Do you have an interview coming up? Your resume helped you get past the initial screening – now it is time to sell yourself! Learn tips about what types of questions, and what employers are looking for during professional interviews. Want to perform a mock interview with a career advisor? Schedule an appointment on Handshake today!
If you need quick or immediate assistance, review our Department Interview Guide here!
Before, during and after the interview
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Before the Interview
- Be prepared to talk about yourself. Identify your skills, interests, goals, and values.
Assess your strengths and be able to back them up with examples. - Research the organization; you should know size, locations, services, and products.
- Prepare a few good questions for the interviewer (write down questions you want to
ask beforehand). - Review your resume and a list of your positive qualities just before the interview. Bring
extra copies of your resume (prepare for potential group interview).
- Be prepared to talk about yourself. Identify your skills, interests, goals, and values.
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During the Interview
- Arriving a few minutes early will give you a chance to gain composure during the interview.
- Remember that enthusiasm is a very desirable trait to convey – both verbally and non-verbally.
- Take time to listen to the interviewer’s questions, in order to give an appropriate response.
- When asked to give an example, make sure to diversify your answers with varying experiences/successes from your resume.
- Keep everything positive, even if you’ve had a bad experience. Don’t bash previous experiences.
- It’s okay to take notes during the interview, but don’t let it be distracting. Jot down keywords rather than sentences.
- Maintain good eye contact with the interviewer; try to be relaxed and confident.
- As the interview ends, reiterate your interest in the position; ask what the next step would be, and when you can expect to hear. Make sure to get the interviewer’s business card.
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After the Interview
- Write a thank you note to the interviewer and e-mail or send a typed note by mail. If you have interviewed with several people, make sure to send personalized thank you letters to each individual (and make sure the letters are different).
- Use your interview notes to guide the content of your thank you letter.
- Be sure to provide any requested information (transcripts, references) as soon as possible.
- If you have not been notified in the provided timeframe follow up with the interviewer by phone or email.
Dress for Success
10 Tips For Your Next Interview
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Do Your Research
- Prior to going to the interview, it is best to know as much as you can about the company you are interviewing with. Research the mission, culture, future trends, clients and current company news. Stay informed of current news in the industry. Familiarize yourself with the job qualifications.
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Mock Interview
- Schedule a mock interview in advance with your career coach to practice discussing your strengths, weaknesses, goals, accomplishments, relevant experiences and questions as well as verbal and nonverbal language. This is strongly encouraged.
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Be on Time
- Consider traveling to the company the day before your interview if you are unfamiliar with the location. Plan on arriving 15 minutes prior to the interview. Be mindful of traffic patterns. If you know you’re going to be late, contact the employer/recruiter prior to your interview time.
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Dress Professionally
- Wear a business suit and be sure you are neat, clean and professional in appearance. Be conservative with make-up, jewelry, and cologne. Wear something that makes you feel confident.
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Connect with Employers
- Listen carefully to the questions being asked. Sell and match your skills and strengths with the needs of the employers.
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Organize Your Thoughts
- Practice ahead of time, your answers should be like a pitch – concise and complete.
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Be Specific
- Tell the interviewer how you can contribute to the company and give examples.
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Ask Questions
- Ask insightful questions to show your genuine interest in the position/company. You can use this as a way to show you’ve done your research. Avoid asking about salary and benefits in the first interview. Not asking questions shows a lack of interest in the company and position (you should prepare these in advance – 5-7 questions recommended). Don’t ask an obvious question or a question that has already been answered.
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Send A Thank You Note
- Make sure to send either a hand-written or e-mailed thank you note to all individuals you interviewed with, the day of your interview. Make sure to include details from your conversation. It is helpful to get business cards before you leave for correct name spellings and position titles.
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Evaluate Your Experience
- Think about what happened during the interview and ask yourself: Is this a place you think you would enjoy working? Are the job responsibilities a good match with your strengths? Is there opportunity to learn and grow?