Interview Preparation

Self-Assessment:

Think about your skills, interests, strengths and weaknesses.

Research the Organization:

Employers expect you to demonstrate knowledge of their organization. You should be able to articulate what programs and positions the company offers, and how your abilities fill its needs in these areas. You should also be aware of general information about the company's size, location, services and products. You can find this information on the internet, by using employer resources in the career library, or by writing to the company for literature.

Materials:

Make sure you know the name of the interviewer, and the time and the place of the interview. Get proper directions and plan to arrive early. Bring several copies of your résumé and any other relevant documents, such as samples of writing, projects you've worked on, awards or photos. Don't forget to have the names, addresses and phone numbers of references with you. Ask the interviewer for a business card so you'll have the necessary information to write a thank you note.

Appearance:

Dress professionally, conservatively and comfortably.

Mock Interview:

The Center for Career Services offers a unique opportunity to participate in an interview experience with our professional staff before you have an employment interview. You should dress as if you were on an actual interview, so you can get a more realistic feel of being in an interview and see how you come across. You should also bring a résumé to allow the career professional to ask you questions relevant to your experiences. The mock interviews are videotaped so that your responses can be reviewed and discussed. A review of the videotape will show you what you did well and what you should work on, enabling you to be more comfortable and confident when the time arrives for the real thing.