To land the job you must convince the employer you are the right person. We can assist you in developing your interviewing skills by providing interviewing tips, typical interview questions for both applicant and employer, and mock interviews.

To land the job you must convince the employer you are the right person. We can assist you in developing your interviewing skills by providing interviewing tips, typical interview questions for both applicant and employer, and mock interviews.

Before the Interview

  • Start preparing for interviews long before you actually have one scheduled. Schedule an appointment with a Career Services staff member for a Mock Interview.
  • Know yourself and be able to articulate your skills, abilities, strengths, weaknesses, values, current career, and educational goals
  • Know the employer and be able to articulate research about their products, services, operations, and competitors. Online home pages and newsletters are good references.
  • Review Interview Questions & Answers and prepare and practice your answers.
  • Prepare and lay out your clothing and attire the night before the interview. Make sure your clothes are wrinkle-free with a nice crisp look, your shoes are polished and you are well groomed.
  • Get directions to your interviewing location prior to the day of the interview - allow yourself plenty of time for traffic, parking, and a bathroom break, that will allow you to arrive at your exact destination 10 minutes ahead of time
  • Prepare additional copies of your resume, references, and transcripts in the event there are several interviewers. Also, it would be helpful to know ahead of time if it is a group or individual interview.
  • Do not take a cell phone and/or pager to the interview. Make whatever necessary arrangements so that you are not disturbed during the interview.

During the Interview

Presentation

  • You only get one chance to make a first impression – make it professional.
  • The first person you come in contact with, whether it is the receptionist, or the administrative assistant, treat them with as much respect as the interviewer.
  • Display confidence with a firm handshake, eye contact, and listen attentively.
  • Have a positive attitude and show enthusiasm

Verbal Communication

  • Allow the interviewer to lead and guide the interview.
  • Listen carefully to the questions and answer each question thoroughly.
  • Ask questions - learn as much as you can about the position beforehand.
  • As you engage in your conversation with the interviewer, remember that this is a two-way street; you are interviewing the interviewer, as well as being interviewed.
  • You want to determine if this is truly a place you would like to work (this is information that is not found online).

Non-verbal Communication

  • Eye Contact– If you happen to look away while listening, it displays to the interviewer a lack of interest and a short attention span. Maintaining eye contact while speaking shows confidence in what you are saying.
  • Facial Expressions – Facial expressions are very important non-verbal cues. Something such as a smile can tell the interviewer that you are a happy person and interested in opportunities offered by the company.
  • Posture – When you are standing, stand up straight. When you are seated, sit at the front edge of the chair, leaning forward slightly.
  • Gestures – Gestures should be very limited during an interview. When you do use them, make sure they are natural and meaningful.

Wrapping up the interview

  • Get a business card from the interviewer(s)
  • Find out about the next step of the interview process
  • Offer a firm handshake
  • Thank the interviewer for their time and consideration. Let them know that you look forward to hearing from them.

After the Interview

Though you have completed the interview the process is not over. You want to leave a lasting impression on the interviewer:

  • Send a thank you note to the interviewer and any others who assisted you in this process (administrative assistance, receptionist, etc.)
  • The note should be brief; however, it should be a reminder of why you would be the best possible candidate for the job.
  • Evaluate the interview. What went well for you? What questions were asked that you wished you would have had more practice or a better answer?
  • In the event of a second interview or an interview with another company, you will be better prepared.

Resources