Interviewing Tips
Once you submit your resume to a prospective company, the net step before becoming a new employee is the interview process. This is the company's chance to meet you and find out more about your personality and other factors that do not show up through a resume. This is your chance to leave a lasting impression on an employer before they make their hiring choice. Use these tips below to improve your performance during this important process.
Before the Interview:
Know Your ResumeYour resume is the best source of information about you that the interviewer has, so be aware of what's on it, and be prepared to discuss it. Interviewers will want to know how your background and experiences have prepared you for working with their firm, so be prepared to articulate this. Most Career Services Offices offer Resume Writing Workshops, so plan to attend one and take advantage of the knowledge they have to share with you. In addition, once you have identified the industry that you want to work in, have a number of people in that industry review and comment on your resume.
Practice Your Interview Skills
Look into mock-interview programs at your Career Services Office. If these programs are not available, find a willing friend and hone your interviewing skills. Try to anticipate the interviewer's questions, and think about the best response you could provide. Remember, you want to show yourself in the best light possible.
Research the Company
Visit a prospective company's website in order to learn more about them. Be sure to review more than just the Careers section of the website. Sections such as About Us and News will give you additional insight into the history of the company and what they are doing today.
During the Interview:
Display Your KnowledgeConvey to the interviewer that you are knowledgeable about their company and what they do. A great way to do this is to draw parallels to your own skills and experience. Interest is critical, so it's also important to display a sincere interest in joining the company. As you review a company's website, prepare a list of questions to ask your interviewers to indicate that you have done your homework.
Take Your Time
Don't rush into providing an interviewer with a quick answer. Take your time to consider the question and present an insightful response. Feel free to take notes if you wish. It could greatly enhance your ability to grasp multiple aspects of a question and structure your answer. Ensure that you have answered the question fully by asking, "Did I answer your question completely?" This will prompt the interviewer to seek clarification if it is necessary.
After the Interview:
Wrap-upHave a plan for summarizing your thoughts, skills and interest level regarding the opportunity. Of course, don't forget to obtain the interviewer's contact information for follow-up questions and the thank-you note.
Thank You Note
A thank-you note/email is your opportunity to distinguish yourself from other candidates, so capitalize on it. It's acceptable to have certain portions of the letter in a standard or template format, but try to customize each note to include information that was unique to the interview discussion. This will convey a high level of interest and knowledge about the company.
