Preparation

Preparation speaks volumes about your interest level in an organization and your work ethic. You cannot over-prepare.

• Preparation makes you more confident.
• Preparation helps you to speak intelligently about yourself, the position, and the organization.
• Preparation reduces the variables that can go wrong, like arriving late to an interview.
• Preparation increases your knowledge of the interview process, and, as a result, reduces "fear of the unknown."

Positive First Impressions

With quick glance, maybe three seconds, most people make an evaluation about you when meeting for the first time you based on your appearance, body language, demeanor, mannerisms, and how you are dressed. That first impression is hard to change, so make the most of an opportunity to impress. Although much of what you need to do to make a good impression is common sense, with a little extra thought and preparation, you can make a good first impression a great first impression.

• Be early.
• Smile.
• Dress (and groom) for success.
• Practice and use a firm handshake.
• Make good eye contact.
• If you're a coffee drinker or smoker, use a breath mint a few minutes before your interview.
• Be courteous and attentive. This includes turning off your mobile devices.

Before the Interview

• Do a mock interview with a Career Services representative.
• View our sample mock interview.
• Research the organization.
• Know yourself (hobbies, interests, talents, abilities, goals, past experiences).
• Practice.
• Develop upbeat and positive responses to common questions.
• Select your interview apparel. Play it safe and conservative and dress for success.
• Prepare copies of your résumé for the interviewer(s).
• Map out where you're going and do a practice run to the site so you know how long it takes to get there.
• Arrive at least 15 minutes early to give youself time to relax and review your résumé and key points you want to convey about yourself.
• Turn off your cell phone, PDA alarms, watch alarms, etc.

During the Interview

• Speak clearly and have a firm and confident handshake.
• Prepare three or four points you want to get across. Think about what you want them to know and remember about you after the interview.
• Link yourself and your background to the position.
• Develop several short stories that emphasize your skills.
• Be positive, enthusiasm counts. End "negative" stories or experiences on a positive note.
• Be your self. Don't be something you're not, but be the best of what you are.
• Be sure you communicate proactively. It's not the interviewer's job to drag information out of you.
• Develop two-three questions to ask the interviewer at the end of the interview. Even if you are not offered the opportunity, be assertive and ask them. Remember, you are assessing them also.
• Ask about current issues, current events, etc., as they apply to the industry or position.
• Ask about potential career paths.

After the Interview

• Send a thank you letter or e-mail within 24 hours.

Telephone and Webcam Interviews

Many employers conduct interviews via telephone or webcam and the trend is expected to increase in the future. Electronic interviewing saves the employer time and expense as well as permits them to assess your preparation and attention to detail.

Don't overlook the fact that this is a professional activity and you are being critiqued just as you would be during an in-person interview. Be prepared by using these tips:

Preparation

• Check your telephone, computer, or webcam. Ensure that you have good reception and your equipment is up to the task. It is best to avoid using you smartphone for video interviews. A shaky camera is likely to turn off your interviewer.
• Find quiet place. Sit at a desk or table and not in a common area if you have roommates.
• Do not use the speaker function on your phone. You are completely depending on your ability to hear and be heard.
• Check your appearance. Look at yourself on screen to determine how you can present the best first impression. Dress and groom professionally and conservatively. Avoid bright whites, loud colors, busy patterns, and small stripes. They can be unpleasing and distracting on camera. Dress up even for telephone interviews; it puts you in a more professional frame of mind.
• Set YOUR stage. Take down questionable photos, posters, and paintings, beer bottles, etc. from the background. Eliminate extraneous noise and the possibility of distractions by locking doors, turning off electronic equipment, and keeping pets and humans away from your interview space.
• Have your materials within reach including your résumé, job description, printed company research, etc.

During the Interview

• Do not smoke, chew gum, or pop open a soda during the interview. They can hear and see everything!
• Demonstrate that you are listening carefully. Listen and speak clearly and slowly. If you didn't understand or hear something, ask for clarification. When you respond, remember on a telephone call your voice is doing ALL the work so pay attention to sounding enthusiastic. Put a smile in your voice!
• Don't ramble during pauses in telephone interviews. The interviewer is probably writing notes, so there may be a moment or two of silence after you have completed your response. If you have answered the question completely, simply sit quietly and wait for the next question. If you are not sure that you answered the question completely or that you lost the connection, ask! "Have I answered your question?"
• Acknowledge that you are listening. When you are listening to a detailed response from the interviewer (such as an overview of the company or the interviewing process), acknowledge that you are listening verbal cues such as, "Yes", "That's interesting", "I understand" etc. This lets them know you are still on the line and actively engaged.
• Have some tissues handy. If you have a cold or you sneeze, you'll want to have a tissue close by!
• Send a timely thank you note or e-mail. You will impress the interviewer by following through quickly and thoroughly. You would be surprised how many interviewees fail this simple task.