Interview Tips

What is an interview?

A two-way, formal conversation held for an employer to assess the candidacy of a job applicant and for an applicant to assess the job opportunity. Additionally, the employer sells the opportunity to the applicant and the applicant sells him/herself for the opening.

Preparing for the interview:

• Conduct research on the position, organization and the field.
• Know who you are, what you have to offer an employer and what you’re looking for.
• Prepare questions to ask the interviewer and answers to questions that you may be asked.
• Practice your interviewing skills.
• Bring extra copies of your resume and your reference sheet with you.

What should I wear?

All applicants should look neat, clean and appropriate for the work environment they would like to enter. Wear a dark suit with a jacket; conservative styles and colors are recommended for most fields.
Also wear a conservative style shirt. Shoes should be dark, classic in style and always polished. Further information is available in our office, in libraries and on-line.

Dress For Success

What are some Dress for Success Books?

• The New Professional Image: From Business Casual to the Ultimate Power Look by Susan Bixler
• You Are What You Wear Published by William Thourlby
• Your Executive Image by Victoria Seitz
• What do all employers look for? Fit Competence Commitment
• Interview Stages:1st Introduction2nd Information exchange3rd Closing

Interview Do’s and Dont's:

• Do watch your nonverbal communication: smile, use strong eye contact and sit straight.
• Do plan on arriving 10-15 minutes early and practice the commute.
• Do send a follow-up thank-you letter.
• Don’t chew gum, use vulgar language or engage in any other impolite behavior.
• Don’t volunteer information about your private life.
• Never answer with just a yes or no response
• State why the answer is yes, or no. (Give a detailed explanation/provide examples.)
• Ask questions that you have prepared beforehand, based on conducting your research.
• Ask questions about what the interviewer says during the interview
• Use the STAR technique for answering behavioral questions: (Situation, Tasks, Actions and Results.)

Questions Frequently Asked by Employers 

• Can you tell me about yourself?
• How would a friend describe you?
• What is your major weakness?
• Why should we hire you?
• What are your major accomplishments?
• What is your long-term career goal?
• What is most important to you in a job?
• Do you plan on continuing your studies?

Questions to Ask Employers

• What are the main job responsibilities?
• Can you describe the departmental structure?
• How does your company develop its employees?
• What are the company’s main priorities for the next few years?
• What is the budget for this department?
• Who would my supervisor be?
• How long has this position been in existence?