Tips for Successful Interviewing
by Reisa Elden and Emma Henry
Interviewing for a potential career can be a nerve-racking process, but your nerves will be settled if you plan ahead and know what recruiters expect. Employers are looking for individuals with excellent communication skills, interpersonal and teamwork skills, strong leadership background, computer and analytical skills, career experience, and academic success. It is important to be able to relay your skills to an employer in a sensible manner. We all have knowledge, experience, education, and exceptional skills, but sometimes during an interview, we may be nervous or stressed and loose track of our thought processes. The key to success can be summed up in one work – preparation.
First of all it is very important to research the company before the interview to be as informed as possible about the prospective employer’s history and business strategies. See what you can find out about the company culture and current events. Many companies interviewing on campus will also offer information sessions before the interview day. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet the interview team and learn even more about the company. All this research will prepare you well to ask questions, and clearly state why you wish to work for the company.
As you prepare, it is of utmost importance to objectively evaluate yourself prior to an interview. Start by listing your skills and abilities and practice describing your experience, education, skills, teamwork and leadership, goals, and accomplishments, either to yourself or even to a friend. Recall several experiences where you felt successful or challenged or produced a project with excellent results. You must be very comfortable with the information on your resume. If the interviewer asks you questions about your resume you want to be able to answer them appropriately and fill in any important details. Along with your resume have a list of your references and contact information in case you are asked to fill out an application.
Many interviewers will use behavioral based interviewing; a type of question that demands a specific type of response. Behavioral based questions will require specific examples to illustrate your skills and competencies. For example, these may be questions asking for examples that illustrate your leadership, conflict resolution skills or problem solving ability. A good interviewing strategy for behavioral based questions is the STAR approach. First, you describe the Situation or challenge you faced, then the Task to be completed, next clearly describe the Actions, behaviors, or skills, and conclude with your personal Results or accomplishment.
It is a good idea to arrive to the interview 10-15 minutes before your scheduled interview time. When you arrive it is certainly expected that you are professionally dressed in a business suit, with a skirt for a woman, or sports coat and tie for a man. Be sure to take care of all personal hygiene issues and go easy on the perfume or after shave. Jewelry is appropriate, as long as it is not too bulky, noisy or over the top. Do not forget to turn your cell phone off and never, ever chew gum.
Once you have completed the interview, be sure to send a thank you letter to the interviewer as soon as possible. You should also thank any Human Resource representatives who helped in the interview process too. Make sure your letter reinforces your interest in the position and company. If you do not receive a response within the specified time, do not hesitate to contact the company and let them know you are still interested in the position.
Interviewing takes practice, so start now signing up for interviews through Career Services. The more you practice the more confident you will become and the likelihood of getting a job offer will increase dramatically!
