Interviews

interview components.  Of course you mustalso be able to articulate your skills, preferably by giving concrete examples of your past experiences.  In fact, in a commons style of interviewing called “behavioral interviewing” specific examples are required in responses.  Maximize your chances by reviewing Career Services’ downloadable and comprehensive Interviewing Guide and following these suggestions:

Research the job opening
Before your first interview, you must prepare.  Research the employer in the Career Services Resource Center, online and in the library.  Request a job description from the company.   Talk with inside contacts, like alumni, family friends or anyone else you can reach.

Research the company
In this day and age, there’s no excuse not to have researched the organization thoroughly.  Start with its website and also use a search engine to find references to the organization in the news (e.g. Austin Business Journal, Fortune, CNN, etc.).  Review the company's purpose and products.  Review annual reports and newsletters.  Request information from the company's Public Relations Department.

Research yourself
Don’t forget to review your resume and cover letter to remind yourself of the skills and experiences you’re marketing to the interviewer.

Formulate answers to possible questions
Based on the job description, you should be able to identify skills important to the position and develop possible questions designed to articulate these skills.  You can also get additional sample questions from Career Services.  Review the STAR method (cite a Situation and Task in relation to the Action you took and the Results) to prepare for “tell me about a time...” questions used in common behavioral interviewing.

Prepare your own list of questions for the employer

Things to remember to take to the interview
You may not be asked for these items but you can volunteer to share them.  Even if the interviewer declines to review them (often for time’s sake), it reflects well on you to show your preparation.

• An extra copy of your resume
• A typed list of references
• A portfolio of examples of your work
• Letters of recommendation

Remember to dress appropriately
Clothes should reflect the type of work for which you are applying.  For a professional position, wear a suit.  For details, check out our Business Attire Resource Guide.

Remember to relax before the interview
Focus on positive skills and strengths.  The purpose of the interview is an exchange of information, not an inquisition.  And remember that the interviewer already thinks you’re very qualified!

Plan to arrive 10 - 15 minutes early
Consider doing a “dry run” before the interview day to make sure you know exactly how to get there in similar traffic conditions.  If you arrive earlier than 15 minutes ahead, wait in your car -- your interviewers may not be ready for you, and you don’t want to rush them.

Obtain a business card from your interviewer and follow up!
Without the follow-up thank you note you should send immediately after the interview (within 24 hours), your efforts may be for naught.  Don’t forget this important step.  Next add the contact information to your network

Other resource handouts
My Interview Checklist
Telephone Interviews

Online resources

Sample Interview Questions - Print this list of practice questions from Indiana State University’s Career Center.
The Interview Coach’s Virtual Interview - Practice interviewing with this interactive quiz.
The Riley Guide - Interviewing - General interview advice, telephone interviews, handling improper interview question, follow-up and more.
JobWeb Resume & Interview Information - Interview advice from the National Association of Colleges and Employers
JobWeb Interviewer’s Favorite Questions and Answers
JobWeb Interviewing Tips
Monster.com Interview Advice - Numerous articles on preparing for the interview, during the interview and following up after the interview.
VaultJob Search Survival Center: Interviewing - Numerous articles.
Dress for Success Tips - Photo examples of appropriate and inappropriate attire with employer comments from Washington State University’s website.
Execstyle.com’s Women’s Interview Dress Etiquette - Helpful e-book with photographs describing business formal and casual attire.
Execstyle.com’s Men’s Interview Dress Etiquette - Helpful e-book with photographs describing business formal and casual attire.
Business Dining and Networking Etiquette - Almost everyone will find themselves in a dining situation in conjunction with an interview at some point in life.  Be assured that you ARE being evaluated, even during this seeming social occaision.  To brush up on your business dining etiquette, check out this detailed page of information.