InterviewingAfter submitting your cover letter and résumé to an organization, the next step will likely be an interview. The key to having a successful interview is preparation. Practice answering questions, be able to articulate your skills with examples and stories, learn everything you can about the organization and the position. Check their web site and review the mission statement and history. Read current press releases and information about upcoming events. If you know people who work in the organization, give them a call and find out about the work environment and values.
Sample interview questionsBefore going into an interview, think about which skills, qualifications, and examples you want to emphasize. Because employers know that the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior, many questions will focus on asking you to describe specific events. “Tell me about a time when...” or “describe a situation...” Your response needs to be specific and detailed.It is not enough to simply read through sample questions. Be sure to rehearse your answers aloud. Practice with a friend or sign up for a practice interview with Career Services.
Questions for you to ask during an interviewDuring an interview the recruiter is not the only one who should be asking questions. Most recruiters will offer you the opportunity to ask them some questions, too. Use this time to demonstrate your knowledge about the organization and show the recruiter you’ve done your homework. Sample questions are listed below.
What to wear to an interviewThe final step in preparing for an interview is deciding what to wear. Whether or not you want it to be true, your personal appearance will make an impression on the recruiter. It’s important to give a positive initial impression. Even though many organizations have a relaxed dress policy for employees, interviews still follow the traditional conservative standard.General tips:
Thank you lettersEmployers often say receiving a well-written and appropriate thank you letter can make or break the hiring decision. Consider these comments from Cover Letter Magic:Well written thank you letters can be a powerful marketing communication tool. They have evolved into *second-tier* marketing communications – giving you the opportunity to reiterate what you bring to the organization, offer new information that was not addressed in the interview, and keep you and your qualifications in the forefront of the hiring manager’s mind. People remember other people who go the *extra mile* and put forth the extra effort. When you send a thank you note after an interview, you are communicating:
Salary informationUS Department of LaborThe Occupational Outlook Handbook allows you to search by profession and view a wealth of information including average salaries Monster.com Salary Wizard Compare salaries across the nation Career Journal.com from the Wall Street Journal Salary and hiring trends JobWeb.com: Job Outlooks and Salary Infos Several articles including choosing job offers, average beginning salary ranges for selected disciplines, and evaluating benefits. Practice interviewsCompleting a practice interview can assist you in your preparation because it forces you to verbalize answers to sample questions. Practice interviews can take a couple of forms:With Anita Yoder, director of Career Services If you want, we can even videotape the session so you can see yourself as the interviewer does. Call ext. 7547 to schedule an appointment. With an experienced professional Register for an interview during Super Tuesday, held once per semester. Professionals from on- and off-campus provide one-on-one practice interviews and offer valuable feedback. With a friend Ask a friend to take the role of the interviewer. (Choose a friend who can remain serious throughout the process!) By yourself in front of a mirror Practicing in front of a mirror can help you improve your posture and facial expressions. Be sure to rehearse your answers aloud. Additional interviewing resourcesMonster.com Interview Center Podcasts, virtual interviews, hundreds of interview questions, and much more! JobWeb.com Review several articles with interviewing advice ranging from employers' favorite questions to handling inappropriate questions. Interviewing information from CollegeGrad.com Includes sample questions and articles on preparation, how to dress, and what you to do after the interview When Job Hunting: Dress For Success Tips from Quint Careers for men and women on making a great first impression Ball State University - dining etiquette Concise primer from the Ball State University Career Center on interviewing over dinner, basic table manners, and dining etiquette The Good Library has resources providing advice for interview preparation. In the library catalog type employment interviewing in Browse and choose “subject.” |
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