Successful Interviewing
Tips for Staying Cool in the Hot Seat
1. PREPARATION
Preparing for an interview involves more than just
deciding what you are going to wear. It involves
research and practice.
• Research the organization. First get the
basics, including the company's size, location(s),
product/service(s), and the types of positions
available to recent grads. Next, look for details on
the position you are seeking: job description,
training, advancement, relocation, etc. The Center
for Calling & Career is a good place to start.
• Practice interviewing. Practice answering
questions the interviewer might ask.
Click here
to see example employer questions. By practicing
your answers, you will sound more confident and
enthusiastic. It will also help eliminate those
awkward, "and, um, well, um" that appear when you
are nervous. (Stop by the Center for Calling &
Career for further help regarding the interview
process).
• Have questions ready to ask the interviewer.
You make the best impression if you ask questions
about what you are sincerely interested in
concerning the company and the position. This shows
your enthusiasm and genuine interest in the job. Ask
specific questions. Be sure that the interviewer has
not already answered them.
Click here to see a
list of possible candidate questions.
2. WHAT TO WEAR
Ah, the age-old dilemma of what to wear! The main
thing to remember is to be too conservative rather than
too casual. Several things to remember:
• Always wear a suit, preferably a dark color.
Avoid black, it
 looks like you're going to a
funeral. Women should wear a skirt, rather than a
pants suit. Women should also go light on the
jewelry with only one pair of small earrings and one
ring per hand. Also, flesh-colored hose are the
rule.
• Men should wear a light colored shirt, preferably
white or off-white. Go easy with the ties...nothing
to wild.
• Men and women should wear a small amount of
cologne / perfume if at all. Our sense of smell is
one of the strongest senses – so be wise to make a
good first impression.
3. ANSWERING QUESTIONS
Interviewers are very adept at spotting "canned" or
insincere answers. These types of answers do not reveal
much about you and can leave the interviewer cold. Try
these hints when answering.
• Remember, there are no right answers.
HOW you answer may be more important than the answer
itself. Again, this is where taking the time to
practice in advance can increase your confidence
while interviewing. See
MARKETING YOURSELF >
INFORMATION INTERVIEWING.
• Be honest. For example, do not lie or
stretch the truth about your résumé, the employer
will eventually discover the truth and chances are
other employers will be warned as well. It is a
small world!
• Provide concrete examples. If you answer
questions with a vague response, the employer will
have a vague impression of you. The more specific
you are, especially in answering questions related
to achievements and tasks, the better chances you
have for being hired. Here is an acronym that may
help you:
o S.T.A.R.
o Situation: Describe pertinent
situation in response to question(s).
o Tasks : Explain tasks you were involved
in
o Action : Outline the actions you took
o Results : Share the results you
achieved.
4. CONCLUDING THE INTERVIEW
• Before you leave, make sure you know what is
going to happen next. When should you expect to hear
something? What is the next step? *Be sure to thank
the interviewer!
• Always write a thank-you note! It should be sent
within 24 hours of the interview. Send separate
thank you cards if you met with more than one
person. To help the employer remember which
candidate you are, include one or two specific items
that caught your interest during the interview.
For more information, stop by or call the Center
for Calling & Career , 614-8630. |
