Career Center
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Interviewing Tips

Need some help with the interviewing process?

For whatever reason, every time I submit an application/resume/professional document to an organization, I never think about what the next step is. I never believe that I will get that far along in the process. All of a sudden, I’m getting an email from an employer asking to schedule an interview. My first reaction is happiness, but it doesn’t take long before that happiness is replaced by dread and panic. I wonder “now what?”

If any of you have found yourself in the same boat, you may be wondering what steps you can take before an interview. Interviews are where you can make a lasting first impression and showcase your experiences. It’s important to prepare for an interview so that you are able to present yourself in a way that best represents what you have to offer.

Here are a few tips to help you out:

  1. Do your research. Start by reading the company’s website to be sure you fully understand their mission and products or services. Whether it be in a resume, cover letter, or interview, you want to make sure you’re tailoring your experiences to the specific employer you are applying with.
  2. Find out what to expect. Don’t just research the employers, but research the interviewing process! Make sure you know the type of interview you’ll be participating in. You should also be familiar with the general stages of an interview. If this is something you need help with, the Career Center offers interview prep appointments for students.  
  3. Practice, practice, practice! Review the questions you are most likely to encounter during the interview and practice your response to each. The Career Center offers students mock interview appointments, where a career specialist compiles a list of questions to ask you based on the position you are applying for. You come to the Career Center in your business attire, and you have the mock interview. Afterwards, the career specialist will you give you detailed feedback.
  4. Follow up. Your work doesn’t end the second you walk out from the interview!Reinforce the great impression you made during the interview by thanking your interviewer. More information on how to do this can be found here.

If you’re interested in more interviewing tips, check out the Career Center’s website here.

The effort you put into all of those little details is what will make you stand out to employers. It’s an easy and simple way to show that you care and that you genuinely want the position. Don’t just walk into an interview assuming you know how to answer the typical interview questions. You want your answers to be thoughtful, and by preparing beforehand, you will present yourself in a much more organized manner.