Successful Interviewing

For most fields, without an interview you will not get a job. Therefore, effective interviewing skills are a must! Others will be competing with you to obtain the same position. It is critical not only to convince an employer that you can do the job, but that you can do the job better than the other candidates that are also competing for the same position. Steps you can take: BEFORE, DURING & AFTER an interview that will help place you ahead of the competition and ease your tension about interviewing.

Before the Interview

The time that you spend preparing prior to the interview will be time well spend in your job search process. The following are some tips on what you can do to prepare yourself for an interview.

Understand What Employers Look For

• Interview Preparation/Knowledge of Employer: Are you knowledgeable about the employer and the industry?
• Self-Confidence/Verbal Communication Skills: Do you have the ability to listen effectively, verbalize your thoughts clearly and express yourself confidently?
• Goals/Motivation: Do you demonstrate an interest in the employer and a desire to work hard and succeed? Do you have the ability to identify and work toward specific goals?
• Qualifications: Can you relate your academic program, skills and/or prior work or internship experience to the needs of an employer?
• General Personality: Do you exhibit these traits: Poise? Enthusiasm? Ambition?
• Work Ethic: Are you someone who is willing to accept responsibility and keep commitments?

Research the Employer

It is important that you research an employer so that you can relate your abilities to the needs of the employer. Also, by having "done your homework," it will show an employer that you are interested in the organization and the position.

Be Prepared to Answer and Ask Questions

Employers will ask questions to generate an idea of the type of employee that you would be and the type of personality that you have. Employers will also give you an opportunity to ask questions that you might have about the organization or the position itself.

Have Your Document Handy

You may wish to carry a briefcase or a professional looking notebook with your questions written in advance. It is a good idea to include additional copies of your resume, letters of reference and a quality pen.

Arrive At Least 10-15 Minutes Early

It is critical that you arrive on time to an interview. Arriving late to an interview not only wastes the interviewer's time, but also sends the message that you are not serious about your job search or about keeping commitments.

During the Interview

During the interview it is your job to convince the interview that you are the most qualified applicant for the position. Remember, you only have one chance to make a good first impression! The following are some tips on what you should do and not do during an interview.

Do

• Give the interviewer a firm handshake
• Be enthusiastic, confident, courteous & honest
• Be aware of your non-verbal behavior
• Convey interest and knowledge in the position and company
• Stress willingness, ability, and compatibility
• Avoid the use of non-sentences such as "umm," "uh," "ya know," "well," and "yeah"
• Always present the best of your background or qualifications
• Listen to the questions carefully and give clear, concise and thoughtful answers
• At the close of the interview, establish a date for your next communication
• Always remember to thank the interviewer for his/her time

Don't

• Don't address the interviewer by his/her first name unless invited to do so
• Don't let the employer's casual approach fool you--maintain a professional image
• Don't dominate the interview or appear arrogant
• Don't criticize yourself or discuss your personal problems
• Don't speak or act in a nervous manner
• Don't ask questions that the interviewer has already answered
• Don't interrupt when the interviewer is talking
• Don't bring up negative information about past jobs, co-workers or former employers
• Don't smoke or chew gum

After the Interview

It is a good policy to send the interviewer a thank-you letter as soon as possible after the interview. Be sure to reiterate your interest in the position and the organization. If you get no response from a thank-you letter, or if a date has passed when an employer was to contact you, don't hesitate to phone the organization. Above all, let them know of your continuing interest in them!