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Prior to the interview:
x
Research the company, its industry and the
position for which you are interviewing.
x
Revisit your resume. This will give you clues about
what the interviewer might base his/her
questions on.
x
Rehearse conversations you will have to
communicate your skills, strengths and interests.
Prepare several specific examples that give
evidence of your skills, strengths, knowledge and
abilities. Appropriate answers include describing
an applicable situation, what specifically you did
and outcomes. Avoid generalities.
x
Prepare questions that you may want to ask.
x
Dress for success. If you don’t know the
company’s dress code, it is acceptable to call and
ask.
x
Arrive early and be prepared to present your
most positive self.
The Interview:
1. As you arrive, visit the restroom and check over
your appearance.
2. Arrive at the reception area 5-10 minutes prior
to the time of the interview.
3. The interview begins from the time you arrive in
the lobby until you exit the premises. Be
respectful and polite to everyone you
encounter.
4. In a respectful, polite way, introduce yourself
and state your purpose to the receptionist.
5. Hang up any outerwear and stow anything that
you brought and don’t intend to take with you
into the interview.
6. Be seated.
7. When the recruiter enters the reception area,
stand and be prepared to shake hands firmly
and confidently. Introduce yourself. Example:
“Good morning/afternoon/evening” – state
your first and last name clearly and succinctly.
8. Follow the recruiter into the room where the
interview will take place. Remain standing until
the recruiter invites you to be seated. If an
invite is not forthcoming, ask “May I be
seated?”
9. Sit erect, shoulders relaxed with both feet on
the floor and focus your attention on the
recruiter.
10. Be your positive self. Be honest and forthright.
It’s okay to pause briefly and think before
responding. If you are not sure how to answer
the question, restate the question to give
yourself additional time to think of an answer. If
questions are not clear, ask for clarification.
Maintain good eye contact. Show interest.
Smile.
11. Ask the interviewer questions that are
appropriate and show that you are interested in
the company and the position. (Visit the Career
Services Department for a list of appropriate
questions.)
12. It is never good to ask questions about benefits,
salary, vacation, or other questions that are
presumptuous. These questions are appropriate
when it is apparent that a job offer is
forthcoming and when this information has not
been offered to you.
13. Just prior to the close of the interview, thank
the recruiter for giving you the opportunity to
interview and learn more about the company
and position. If you are sincerely interested in
the position and think that you are an
exceptional candidate, say so!
14. It is appropriate to ask about the next step in
the process and when you might hear from the
recruiter.
15. Stand, shake hands and thank the recruiter
again. Make sure you have the recruiter’s name
and contact information.