Career Services - Interviews
Interviews
Prep Time
Once you have secured an interview, it is important to prepare! There are multiple items that should be ready BEFORE the day of your interview to show your professionalism, readiness, organization, and personality.
Cover Letter & Resume
Though you most likely have one and submitted these documents when applying for this job, if you do not have a cover letter and resume, now is the time to get to work! If you have a cover letter and resume, then now is the time to make sure all information listed has been updated and accurate. This also gives the opportunity to personalize the greeting and company information to the company/business you will have the interview with. Make sure to have multiple copies printed to take with you, so that you will be able to present copies to each interviewer, and this shows you came prepared!
For more detailed information on creating a cover letter and/or resume visit the Resume & Cover Letter page by clicking the link below.
Research the Company
Make sure to know what the company/business does! Knowing specific detail shows that you either already knew about the company/business, or that you cared enough to do research.
If known for a particular item or service, know what is it and a general idea of how this works, and bring this up during the interview by either explaining why this is impressive or by asking questions to learn more.
Though not always necessary, it is useful to know who run the company.
Is there a CEO? President? Vice Present? Each business may or may not have these positions, depending on size, but knowing who’s who can only be beneficial.
Knowing about a company/business is great but being able to explain WHY you are interested in their company is vital.
Why this company? What drew you to apply? Have a few reasons, with explanations, that you can share with your interviewer.
Practice Makes Perfect
Prepare answers to frequently asked questions and then practice, practice, practice!
Studying questions that are typically asked during an interview gives you an opportunity to figure out what to say.
Writing out an answer to each allows you to stay focused on the question, making sure you answer fully and leave nothing out.
This is not to say you should read your responses word for word, or even bring this with you on the interview, but practice your response until you no longer need your notes.
Everyone is nervous during an interview, so practicing what to say aids prevent fumbling with any response you give.
Mock Interviews are a useful resource provided by Career Services, allowing the opportunity to practice interviewing.
- Feedback is provided to participants to excel in an interview.
- Available year round, by appointment only.
Interview Time
Make sure you give yourself extra time to get ready and arrive the day of your interview. Rushing only increases stress. Follow these key points to help knock it out of the park.
✓ Dress for Success AND Comfort
Business casual or business professional attire are recommended for any Career Fair. Both in person and virtual.
What to Wear
- Nice pants or slacks
- Skirts and dresses that are knee length when standing and thighs covered when seated.
- Blazers and cardigans
- Closed-toe shoes
- Flats, boots, dress shoes, etc.
- Subtle make-up and jewelry
What NOT to Wear
- Shorts.
- Sleeveless tops.
- Jeans.
- Stained, torn, or wrinkled items.
- Heavy makeup.
- Flashy or too much jewelry.
- Sandals or open toe shoes.
Tips:
- Always best to choose an outfit a few days prior to the event. This allows time for items to be cleaned, ironed, and polished; or new items to be purchased if needed.
- Dress professionally but be comfortable!
- Will your shoes hurt after several hours of standing or walking?
- If you feel confident, you will be confident.
- Does your outfit look nice but not make you feel confident? If not, consider a change. When you are uncomfortable in a clothing item, a person tends to fidget or adjust frequently, which is not the image you wish to portray.
Arrive Early
Traffic, parking, finding the correct office, and weather are all factors that should be taken into consideration when deciding on a time to leave for your interview. Factor these in and remember it is always best practice to arrive too early than right on time or late. Five to ten minutes early is best practice.
Yes, it is possible that if you are late, you will still be interviewed, but this sets you in an unfavorable light and starts your potential work relationship off on the wrong foot.
Some might be leaving from work or school on the way to an interview, so make sure you have a safe place to store clothes to change into and give yourself even time to freshen up.
Parking can be an issue for downtown locations, so if you are unfamiliar with the location, checking for parking prior can help find a spot quickly and without the need to circle the block searching for an elusive parking spot.
Check In While Being Professional and Courteous
Check in with the receptionist to make sure the appropriate person will be informed or your arrival. Smile and be friendly to everyone you meet. Though this is how you should always act in a work environment, keep in mind that the people you speak to here may be asked about how you presented yourself when they make a final decision.
Your smile makes you more inviting and welcoming to others.
When checking in make sure you give your name, who you are set to meet, and what time your appointment is set.
“Hi, my name is John Smith. I have a 1:30 appointment with Jody Foster in human resources. Could you please let her know I am here?”
Weather permitting, you may have a coat or umbrella. Politely ask if there is a place to set your items while you are here. Some places will have a public area for this but not all will. Remember, it is best not to bring anything extra into your interview when possible.
Avoid checking messages or playing a game on your phone, even if you are waiting longer than expected, as you want to stay professional and be ready for when you are called back. If there are others waiting, strike up a conversation, or if given the chance talk to employees in the area; just keep in mind to be respectful of those working so never interrupt, talk too loud, or talk about unprofessional topics.
