Interview Tips

After you have secured an interview with a potential employer, you should immediately begin focusing on interview preparation. Interviewers will have many expectations of you as a candidate for a job they are offering; you must know general information about the position and employer, and you must be able to successfully articulate your qualifications and interest. Listed below are a few general tips pertaining to job interviews:

Before the interview occurs, research and write down common questions asked by employers. Outline what your answers might be in a real interview situation, and review them before entering your interview; this process will ensure that your thoughts (and your replies to the employer’s questions) are not disordered but concise and relevant.
Dress for success! One of the best ways to make a good impression is to present a professional appearance.
Use the STAR Technique to formulate answers to many interview questions, particularly behavior-based questions. (Behavioral interviewing is based on the premise that a person’s past performance is the best predictor of their future performance.) The STAR Technique is as follows:
S – Situation. What occurred?
T – Task. What was your role?
A – Action. How did you handle it?
R – Result. What was the outcome?
Send a thank-you letter within the 24 hours following the interview. The letter should thank the interviewer for their time and consideration. You may also reiterate your interest in the company/position.

Mock interviews are designed to replicate the type of interview you may expect from a particular recruiter. Contact Career Services to schedule a mock interview.