In 2005 Pulte Homes ranked 36th in Fortune magazine's measure of fastest growing companies.

Interviewing...ugh. But at some point, almost everyone gets to experience this rite of passage. Here are some tips on how to survive an interview with grace.

First things first

Do some soul searching.
Ask yourself: What kind of jobs would I like to have? What are my interests? What talents do I possess and what kinds of jobs match those talents?

Quite often, your Career Services office will have self-surveys that you can complete to target the most appropriate fields for your personality and interests.
Research companies.
Once you have an idea of the kind of job you'd like to have or what you think your career path will be, start looking for companies that fit your style.
- Do you want to work in a high-tech, city environment?
- What about a not-for-profit?
- Do you want to work in the city or the suburbs?
- What appeals to you - structured environments or entrepreneurial places where the rule is...there are no rules?
When you figure out which companies will offer you the career you have been dreaming of and you begin to apply for employment, take the time to learn something about each of the companies to which you have applied (history of company, products/services offered, awards, etc.). This will come in handy during the interview process.
Use the web. Check out the company's website. Look up information on the Business sites (Fortune.com BusinessWeek.com, etc.). Also - look for information on a company's competitors.
The more you know about the company BEFORE you go to meet them, the better you'll look to the interviewer.

The Application Process

Cover Letter
Keep it simple. Address the letter to the recruiter or hiring manager's name if you know it. State why you are interested in the company and the position for which you are applying. Include where you heard about the opportunity and any facts not included on your resume.
Resume
- Limit your resume to one page in length, highlight your achievements, don't explain in detail, list your jobs/internships in chronological order by month/year - most recent experience first.
- Keep the style of your resume simple - no fancy paper or graphics; be specific in your objective; customize for each employer (never send a copy!!!); proofread again and again; include your contact information.

The Interview Process

You have only 10 seconds to make a lasting impression!
Dress appropriately, keep perfumes/colognes to a minimum; be professional, firm handshake, smile and be confident, maintain eye contact, take a deep breath and relax. Be yourself...you know YOU better than anyone!
What to expect
- Behavioral-based questions to learn what you've done in your school projects, summer internships, etc.
- Questions about your career goals and interests and the kinds of work you prefer.
- Some companies will test for computer skills, personality traits, or required job skills.
What to do
- Be honest. Interviewers are trained to pick up inconsistencies.
- Be to the point. Don't over-explain and don't under-explain. You want the interviewer to understand what your responsibilities were and how you achieved your goals, but you do not need to explain every detailed task. Give them the big picture and the interviewer will ask additional questions as they see fit.
- Be prepared. Know your own resume and what you are going to say about each of your experiences. Nothing exasperates a recruiter more than a candidate having NOTHING to say!
- Know the company - When the interview asks, "So what have you heard about Pulte Homes?" you'll have plenty to say! From your research, you should have read about the company's history, basic financial information, competitors in that industry, etc. Have questions about what you don't understand and comment on what you find most interesting. Hint: The Investor Relations or Press Release link on most websites will tell you a lot about what the company has been doing.
What NOT to do
- Don't be late. Never be late. Make sure you're not late. Get it?
- Don't look at the floor...or the ceiling...or out the window. You don't have to stare at the interviewer, just maintain consistent and comfortable eye contact. If you don't look interested, why would they be interested in you?
- No slang, no movie quotes, don't "um" and don't "uh", and NEVER, EVER swear.
- Don't chew gum or bring in food. Water is fine.
- Do not lie. Enough said.
Turn the tables
You also have a chance to ask questions. Have a list of questions to ask the interviewer - what do they like about their job and the company, what is the career path, benefits, get clarity on the job if you need more information; how many other college recruits have worked in this position and what do they do now?

Follow up!

ALWAYS follow up.
Chances are you'll receive a business card from each of the people with whom you interview. Send a letter, an email or make a phone call. If you met with more than one person, don't send the same letter - vary your words a little so that it's personalized. Let the employer know that you are interested and thank them for their time. Always leave the employer with a positive impression of you!

To Accept or Not Accept (or No Offer at all)

When you receive an Offer Letter:
Call immediately to say that you received the offer letter and you will review it right away. Show appreciation for the offer regardless of whether or not you plan to accept. Don't wait too long! Call back within a day or two to let the employer know your decision. Either way, be polite - be positive - and be appreciative. You never know when you'll meet this person again!
When you are denied
Don't take it personally. Being denied for employment, especially if you really want the job, is not pleasant, but it's not personal either. Denial is a part of life and business - and it makes success that much sweeter.