find out how many campus locations Ross has, programs Ross offers, and the different types of jobs on campus.
Consider appropriate responses for questions such as, “Why would you like to be an instructor at Ross?” or “Why did your work in your previous position for only two months?” or “What was your biggest challenge at your last job, and how did you overcome it?” Be thorough, concise and honest when responding.
Prepare a few questions for the interviewer in advance. “What situations can arise in a typical day at Ross?” “How did you start working at Ross?” “What is the hardest aspect of this job?” “What is the most rewarding aspect of this job?”
Clothing, hair, shoes and makeup should be immaculate and conservative. Keep jewelry to a minimum. Err on the side of caution – it is better to overdress than under-dress.
Remove all chew gum, mints or candy.
Turn off or switch all electronic devices to “silent” before you enter the campus.
During the interview:
Be positive, upbeat and remember to smile!
Arrive 10-15 minutes early, and if necessary, review your appearance in a restroom prior to the interview.
Give the interviewer a firm handshake before and after the interview.
Use proper titles to address the interviewer, i.e. Mrs. Smith, Dr. Jones.
Your body language should indicate that you are serious about working at Ross. Show you’re interested by maintaining erect posture, leaning forward and making direct eye contact.
Be explicit about why you want to work at Ross and indicate how your previous experience coincides with the job you are interested in.
If you are confused or unsure about a question, ask for clarification.
Make sure that you understand what happens after the interview. What are the next steps?
Before you depart, ask for the interviewer’s business card in order to write a follow-up thank you note.
After the interview
Make any pertinent notes about the interview that you may want to refer to in the future.
Write a thank-you follow-up note immediately afterward and mail it the same day.
DON’T
During the interview:
Don’t glance at your cell phone for any reason! If you forgot to turn it off before the interview and it should ring or signal a text, apologize and immediately turn it off and continue the interview.
Don’t stoop, slouch or lean to one side.
Don’t make comments or use body language that suggests you have a negative attitude toward your job search, former employers, former co-workers, or previous job duties.
Don’t lie about previous employers, work situations or job responsibilities on your resumé or during the interview. Honesty IS the best policy.
Refrain from the use of jargon during an interview. Words such as “cool,” “sweet,” or “awesome” should be avoided.
A firm handshake signals the end of an interview. Don’t use fist-bumps, high-fives or other gestures.
A job interview should be taken seriously. If you are just “shopping” around, an interviewer will realize it immediately and it could cost you the position.
