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Interview Skills
An interview gives the employer an opportunity to get to know you and determine if your skills and experiences match
the organization's needs. Your goal is to show the employer that you can not only do the job, but will be a good addition
to their team. The interview also gives you the opportunity to learn more about the organization and see if it is a good
match for you. Keep in mind that employers base hiring decisions on personality, as well as objective skills. Before you
have the chance to accept a job offer, you have to conduct a successful interview
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1. purpose of the Interview
2. Before the Interview
3. During the Interview
4. Common Questions Asked By the Interviewer
5. Questions YOU Can Ask the Interviewer
6. After the Interview
7. Helpful Hints for Interviewing
8. Additional Resources
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To "sell" yourself to the employer, emphasizing your skills, abilities, strengths, and knowledge in relation to the
position.
To tell an employer what you have to offer them.
To obtain more information about the job you are applying for and the company you are interviewing with and
determine if this is a good fit.
To land the job!
To assess your skills, abilities, strengths, and knowledge in relation to the position.
To discuss your background, education, and experience in more detail.
To determine whether you will be a good fit with both the team and the overall company/organization.
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practice your interviewing skills. Set up a Mock Interview with a Career Counselor. You can also take
advantage of Mock Interview opportunities with professional Recruiters from area companies at certain times
during the year. Check with the Career Services Center for more information.
RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH!! Lack of knowledge about the organization and the position is a prime
reason for not hiring someone.
Analyze your qualifications as they relate to this position. Be prepared to show that you have the skills and
abilities for the job and give examples of how you developed them. Also, know your interests, values, strengths,
and weaknesses relating to this position.
Anticipate what questions you'll be asked during an interview, and prepare responses to those questions and
other common interview questions.
prepare questions for the interviewer based on your knowledge of the position, the company, and the industry.
There are different types of interviews, such as a phone interview, traditional one-on-one interview, behavioral
interview, group interview, panel interview, lunch/dinner interview, etc. Be prepared for all types of
interviews. Visit the links found at Additional Resources for more information on types of interviews.
prepare your interview attire in advance and dress appropriately for the position and the industry. If in doubt,
dress conservatively.
Check the interview date, time, and location. Drive to the business beforehand to confirm directions and time
required if you are unsure. If you're unsure about parking availability, check with the company/organization.
Organize and prepare any necessary materials, such as copies of your resume, your reference sheet, and your
portfolio.
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hat are your long/short-term career goals, and how are you preparing to achieve them?
hy did you choose your major/college?
How do you handle stress? hat do you do for relaxation?
hat kind of activities do you really enjoy, and why?
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At the end of your interview, most likely you will be asked, "Do you have any questions?" Always come prepared to ask
an interviewer a few questions, keeping in mind other questions may arise during the course of the interview. Not
asking questions can be viewed as a lack of interest in the position.
hat is the salary for this position? hat are the benefits?
How much vacation time do I get?
hat will I be doing in this position?
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Can you tell me about your company and what you do?
After leaving the interview, take notes on what was discussed during the interview and assess your interview
performance - what did you do well; what do you need to work on for future interviews; what questions do you
still have for the employer; etc.
Send a typed or hand-written thank you note within one day of the interview - the sooner, the better. Be sure
to spell everything properly in the thank you note and on the envelope! Restate your interest in the position
and highlight important aspects of the interview.
Follow-up by phone if you have not heard from the company in the designated time period.
Even if you aren't offered a position, maintain a positive relationship with the organization. You never know
when a new position may become available!
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Don't apply and interview for a job just because! Know why you're interested in working for this specific
company.
Do not chew gum during the interview or smoke before or during the interview. Smoke tends to linger and
your interviewer might be allergic to it. Also avoid colognes or perfumes.
practice good hygiene - shower, wear deodorant, brush teeth, clean and manicure nails.
If you're wearing a watch, make sure it will not beep during the interview. If necessary, don't wear it.
Remove keys, loose change, etc. from pockets - anything that will make noise or bulge from your pockets.
Bring a cell phone, if you have one, in case you get lost, get caught in traffic, etc., but do not bring it into the
interview with you.
Bring breath freshener (mints, breath strips, gum, etc.) for before, not during, the interview.
Bring money for parking, just in case you need it.
Bring contact information for the person you're interviewing with (name, company name, address, phone
number).
If applicable, bring your portfolio which displays some of your best work, especially if you're in a creative field.
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Visit the Career Services Center Resource Library, located in #1 EUC, and the Jackson Library to find print
resources on the topic of interviewing.>
Here are a just a few of the online resources that provide some helpful interviewing information:
CareerBuilder.com
CareerJounral.com
Job-Interview.net
Jobeb
Monster Interview Center
Quintessential Careers
Resumagic.com
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