Interviewing

The interview will either make or break you. It is the place where you can overcome a weak background and convince the employer to offer you the job or be the most qualified candidate on paper and unintentionally convince the employer not to offer you the position.

The interview is a propitious time in the job search process, and it is the one stage most likely to result in a job offer. This is the time to be prepared, open up your treasure box, and display everything you have related to the job.

If you have little experience interviewing for jobs, you should immediately attend one of the basic interviewing workshops offered through Counseling and Career Services. This workshop will help you understand the interviewing process and help you develop basic interviewing skills. If you are unsure if this is the right workshop for you, please make an appointment with David Parker, Director of Career Development.

Rather than cover all of the basics of interviewing and all of the different types of interviews you may encounter, we will highlight some key interviewing reminders. Do not forget to attend the Advanced Interviewing Workshop offered through the Bren School Career Development Program for more detailed information.

When preparing for an interview remember to...

• Check out the interview site prior to the interview. Determine how long it will take you to get to the interview and where you will park.
• Make sure you set out your interview attire at least two days prior to the interview. This will give you time to look at your clothing and have it pressed, cleaned, or replaced if necessary.
• Wear professional attire that will show you fit into the organization and you are capable of being a professional in the field. If in doubt, wear something a little conservative. Employers expect you to be at your best during the interview. Make sure you meet this expectation.
• Arrive 15 minutes before the interview. Much earlier and you look desperate, much later and you may risk being late. Leave time to do a final "everything in place" check right before the interview (restroom mirror).
• Research the company. The more you can address the company's needs during the interview, the more you will stand out. All your interview answers should show how you are qualified to address the needs and problems of the organization, department, or unit.
• Prepare for the interview questions. Review the questions listed on the Counseling and Career Services website and pick up the handouts on behavioral interviewing offered through the Bren School Career Development Program. Attend workshops and practice for the interview.
• Focus on how you can contribute to the company. Don't just talk about your accomplishments, your training, and your skills. Instead of focusing the conversation on yourself, go one step further and show the employer how your training and accomplishments can solve their company's problems.
• Show that you fit into the organizational culture. Try to relax and show that you will be an enjoyable person to work with. Show some personality. It is also good to show you have a "professional" sense of humor. It is ok to laugh during the interview. If you do not feel comfortable around the people you are interviewing with, you must consider if this is the right company for you.
• Ask the employer questions that will help you decide if the company is right for you. Examples: How would you describe the work environment? What do you like and dislike about working here? Ask questions that show your commitment to the field and your preparation for the interview. For example, "After reading through your annual report, I was wondering..."
• Observe the surroundings and culture of the company. How were you treated during the interview? What type of work environment exists? Is it an environment you could see yourself working in? Just as important as having the employer determine if you are right for the company, you need to determine if the company is right for you.
• Close the interview. Briefly summarize why you believe you are a good candidate for the position and then tell the employer that you hope you are invited back for another interview.
• Always send a thank you note.

These are just a few things to remember before and during the interview. Good interviewing skills take time to develop and demand attention to detail. To become an effective interviewee, you must attend the Advance Interviewing Skills Workshop and practice, practice, practice.

Here is what you will learn during the Advanced Interviewing Skills Workshop:

• Why you need to know about behavioral interviewing.
• How to prepare for and answer behavioral interviewing questions.
• What interviewers are looking for when they ask certain questions.
• How to stand out over other applicants during the interview.
• Why you should be assertive in opening and closing the interview and how you can successfully accomplish this.
• How to prepare for salary questions.
• Why it is important to break away from the old style of interviewing and take a more proactive approach to the interviewing process.

Through the Career Development Program you can receive handouts on effective interviewing, talk with David Parker, Director of Career Development, about interviewing skills, participate in a practice interview session, and access "interview skills" video tapes.