The visit

STEPS to Successful Career Planning

The STEPS model - Implementation

How to market yourself

Interviewing

The Keys to Interviewing: The Second Interview

The Visit

Dinner (or Any Meal)

Most companies will have someone to greet the candidate when they arrive, many times this will be an alumni from the candidate’s school. Candidates will usually arrive the evening before the interview and may have dinner with a company representative. At dinner the candidate will be evaluated in the following areas; social graces, manner of speech, contemporary ideas, maturity and the ability to converse. Topics such as politics, religion or controversial issues should be avoided. Also, difficult or messy foods like ribs, spaghetti, corn on the cob and alcoholic beverages are not recommended.

Interview Day

	The interview and visit will usually begin mid-morning. Some organizations will give the candidate a schedule of the day’s events.
	The visit will usually begin by meeting with a representative from the Human Resources department and a tour of the facility will be given.
	Well thought out and relevant questions should be asked throughout the visit. Dress for the day should be professional yet comfortable, it could be a long day!
	Candidates should be prepared for both one-on-one interviews and group interviews that may include several other candidates.
	The candidate should remember that they are on display and to maintain professionalism at all times.
	During this time the candidate should be evaluating the company and it’s employees, to see if this is a company they would want to work for. Do the workers seem happy? Does the work environment appear comfortable?

Candidates should save receipts from the visit and submit all expenses that relate to the visit (this does not include personal expenses like souvenirs or hotel movies).

Job offers do not usually occur during the visit but if an job offer is extended, it is recommended that you take the time you need (overnight or 24 hours) to objectively evaluate the offer. Thank you letters should be sent within a day or so after the visit even if the candidate is no longer interested in employment with this company.

Success during a company visit means preparation, which includes self assessment and company research. Candidates should know the details regarding travel arrangements, transportation, and expense reimbursements. The candidate should be aware of their own expectations along with the company’s expectations. Confidence and professionalism can be winning attributes for a job offer.