INTERVIEWING TIPS

PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE - never go into an interview without researching the job, the company and the industry.

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE - ask your Career Services counselor about mock interviews.

Career LibraryINTERVIEWING
Resources are available
in the Career Library
on this topic

Contact your Career Services counselor with any questions you may have.

Step #1
Prepare for the Interview

Step #2
Performance in the Interview

Step #3
After the Interview

Preparing for the Interview

  • Know Yourself
    • Know your strengths, values, interests, skills, accomplishments, goals, etc.
    • Reflect on your experience to be prepared to respond to behavior-based interview questions with specific examples. 

  • Research the Employer
    • Visit their website.
    • Ask for literature about their product/service, location, market developments, new projects, reputation, competitors, etc.
    • Talk to employees.
    • Research in publications.
    • Visit the Career Services Library.

  • Look the Part
    • Respect the process by wearing appropriate professional attire, conservative, neat, clean and odor-free.
    • Guide your dress to the industry standards - if in doubt, over dress.
    • Use perfume/cologne sparingly and minimal jewelry.

  • Have Everything You Need with You
    • Additional copies of your resume
    • a black pen for applications
    • a reference list and/or letters
    • school transcripts
    • writing samples
    • a carefully prepared list of job-related questions that illustrate your interest in understanding their challenges in the position. Some general sample questions include:
      • Is this a new position, or would I be replacing someone? Why did they leave?
      • What would you consider to be the biggest challenges facing your company to remain competitive?
      • What projects would I work on initially?
      • What is the usual career path in your organization?
      • What do you like most about your work here?
      • What do you value most in an employee?
    • You do NOT need your cell phone.  Leave it in the car.

  • Practice, practice, practice
  • Get a good night's sleep

  • Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early

back to top

Performance in the Interview

  • Body language is important
    • Use a firm handshake
    • No fidgeting - calm hands and feet
    • Good posture. Lean forward and sit on the edge of your chair.
    • Facial signals reflect confidence or tension
    • "Actively" listen prior to answering questions
    • Look the interviewer in the eye

  • Interviewing Do's
    • Questions asked of you will concern you, your qualifications, experience, skills and motivation. Your answers should show you know what the job is about, why you're applying and how you're qualified.
    • Review the job requirements with the interviewer. Match them point by point with your skills and qualifications. 
    • Listen carefully and respond accordingly. Demonstrate sincere interest, project energy and enthusiasm.
    • Be yourself. Be honest.
    • Know who you're talking to and what their focus is. (i.e. Human Resources representative, supervisor, co-worker, upper management, etc.)  Get the correct spelling of everyone's names. 
    • When describing relevant examples be ready to describe the situation, your action and the outcome or result.
    • If the interview is at a meal know proper dining etiquette.
    • Ask for clarification if unsure of the question.
    • Ask YOUR prepared questions that you brought with you. You want to demonstrate your knowledge of the company and your interest in understanding the challenges in the position.
    • Find out the time frame for a decision, and what you might do to increase your chances. 
    • Depart with continued politeness, a firm handshake, eye contact, etc. 

  • Interviewing Do Not's
    • Don't discuss salary, vacation or benefits. The timing is not right.  Bringing such topics up before you have an offer is asking what the employer can do for you. Instead you should be focused on what you can do for the company.
    • Don't ramble - organize your thoughts and get to the point quickly.  Keep answers brief, but not 'yes' or 'no'. Be concise.
    • NEVER criticize previous employers. No matter what the situation it only reflects badly on you.
    • Don't give repetitive examples or embellish your answers.
    • Don't generalize. Provide specific examples.
    • Don't press for an early decision. Don't use the threat of other opportunities you have to consider when no such offers exist. 
    • Remain positive. Don't show discouragement.
    • Don't ask for an evaluation of your interview performance.
    • Do NOT bring your cell phone with you. Leave it in your car.

back to top

After the Interview

  • Make notes right after you exit the interview.  Write about the questions and answers. Think about the interview and learn from the experience for next time. 
  • Send a thank you letter within 24 hours by email or standard mail to:
    • thank them for the interview,
    • remind them of the positive points discussed,
    • expand or clarify any issues from the interview, and
    • close with future action.

  • When a second interview is extended:
    • review research material,
    • prepare NEW questions for specific people you might talk to, and
    • observe satisfaction level of others.

  • Some companies require employment tests to identify your knowledge, personality or probability of success.

  • Deal with job offers appropriately:
    • Clarify all compensation, bonuses, benefits, stock options, vacation, travel, training, etc.
    • Show decisiveness. If you are offered the job, react with enthusiasm, then sleep on it. Put yourself in control.
    • Ask for time to consider the offer.
    • Compare to national and local statistics.
    • Explore negotiation strategies. Ask your Career Services counselor or visit the Career Services Library.
    • Get a letter of agreement to verify the details agreed upon.

back to top