Interviewing

Ace that Interview

Interviews can be nerve-racking. At Career Services, we want to give you the tools to do well and stand out.

The interview is an important part of the application process. It is the critical time to let the interviewer know who you are and what you can bring to the team. It also is a great time to learn about the company. Learning the best interview tactics will enable you to send the intended message and impress the interviewer.

Four P's of Interviewing

Here are some general things to think about when preparing for an interview.

Ponder – Pay close attention to the interviewer’s questions and consider what they’re trying to learn about you. Identify the skills, traits, or abilities they value, and highlight how you embody these qualities in your responses.
Prove – Back up your statements with real-life examples. Share specific stories from your experience demonstrating the qualities you want to showcase.
Practice – Rehearse your answers to common interview questions and schedule a mock interview. Even if the exact questions don’t come up, practicing will help you feel more confident and prepared.
Project – Maintain a positive attitude, even if faced with challenging questions. A confident and optimistic approach reflects your character and shows employers the type of team member you’ll be.

How to Prepare for the Interview

Fully understand the job description or position advertisement.
Research the company mission, history, services/products, as well as the industry as a whole.
Participate in a practice interview during Mock Interview Day held on campus.
Research potential questions and prepare answers.

Bring copies of your resume and references. You might also need to bring work samples or examples from your portfolio.
Bring breath mints, tissues, and an extra tie (for men).

Men - A solid two-piece suit (black, gray, blue, or brown), simple-pattern tie, high-calf socks, and polished shoes.
Women - A solid suit with a knee-length skirt (preferred) or a two-piece pantsuit, professional shoes, modest jewelry, and natural makeup.
Both men and women should have neatly groomed hair and trimmed nails. An extra pair of clothes for extended interviews is highly encouraged.

Key Tips During the Interview

Arrive Early – Allow plenty of time to find parking and walk in.
First Impressions Matter –Greet everyone with a firm handshake, direct eye contact, and a smile. This first impression is critical, so be confident!
Discussion Flow&�Բ��;–&�Բ��;To begin with, you will receive a brief description of the position, the organization, and the layout of how the interview will be conducted.
Answer Questions – Answering questions is the heart of the interview. It will usually last 15 to 20 minutes. Remember this is your opportunity to expand on your qualifications and experiences outlined in your resume. Your answers to each question should be about 1 to 2 minutes long.
Ask Questions – This is a great opportunity that should never be passed up. Express genuine interest in the company by asking three to five relevant questions.
Wrapping Up – At closing, the interviewer will probably review the next steps in the application process. If not, be sure to ask for the details of the next steps.
Finishing Touch – Thank the hiring team for their time. Again, give a firm handshake, eye contact, and smile.

What to do After the Interview

Send a thank-you email or letter within 48 hours. If multiple people were present, thank each one individually.
Keep a record of names/titles/company, date, address, phone number, and other relevant information.
Review what went well and areas for improvement for future opportunities.

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