Interviewing Tips

Getting an interview is the primary goal. When you do have an interview scheduled, it is essential that you prepare carefully, present yourself in the best possible light during the interview itself, and follow up in a positive manner.

Preparation
The more you know about the organization before you interview, the better the impression you will make during the interview. You indicate to the interviewer that you are truly interested in the organization. You demonstrate that you are well organized. Since the interview is an exchange of information, and less time must be spent on telling you about the organization, you will have more time to present your qualifications. You will also have the opportunity to think seriously before the interview about how you can be an asset to the organization.

How do you research an organization?

• Sometimes, you will be given organizational literature when you sign up for an interview. Many organizations post extensive information on the Internet.
• The Career Services resource area contains annual reports, recruiting brochures, and videotapes.
• Brokerage firms can provide annual reports, and the organization's public relations department is usually happy to send information.
• Directories such as Standard and Poors and Moody's Manuals, business magazines, trade and professional journals, Chamber of Commerce directories, and the business section of newspapers are all sources of information.
• People, particularly employees and those who do business with the organization, can also tell you a great deal.
• Your research will undoubtedly raise unanswered questions. The interviewer will invite your questions; be prepared with a list of the most important ones.
  

The interviewer will also, of course, have questions for you. Think about your response to these questions; even practice with a friend. But do not memorize your answers.

Everyone has both strengths and weaknesses. Prepare responses to questions about strengths and weaknesses ahead of time.

Be prepared to provide references at the interview. Obtain permission from your references when you write your résumé, and take a list of their names, titles, addresses, and phone numbers with you to the interview. Also, take extra copies of your résumé.

How Do You Look?
Since you never have a second chance to make a good first impression, it is important to look professional in both attire and grooming. Be neat and conservative in colors, styles, and accessories. Wear little or no cologne and/or jewelry. Suit and tie are appropriate for men. Women should wear either a suit or a conservative dress. Invest in the best quality you can afford, and wear it before the interview, so you'll be comfortable and confident in your appearance. Shoes should be shined and in good repair. Fingernails should be clean. Hair should be clean and well cut. If you have questions about what is appropriate, ask for advice in the Career Services Office..

The Interview
Plan to arrive at the interview location 10-15 minutes early; this gives you time to check your grooming and catch your breath, and it allows for unexpected delays.

On-campus interview schedules are posted on the bulletin board in the hallway outside the double doors to Wells 111. It is wise to confirm your interview time.

Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake, and look him or her directly in the eye. Use the interviewer's last name unless you are invited to be more casual. Do not be surprised if you are interviewed by more than one person at the same time.

During the interview, do not chew gum, smoke, or drink coffee or soda, even if you are invited to do so. If you find yourself nervously swinging a foot, clutching the arm of the chair, or playing with a piece of jewelry, take a few deep breaths to help you relax.

Interviews usually move through several stages. The first is the introduction, when the interviewer tries to set you at ease with casual conversation.

As you move into business, the interviewer will usually tell you something about the organization if they have not hosted a pre-recruiting meeting. If there is such a meeting, it will be a real benefit to attend.

Be alert to clues about what will be needed from the person who is hired for the position you want. You then need to show the interviewer that the organization will benefit from hiring you because you understand the requirements and can provide the assistance they are seeking.

Do not give short yes and no answers to questions; this is, after all, your opportunity to sell yourself. On the other hand, if you find yourself being overly talkative, give the lead back to the interviewer by asking a question.

In answering questions, put yourself in the best possible light, but answer honestly. Never criticize faculty members or former employers. If you are asked a question for which you are not prepared, it is perfectly acceptable to ask. You can also ask for clarification if a question is unclear.

It is inappropriate to ask about salary or benefits at your initial interview. If the interviewer pressures you about salary requirements, say salary is negotiable or that you expect a competitive salary.

Maintain eye contact with the interviewer throughout the interview, but do not stare. Be enthusiastic about working for the organization and about your qualifications for the position.

At the end of an interview, it is appropriate to ask what the next step will be and when you can expect the next contact. If you have not received the interviewer's business card, it is a good idea to request one. Before you leave, shake hands and thank the interviewer for the time spent with you.

Interview Follow-Up
After each interview, analyze what happened. Keep in mind what went well, and why. If you were unhappy with any aspect, try to determine how you could have handled it the situation differently and to your advantage. A thank-you letter to the interviewer is a good idea. It is both a courtesy and a way of keeping your name fresh in the interviewer's mind. If you do not hear from an organization within a week of the estimated time, either call or write to inquire about the status of your application. Do not be impatient, but do indicate your continuing interest in the organization.

The Telephone Interview
Some interviewing is done by phone. You are seldom forewarned that the call is coming and therefore must prepare ahead of time.

Research organizations to whom you have sent letters just as thoroughly as you would ones with whom you have scheduled interviews. Keep copies of the cover letters and your research notes near the phone.

You should also keep a copy of your résumé, a calendar, and paper and pen near the phone. You may want to have a course catalog handy or short descriptions of relevant courses you have taken; it is sometimes difficult, under the tension of the moment, to remember the content of a specific course you took several semesters ago.

Be sure, during the time you are mailing applications and may be getting telephone responses, that your phone is answered in a professional manner.

Be sure, also, that messages are taken carefully and accurately. Always leave word about when you expect to return, so the caller will have a reasonable idea of when to expect you to return the call.

During a phone interview, ensure privacy and quiet. Close doors. Turn off the computer, radio, and TV. If this is impossible, ask permission to return the call at a better time.

Since the interviewer cannot see you, you will have to convey energy and enthusiasm with your voice. Sit up straight, or even stand up. Smile into the phone. Picture a friendly person at the other end. Practicing with a friend may make you feel more at ease.

If you have done all the preparation, you will do a fine job.

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