Career News
Preparing for Interviews
You should prepare for an interview just like you would an
exam. Follow the steps below to help you gain the confidence you
need to do your best!
- Research
- Research the Employers
- Do your research; check the links to the employer
Web sites
- Learn about the employers and try to establish that
there is a good match between you and the position you are
seeking
- Have relevant questions reflecting your research and
knowledge
- Prepare
- Prepare Yourself for the Interview
- Consider consulting with a
Career Center Advisor or staff member regarding a mock
interview. It is the best way to formally walk through a
dress rehearsal and practice in advance of your scheduled
interview.
- Be able to highlight your
experience, skills, and qualifications with employers; use
a positive approach in preparing to “make your
case” for the type of job or internship you are
seeking
- Prepare a
“30-second” summary of your background,
achievements, and career interests
- Bring extra copies of your resume printed on
quality resume paper
- Maximize Your Effectiveness
- Dress the part , first
impressions do count; act like you want to get the job
- Plan to arrive at least 15-20 minutes early to the
interview
- Gear up to approach the employers with confidence
and reasonable assertiveness
- Smile and greet interviewer(s) with a firm
handshake and remember your good manners
- Follow-up Steps
- Ask the employer what the next steps will be and
what you can do in following up this contact
- Ask for business cards from the interviewer(s),
shake hands, and sincerely thank them for their time
- Write key thoughts on the back of their business
cards (when you are alone) for use in writing follow-up
letters
- Do send thank-you letters (or e-mails) within one
day to those interviewer(s) with whom you interviewed
- In each letter/message, remind them that you
recently interviewed with them and reiterate your interest
in the position
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