Career Resource Center - Interview Skills

Every interview is different but following the same overall principles will help you confidently express your qualifications, strengths and interest for the position as you make your way through the ineterview process. Below are some key areas to focus on for any interview as well as some helpful resources.

Preparation - It is extremly important to be prepared for your interview whether it be knowing your own resume inside and out or doing research on the company and position you are applying for. Employers want to know that you are serious about the position you are interviewing for and not just going through the motions of another job interview. Research can be as simple as pulling the company up on the internet and seeing what the company does and how the company is doing. It is also extremly important to review the job posting as there may be key responsibilities of the position that you should be familiar with.

Anticipation - Anticipating the questions that you will be asked is a great way to prepare for your interview. The majority of interviews will include standard questions regarding your own life and work expreience as well as your education and personal interests. 

Practice - There is no better way to prepare for interviews then through practice, practice and more practice. Practicing will allow you to feel more confident with how you present and express yourself.  Mock interviews with family, friends, co-workers, is an excellent tool to prepare for your upcoming interview.

Standard Interview Questions - Please see below several standard questions to practice your responses with:

• Tell us about yourself?
• What made you apply for this position?
• What are your three best qualities?
• How would your supervisor/manager describe you if we were to ask?
• Describe a regular day in your current position?
• Where do you see yourself 5 years from now professionally?
• If you were to get this position, how do you see yourself making an impact?
• Doing a self-assessment of yourself, what area would you most like to improve upon?
• Why should we hire you?

Overall Key Reminders

• First Impressions Matter!  - Be on time and dress accordingly for the interview.
• Take the Interview To Them! - By preparing and anticipating, you should be ready to not only answer questions but offer answers before the questions are even asked. For example, why wait for the interviewer to ask what your best qualities are? Take the initiative and provide your 3 best qualities when you are initially telling them about yourself.
• Be confident and enjoy the interview - Remember that this is a chance to make the interviewer aware of all of your great qualities and accomplishments. Every interview is a positive interview because you will be gaining experience which will only lead to you being more comfortable in the interview setting.

AfterCollege Resources for Interviewing - Please visit the "AfterCollege" Interview Center for helpful information topics such as:

• Interview Basics
• Before Your Interview
• Inappropriate Questions
• After Your Interview
• How To Evaluate An Offer?

You can access the "AfterCollege" site by clicking here.