Interviews

Research the Employer

What is the primary service or product of the company/organization? Who are their customers/clients?
What is the history of the organization? Who are their key executives?
Where is their main office/headquarters? Do they have other offices or divisions?
How many employees do they have? Who are their key competitors?
What is their reputation in the community?
What are emerging issues that may affect the industry or organization?

Understand the job description and duties. Be prepared to relate your experience to these qualifications.
Know yourself. Be able to clearly articulate how your education, skills and experiences will benefit the employer through specific examples.
Focus your remarks on what you can do for the employer, not what you want from them.
Prepare specific examples on these topics: conflict resolution, time management, leadership, and communication.
Have 3-5 thoughtful questions prepared for the interviewer.

Practice interviewing with a Career Services professional, friend, family member or trusted advisor.
Tell me about yourself.
Why are you interested in this position? career?
How has your education prepared you for your career?
Why do you want to work for this company?
What experience have you had when information was miscommunicated? How did you solve that problem?
What are your top 3 strengths? top 3 weaknesses?
Give me an example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a problem.
Tell me about a time when you were required to prioritize your tasks.
Do you prefer team or individual projects? Why?
Describe a leadership role you have undertaken.
In what way do you feel you can contribute to our company?
Why should I hire you?

Double check the location, time, date and name /title of the interviewer.
Dress conservatively. Gentlemen: A dark suit, dress shirt & simple tie; avoid heavy aftershave. Ladies: dark pantsuit or skirt suit. Be sure to minimize jewelry; avoid showing cleavage and wearing strong fragrances.
Carry a leather portfolio with copies of your resume and references. Don’t be afraid to take notes.
When you meet the interviewer, extend your hand for a handshake with a firm, but not tight, grip.
Maintain eye contact and show interest during the interview.
When the interview is over, extend your hand for a handshake. Thank the interviewer for his/her time.
Be sure to ask for a business card. Within 24 hours, send a handwritten thank you note or an email.