Interview Tips

Research our company in depth

• Preparation is key to the success of the interview
• Thoroughly review our entire website
• Talk to some of our current associates, if possible

Identify your skills

• Identify your top 3 skills or experiences you can offer to the employer
• Identify your top 3 opportunities for improvement
• Demonstrate enthusiasm and sell yourself

Prepare experiences and examples

• Think about some actual stories you can tell from previous work experiences to back up your claims with evidence
• Be prepared to prove your ability to work in teams, experience with conflict resolution, communication skills and decision-making skills
• Consider developing a career portfolio and using it as a presentation prop during the interview
• Know what you want to do as you start your career
• Recognize that although how well you do in school is important, providing evidence of skills, experience and capabilities will separate you from the others

Present a polished appearance

• Dress professionally
• Make sure your cell phone/mobile/Blackberry is turned off in advance of your interview

Get directions in advance and be clear that you understand them

• Get directions to the company ahead of time and, if you can, practice traveling to the location
• Know where you are meeting your interviewer

Get enough rest

• Get a good night's sleep so you'll be as physically, psychologically and emotionally at your best for the interview

Bring your resume or CV

• Bring several copies of your resume or CV

Make a solid first impression

• Offer a firm handshake, good eye contact, confident body language
• Answer questions with confidence; if you are unsure of an answer be honest about it
• First impressions count, so the first 30 seconds are crucial

Prepare questions

• Ask informed questions to demonstrate your level of interest in the position
• Prepare questions that will help you decide if the opportunity is a good fit
• Consider questions that are related to typical work assignments, the corporate culture, growth potential, team structure, new technologies, new products and travel
• Be original — don't ask the obvious questions

Practice closing your interview

• Practice closing your interview to win the job
• Sign up for mock interview sessions with a career counselor on campus
• Thank the interviewer for their time and inquire about the next steps

Be ready for surprises

• You may take a pre-employment/assessment test or interview with more than one person
• Its always a good idea to ask what to expect prior to the interview

Additional Resources

Get a Job!. Interview Survival Skills for College Students by John R. Cunningham

101 Great Answers to the Toughest Questions by Ronald W. Fry

Job Interviews for Dummies by Joyce Layne Kennedy

The Interview Rehearsal Book by Deb Gottesman

Competency-based Interviews: Master the Tough New Interview Style and Give Them the Answers that will Win You the Job by Robin Kessler

Interview Skills that Win the Job: Simple Techniques for Answering all the Tough Questions by Michael Spiropoulos