The interview is one of the most important phases of the job search process. Your resume and
cover letter are simply tools to get you to the interview. Keep in mind that employers don't tend to interview candidates they don't feel are qualified for the job. Therefore, once you have made it past the initial screening it's your opportunity to convince an employer that you are the right person for the
job.
BEFORE THE INTERVIEW: RESEARCH IS CRITICAL!
The applicant who has worked hard to prepare is much more likely to get a call back for a second
interview or an offer of employment. Prior to an interview, clarify the skills and abilities you have
to offer an employer, thinking of an example for each one.
- Think back on your previous experiences (work, academic, extracurricular) to determine the skills and abilities used in each.
- Develop a list of your five to seven strongest skills for a particular position.
- When a job description is available, list the key skills being sought so that you can match your skills/strengths with the needs being listed. It is helpful to develop an example from your experiences to demonstrate each skill.
- Review the commonly asked interviewing questions and prepare answers in advance. You don’t want to appear rehearsed, but you do want to sound prepared. The more practice you have answering typical questions, the better able you are to convey your ideas in a clear, concise manner.
- Prepare questions to ask about the organization during the interview.
HELPFUL HINTS:
- ARRIVE EARLY. Ten to fifteen minutes can provide you with a cushion should some unforeseen problem occur.
- BRING ALONG EXTRA COPIES OF YOUR RESUME. If the interviewer has misplaced your information this will assist them and add to your image as a prepared person.
- MAINTAIN EYE CONTACT. Unwillingness to look someone in the eye is often taken as evasiveness.
- ASK FOR CLARIFICATION. If you’re confused by a question, ask the interviewer to restate it. This shows poise on your part and allows you to answer questions appropriately.
- BE YOURSELF. Interviewers respond well to those candidates they feel are being sincere.
Source: Stanford University Career Development Center Publication, "Interview Preparation"
