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.