The employment interview is often the determining factor in obtaining a job offer. Career Services can assist in your interview preparation by conducting videotaped mock interviews, advising on proper interview attire (see photo samples below) and providing resources to research companies.
Prepare
- Know what the position and the organization are about. Know what types of positions and programs the organization offers so that you can match them with your interests and abilities. Research the company so that you will know about its history, products and services.
- Know your qualifications for the job. Understand your skills, abilities and interests and how they fit into the job and organization. Be able to tie relevant skills and abilities specifically to that position. Prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate evidence that you have the required skills and abilities.
Practice
Practice these and other questions with a roommate or a family member or stop by Career Services and schedule a mock interview with a career counselor.
- Tell me about yourself.
- What is your previous work experience and what have you learned from it?
- What are your career goals?
- Why are your interested in our company/organization/position?
- What are your major strengths/weaknesses?
- What qualifies you for this position?
- Tell me about a time when you had to go the extra mile.
- Describe a situation where a misunderstanding occurred; how did you handle it?
- Tell me about a time when you made a mistake; what did you learn from it?
- Take me through a situation where you had to get more information to solve a problem.
- Someone in this position cannot be an expert in everything, but what should he or she be an expert in?
- How do you determine success?
- Why should I hire you?
- Do you think your grades are a good indicator of your academic abilities? Why or why not?
- What would your employers/professors say about you?
- Why did you choose this career field?
- You have an employee who makes too many personal phone calls on company time. How do you handle the situation?
- What salary do you expect?
- What kinds of people do you find difficult to work with?
Questions you could ask the interviewer
Be ready with some questions to ask the interviewer. Here are some suggestions:
- What are your expectations of the ideal candidate?
- How would you describe the duties of the job?
- How will my performance be supervised and evaluated?
- Is there a formal training period and if so how long does it last?
- What is your company's policy on promoting from within?
- When can I expect to hear from you?
- Are there any additional qualifications you are looking for that we did not cover?
- Is there anything else I can tell you about my qualifications?
Proper Interview Attire
MEN
- White or pale-colored shirt; no prints or stripes
- Simple tie, nothing loud or distracting (Need help with the knot?)
- Conservative suit, preferably navy or charcoal
- Dress shoes (no tennis shoes, sandals, etc.)
- Small amount of cologne, if any
- Neatly trimmed mustache/beard
- Hair should be a conservative length
- Minimal jewelry (wedding band and/or college ring are okay);
no earrings or other body piercing is acceptable.
Remove any body piercing accessories before the interview.
WOMEN
- Conservative-colored suit jacket with matching knee-length skirt is preferable;
pantsuits are also acceptable - Long-sleeved blouse is preferable, nothing sleeveless
- Shoes should be closed-toe pumps; avoid very high heels
- Hosiery should be neutral or skin tones
- Perfume should be applied sparingly if at all
- When applying makeup, less is better in interview situations
- Place only essential items in a small purse to avoid the awkwardness of a large,
bulky purse - Jewelry worn should also be minimal. Choose small earrings and few rings. Avoid clunky and noisy jewelry. Jewelry should complement rather than distract from your appearance.
- If in doubt, dress how you imagine the interviewer would dress, only nicer.
- If you dress like a professional, you will feel professional.
Interview Do's and Don'ts
- Do arrive 10-15 minutes early to show eagerness and have a chance to get a feel for the environment.
- Do visit the company's website before the interview. Familiarize yourself with the various departments included. Show a general interest in what they do.
- Don't chew gum.
- Do bring extra copies of your resume.
- Do bring relevant work samples or a portfolio, if appropriate to the type of work being pursued.
- Don't smoke prior to your interview.
- Do leave your cell phone in the car.
- Do greet the interviewer with a smile and a handshake.
- Do answer a question thoroughly, but don't drone on or monopolize the conversation.
- Don't give just two-word answers. The interviewer is trying to get to know you; talk with him or her.
- Don't interrupt the interviewer.
- Don't be afraid to pause and think about an answer before you begin speaking.
- Don't look at your watch during the interview. This tends to hurry things along. Let the interviewer set the pace.
- Do maintain good eye contact.
- Do ask questions about the job and organization to show your interest.
- Do show knowledge about the company, position and career field.
- Don't talk negatively about former employers, co-workers or professors.
- Do ask for a business card from each interviewer.
- Do write a thank-you note within 48 hours of the interview.
- Do make notes immediately after the interview of key points that were stressed.
Take a look at this Interviewing Tips podcast produced by Villa Julie College. See if you can identify the "Red Flags."
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