Interviewing: Strategies for Success

~ Before the Interview ~

    The best way to prepare for the interview is to first assess the requirements of the job – what you need to know and do to perform the job well. Second, prove it! Third, practice answering and asking questions.

• Review the job description. If one is not available, look for a description of a similar or related job.
• Note the knowledge (technical, professional, or job specific), skills, and personal qualities required or desired (See Information to Have before the Interview).
• Prepare examples of times when you effectively demonstrated knowledge and skills similar to those required for the job. For example, a class project demonstrating leadership and teamwork; a web page designed for a student organization; or customer service skills demonstrated in a part-time job.
• Anticipate the types of questions you'll be asked and practice your answers (See "Questions You May Be Asked in the Interview"). For help with questions that are difficult to answer, meet with a career counselor.
• Prepare thoughtful questions to ask in the interview. Your questions should demonstrate interest in the employer and help you learn if the position and organization will offer a fit with your interests, values and qualifications. Avoid asking questions that are answered on the employer's web site or in the literature provided prior to the interview.

Before the Interview Essentials

• Collect your written materials, including copies of your resume and a list of references. You may wish to bring a writing sample, if appropriate, and a copy of your transcript.
• Review materials and information about the organization and position.
• Find out all you can so that you can intelligently convey knowledge about various aspects of the job and the business and ask pertinent questions.
• Dress to project an image of confidence and success. Conservative suits for both men and women are still considered the most appropriate attire for an interview.
• Know how to get to the interview and leave plenty of time to get there. Arrive early but don't check in with the employer more than 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
• Find out how long the interview will take. Be prepared to stay longer, if necessary.
• Ask if the interview is an initial screening or a selection interview and/or if you will be talking to one or more persons.
• Use strategies to get "psyched" for the interview. Practice relaxation techniques, which might include breathing deeply; fantasizing about successful scenarios in which you answer questions with ease and certainty; and identifying irrational thoughts and replacing them with healthy, rational messages. Remind yourself that you are a person with skills and knowledge to offer.

The Initial Screening Interview

    The screening interview is your first opportunity to meet face-to-face with a recruiter or employer representative. This interview may take place on campus and will typically be 20 to 30 minutes in length. Although recruiters are usually not the hiring authority, they influence the decisions about whom to invite for a lengthier site interview; therefore, it is crucial to prepare carefully. Your main task during this screening interview will be to impress the interviewer so that you will receive an invitation to interview more thoroughly at the site. You will be judged by your responses to questions about your qualifications and personal characteristics and by your genuine interest in the organization. It is up to you to convince the interviewer that you are a "good fit" for the position and the organization.

The Selection or Site Interview

The site or selection interview differs from the screening interview in some significant ways.

• You will travel to the organization for the interview and will probably spend one-half to one full day there. Travel arrangements, when necessary, should be made and confirmed well ahead of time, particularly if you are receiving a monetary advance from the organization for travel and lodging accommodations.
• Be sure to get the name and number of a person who can be contacted if your plans are unavoidably changed.
• Your interview schedule will likely include individual and group meetings with people of varying levels of responsibility including prospective peers, superiors, and the person with authority to hire you. Consequently, you will need to adjust to individual styles of interviewing.
• You need to project interest and enthusiasm even though you may repeat the same information many times throughout your interview day. Think about fresh ways to talk about your goals, both short-term and long-term, your interests and accomplishments.
• You will be expected to contribute much more to the interview process than you would for a screening interview. You will need to focus on those qualities, skills, and experiences that distinguish you from your competition and convince the interviewers that you can do the job and will work well with others in the organization.
• After your interview, send a thank-you note to every person who met with you. Be sure to mention them by name and spell their name and job title correctly.

~ During the Interview ~

    Successful interviewing involves making a positive first impression and building rapport with the interviewer, answering and asking questions confidently and thoughtfully, closing the interview positively, and learning how to follow up after the interview.

First Impressions

    The interview begins when the interviewer greets you. First impressions are important and often lasting. To build a good rapport with the interviewer, be receptive to the interviewer's style. Share responsibility for creating a comfortable atmosphere for the interview. Reflect an attitude of openness, confidence, enthusiasm, and courtesy through your nonverbal and verbal behaviors. Interviewers often make decisions in the first five minutes. Therefore, mention your best skills and qualifications early in the interview and give examples using the STAR formula described previously.

• Smile and have a firm handshake.
• Make eye contact immediately and continue to do so throughout the interview.
• Have a relaxed but erect posture.
• Speak clearly with good volume.
• Control nervous habits (such as tapping your foot) and use natural hand movements for emphasis.
• Make courteous observations. For example, comment on something interesting you observed in the office or building.
• Initiate discussion appropriately. For example, make a positive comment about the organization and how you see yourself contributing to it. Ask a question about some of the job dimensions.
• Be a good listener.

Answering Interview Questions

    As you move from the rapport-building stage to the content stage of the interview, your nonverbal communication of confidence, enthusiasm, and sincerity remain highly important. But what you say must be impressive also. While there is no "right" answer to any question, there are some guidelines that can help you formulate strong responses.

• Be concise. Give answers that are clear and direct. Avoid rambling.
• Be specific and provide examples that demonstrate your skills and qualifications. Remember the STAR formula: (1) describe a specific Situation or Task in which you were involved, (2) explain your role and what Action you took, and (3) illustrate the Results you achieved.
• Be positive and highlight your strengths. Help the employer understand your qualifications in order to conclude that you are the right person for the job.

Questions You May Be Asked in the Interview Responding to Challenging Question

Closing the Interview

    As the interview closes, be sure to express interest in the position and briefly summarize why you are well qualified. Then ask what the next step will be or when you can expect to hear from the interviewer. This inquiry demonstrates your confidence and interest and gives you important information.

~ After the Interview ~

    Use the interview as a learning experience. Think about what you said and how you said it. Make note of areas you wish to improve and practice them. In addition to evaluating your own performance, consider again all aspects of the job so that if you receive an offer, you are prepared to make a decision.

Immediate Follow-up

    Send an email or a word-processed follow-up letter within a few days to thank the interviewer and to briefly summarize your strongest qualifications for the position. If you are not contacted within the specified time, call to restate your interest and to inquire about the status of the hiring process.

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