Print

Interviews are two-way dialogues in which employers and prospective employees learn about each other. Every personal interaction should be considered an interview opportunity and a chance to make a good impression.

Employer Goals: To obtain information for hiring decisions; to compare applicants for a vacant position; and to present a positive image of the organization.

Applicant Goals: To promote your professional potential; to present your skills, values and interests; and to get the job offer.

Pre-Interview Preparation

• Spend time reflecting on your skills, interests, values, personal traits and previous experiences
• Identify your short-term and long-term goals
• Research the organization’s products, services, competitors, and the position itself
• Prepare responses and practice answering sample interview questions
• Identify five or more accomplishments and craft stories
• Prepare a list of questions you may want to ask the employer
• Know where you are going - location, parking, time of interview, etc.

Day of Interview

• Dress professionally: clothing pressed, shoes shined, well-groomed
• Bring additional copies of your résumé and relevant samples of your work
• Arrive 10 minutes early and be cordial to the receptionist
• Ask for the professional’s business card for future reference

Following the Interview

• Send a thank you; may be hand-written or emailed
• Reflect on your performance
• Write down difficult questions for further reference

Interview Tips

• Greet interviewer formally (Mr., Mrs., Ms.) and with a firm handshake
• You only get one chance to make a first impression
• Illustrate answers by describing past experiences
• Keep your answers brief and focused on the question
• Include concrete, quantifiable data when possible
• Repeat your key strengths
• Consider employer perspectives and priorities
• Image (body language, eye contact) and presentation (communication, enthusiasm, interest) are often as important as content
• Maintain a conversational flow and ask relevant questions
• Never use an interview for practice - always prepare and learn from your experiences

Second Interviews

• Prepare by digging deeper into employer literature and current articles about the industry or organization
• If possible, speak to current employees, customers or competitors to develop a well-rounded perspective.
• Usually conducted at the employer’s work site
• Expect to speak with multiple interviewers
• Costs are typically reimbursed by the employer

Accepting the Offer

• Before accepting an offer of employment, make sure you understand all the details. Be clear on the following points:
• The job responsibilities and salary meet with your satisfaction
• The starting date and location of assignment are clearly understood
• Ideally you have met with your supervisor and feel excited about the relationship with her or him
• You will have the opportunity to develop new skills and increase responsibilities