Prepping for an interview

Interviewing

Interviewing is an opportunity for an employer to assess your fit for the position and the company. It is also a time for you to assess the employer and determine whether you want to work there and if the position is the right fit for you.

It is extremely important that you spend a significant amount of time preparing for interviews. Just as you study for a test, you should “study” for an interview.Give yourself ample time to learn as much as you can about the employer, the position and how to best show that you are the right person for the job!

Research:

  • Review the company web site to learn as much as you can about the company,One of the most important things that can ultimately set you apart from other candidates is taking an interest in the company you are interviewing with, look over the company website, if you can even memorize the mission statement. I recently read an article that may help you prepare for your interviews with various companies, you can find it here.
  • Understand the position and how your background fits
  • Read industry news – has the company been mentioned recently? What is happening within that industry that you should know about?
  • Network with individuals that have worked at the company or are currently working there
  • If possible, talk with people that are/were in the position for which you are interviewing

Practice:

  • Review some sample questions listed below and create answers
  • Know your resume. Be able to walk an employer through your resume and highlight your relevant experiences
  • Sign up for mock interviews held on campus
  • Schedule a mock interview with a Career Advisor
  • Make sure to write down a list of at least 2-3 questions that you can ask the employer.

The interview:

  • Verify the time and location with employer a few days before interview
  • If it is a phone interview, find a quiet space where you will not have any distractions
  • Take extra copies of your resume
  • Have a list of questions ready to ask the employer at the end of the interview. Do not ask questions about salary, benefits, vacation, etc.
  • Dress professionally. Most interviews require a business suit unless the employer indicates business casual attire is sufficient
  • Be confident!
  • Gather contact information of all interviewers

After the interview:

  • Send a short, but professional, thank you note to each interviewer within 24 hours. Email is sufficient.
  • Thank you letter should be tailored to each interviewer, if possible.
  • If you decide you are no longer interested in the position you should notify the employer as soon as possible.
  • If you do not receive the offer ask for feedback. If you are still interested let the employer know. Sometimes the person they hire does not work out and they may contact you!

 

 

Sample Questions:

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. Why did you pursue a major in _______?
4. Why are you interested in our firm?
5. What are your long-term career goals?
6. Tell me about a time when you had to work as part of a team.
7. What is your greatest achievement and why?
8. Tell me about a time you dealt with an ethical dilemma.
9. Describe a time in school when you had many projects or assignments due at the same time. What steps did you take to get them all done?
10. Tell me about a time in your life when you’ve shown leadership and initiative.
11. Give me an example of a time when your attention to detail was critical.
12. Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a problem.
13. What would your colleagues or classmates say are your greatest strengths and areas for improvement?
16. What questions do you have for me?

 

(Questions courtesy of various career centers and Economics students)

 

Know yourself, employers will sometimes ask you those awkward questions such as what can you improve on? what is your biggest accomplishment? If you were a crayon what color would you be and why? What part of a car would you be and why?  Be prepared to answer these questions. Think about them in advance and come up with a clever answer. Employers are often looking for originality, they have heard…. I need to learn to balance work and my life. Know yourself and know what your biggest accomplishment is and what you can improve on (you will not only what to let them know what you can improve on but HOW you have been improving on it).