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The interview is an opportunity to present yourself and your skills to your best advantage. You have something to sell and it is up to you to convince the interviewer that you have what the company is seeking. There are steps you can take before, during, and after the interview to convey a professional image to the employer.
Being prepared in advance has several advantages for you. If you know what you want to say ahead of time, you can usually articulate better. While most students believe they know themselves, they are unable to answer basic questions regarding their experiences, characteristics, and academic schooling. Conducting an informal assessment by answering the following questions can help in the initial preparation:
Knowing the employer is another important component to a successful interview. You can conduct your research by visiting the employer's website or through use of the Career Center's Resource Library. When viewing materials, consider the following:
More than ever, employers are conducting behavior-based interviews to more accurately aid them in their hiring decisions. A behavior-based interview is based on the premise that "the best way to predict future behavior is to determine past behavior." Behavior-based questions will be structured to determine how you did behave, instead of how you would behave in a particular situation. For example:
To prepare for behavior-based questions, recall past experiences that occurred in the classroom, at work, while involved in organizations, and/or working on group projects. Describe the action you took and positive results. Give short descriptions of each situation, be specific, and be concise.
Perfect InterviewT is a FREE online tool you can use to enhance your interviewing skills. It creates a simulated interview experience where you are asked challenging questions and must respond, just as you would in a real job interview. You can repeat each question as often as you like, and you can even see examples of how someone else might answer. If you get stuck, there's a built-in Interview Coach to offer help.
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It is the interviewer's responsibility to investigate and evaluate your qualifications and suitability for employment with the company. This is your opportunity to shine, to expand on the resume and to mention information about the organization. Select relevant information and give examples of past events to support your response. When doing so, remember to accentuate the positive in all your responses.
You should be aware of the impression you make through nonverbal communication. Body language, eye contact and facial expressions can also assist you in establishing rapport with the interviewer. In answering questions, the manner in which you speak, as well as your words, convey messages to your interviewer. pauses, silences, gestures, facial expressions, and the way you sit or stand may all indicate what you mean, understand, or would like to emphasize. Stay alert for clues that you are on track and have the interviewer's interest. At all times, try to maintain eye contact as an aid in holding interest.
Watch for indications that the interviewer has received enough information and is ready to close the interview. He or she will make this evident-don't try to extend the interview unless you have an extremely important question you desire to ask. If so, make it brief or you run the risk of overselling yourself and losing the good impression you have made.
Send a typed thank you letter promptly to your interviewer, expressing enthusiasm, interest, and appreciation. The interview should still be fresh in your mind so that you can refer to a particular point discussed. The thank you letter is an opportunity to add any important information in support of your application and interview that you may have neglected to mention or emphasize. Through your letter, indicate your interest in the position.
An invitation for a secondary interview indicates that the company is interested in you. Your interview will probably be with the supervisor and others in the department. As with your first interview, continue to communicate your qualifications and skills and what you can do for the company.
The secondary interview can be time consuming, so be prepared for a long day. A typical agenda may include a tour of the facilities, interviews with department heads, and perhaps lunch. It is rare to receive a verbal offer by the end of the day. Most employers write or telephone approximately two weeks later. If you do receive a verbal offer, express your interest and suggest a date when you will make your decision. In any event, ask for written confirmation. A letter of appreciation should be written immediately.
