Take the time to learn a little about the company.
Review the company on the web.
Review and practice answering questions often asked
by employers. See Interview Questions. Employers typically
ask 5 to 8 of these questions.
When answering, try not to sound like your answer
is memorized or rehearsed, but respond with confidence
and clarity.
Arrive at least 10-15 minutes before the interview
(to fill out application, etc.). Arriving late may
create a perception that this is your regular work
style. Make sure you have directions to get to the
company, date/time of your interview, and the name,
title, and phone number of the person conducting your
interview.
Be sure to have appropriate dress and proper hygiene.
MEN: dark suit, light shirt, classic tie, dark
shoes, and dark socks. Do not wear loud ties
WOMEN: dark suit, conservative jewelry, low
to medium heeled pumps, hosiery. Do not wear large
jewelry pieces nor extremely high heels.
FOR ALL: Have clean hair, clean fingernails,
and pressed clothes. Avoid strong fragrances.
Carry a briefcase or file folder with extra resumes,
address and phone numbers of at least 3 references,
letters of recommendation, college transcripts, and
examples of work (if applicable). See Career Portfolio.
You may not be asked for all of these items, but if
you are, this preparation can make a strong impression.
In the reception area: Introduce yourself, state
who you are there to see, and why. Smile! Look confident
and friendly! When the interviewer arrives to greet
you, smile and shake his or her hand firmly. First
impressions are lasting impressions. This is why appropriate
appearance and positive attitude are so very important.
During the Interview
Interviews generally start out with some small talk
("Did you have trouble finding the company?",
etc). Be very careful about making jokes. In excess,
this implies a lack of seriousness about the position.
NEVER tell a joke, at any time during the interview
that is risqué or improper! Keep in mind casual
conversation is still a part of the interview. Many
interviewers start out by saying, "Tell me about
yourself ". What they really want is a CONCISE
description of your background and skills that are
relevant to the position. They do not want to know
your hobbies, when you broke your arm, etc.
Let the interviewer control the interview.
Listen to the questions and try to answer each in
an honest, direct manner.
Don't feel nervous if there are pauses during the
interview. Don't start talking just to fill up a pause.
The interviewer does not expect you to have an immediate
answer to tough questions.
ALWAYS BE HONEST! Your educational background, job
history, and references will be checked.
Use good grammar. Avoid "ahs, ums, like, OK".
Rehearsing the interview out loud beforehand can dramatically
improve your grammar.
Maintain eye contact. This shows your confidence
and builds rapport with the interviewer.
Know the position duties you are applying for and
focus on experiences that are related to it. You want
the interviewer to be aware that you are qualified
to do the job.
Think before you speak. If you're not sure of what
the interviewer really wants, ask!
Sell yourself and how you can benefit the organization.
Never be negative about former employers. Even if
you were fired by a previous employer, focus on what
the experience taught you and how you have improved
because of it.
Project a "can-do" winning attitude.
Your turn to ask questions. Interviewers almost ALWAYS
wind down the interview by asking, "Do you have
any questions for me?" BE READY FOR THIS. It
is perfectly acceptable to have your questions written
down and refer to them at this time. Asking questions
shows your interest in the company. Don't ask for
information on what you can get out of the company;
ask about the company and the job itself, etc. If
salary is not brought up (it usually isn't), don't
ask about it.
Closing the Interview. Thank them, by name, for
their time. Shake hands again.
After the interview
Send a thank-you letter or note that day or the
next.
If you do not receive a call within a reasonable
time period or when the interviewer said he or she
would get back to you, call to check on the status
of the position.
ON CAMPUS