Offer A Professional Greeting
As you are greeted in the lobby/waiting area, the manager or employer conducting the interview is likely to be the person to bring you back. Be ready to greet them and start your interview off on the right foot.
Remember, first impressions matter and there is no reset button like you may have with a game. Smile, offer your hand for a handshake, and introduce yourself in a firm but welcoming tone.
“Mr. Nightcourt, thank you so much for taking the time to interview me for the cyber security position.”
Unless specifically asked, address the manager and other employees as Mr. or Mrs.
The Handshake
When presented with the opportunity, initiate a fully engaged handshake, palm to palm. Grip firmly, but not enough to crush, looking the other person in the eye and smiling. Shake two to three times and release.
If brought back into the interview by the employee set to interview you, the handshake may be initiated upon meeting in the lobby area, while others may wait until you have been brought back to do so.
Some will finish the interview with a handshake, so be ready! At this point you may be escorted back to the lobby area.
Body Language Matters
Do you ever sit perfectly straight with both feet on the floor or crossing your ankles, a smile on your face, , make eye contact, and your hands perfectly in your lap? Most cannot honestly say they always maintain regularly but each is important.
Sitting up straight and maintaining good posture throughout the interview shows confidence.
Keeping both feet on the ground or crossing your ankles appears professional and confident. Also avoids shifting or bouncing your leg which come across as anxious and distracting.
Maintaining eye contact throughout the interview show you are listening and interest in what is said.
Smile confidently throughout an interview present a capable presence.
Yes, it is possible to smile timidly or show your nerves which is not what you should display.
Keep It Positive
With each question, the manager or employee is trying to get a sense of who you are, how you work, and if you would be a good fit for their needs. This can lead to questions that may not be all have warm and fuzzy answers, but it is all how you present the information. Keep it honest but keep it positive.
A prime example of this would be when asked, “What is your biggest weakness?” Saying you can be lazy or unmotivated is NOT going to land you the job. Try going with something minor and explain why it was a problem but how you have worked to correct this.
“Previously I was avoided speaking up to voice my opinion on projects with ideas that could have been helpful. Though it was difficult at first to speak up, knowing there could be negative feedback, I have learned to express ideas that have kept our team from having to go back to fix a problem later. It is not always easy to hear something I mention is not useful, but it does help to know why someone thinks this and allow for additional ideas to come together to find a solution.”
“Why did you leave your previous job?” or “Why are you leaving your current job?” can be tricky but it is important to NEVER speak poorly about a former employer or their employees. Yes, this can be hard, it will reflect you in a negative light if you do so.
Sometimes the need to leave a job is as simple as, I was not getting enough hours, or this job opportunity would allow me to start my career. Do not go into too personal of detail but again be honest!
Be A Storyteller
Giving examples to back up information provided, in more detail than your resume provides, is always helpful. While you should be mindful that this is an interview, it can be a good time to “toot your horn” as they say.
Each question asked provides an opportunity to share a previous experience, which is a good way to show a potential employer that you are a capable candidate.
Oversharing is a big no, no. Though there may be a time where a patient or customer did something so shockingly disgusting that no one knew what to do, this is not where you want to take the conversation. Knowing what to share and when is key.
Your Turn for Questions
Having a set of questions written down to ask, typically at the end of an interview, shows initiative and will also provide you with more information.
Ask your questions one at a time, allowing each interviewer to answer.
Only ask questions about something you are concerned about or want to learn.
Your time to find out more information about the company has arrived, so if you do not care about training then replace this question with you that you do care about.
Do NOT ask about wages, benefits, or vacations. These topics should be covered when a job offer is made.
Examples:
- Describe your ideal candidate for this job.
- What are the expectations of a new employee?
- What are the biggest challenges I’ll face in this position?
- What type of training will I undergo and how long on the job before I will become productive?
- How would you describe your organization’s personality and management style?
- When should I expect a call or when should I call about the status of this job opening?
- How would you describe the overall work atmosphere?
- What is something you have learned at this company that would be beneficial to know?
Send A Thank-You Note
Sending a handwritten thank-you note is a last chance to make a good impression. Write this and send it out within 24 hours of your interview.
By sending a note, you make yourself stand out from the crowd. This could be what sets you apart and lands you the job!
This shows that you care, and even if you do not get this job, it helps set you up to stay in touch with the manager who can keep you in mind for future job openings.
Include:
- Your contact information.
- Name
- Address
- Phone number(s)
- Date Sent
- Manager/Interviewer’s contact information
- Manager/Interviewer’s name
- Company Name
- Company Address
- Thank you for the interview
- Short final sales pitch
- Salutation
Handouts: