0 Complete Interview Tips

BEFORE ATTENDING AN INTERVIEW:

· Know yourself (identify and articulate your skills, interests, goals and potential contributions to an organization). Career counselors in the career development office are available for one-on-one appointments if you are unsure how to identify your skills and strengths.

· Know the position (study the job description, research similar positions and gather average salary data).

· Know the company (research the organization’s mission, goals, locations and future directions).

PREPARING FOR AN INTERVIEW:

· Schedule a practice interview with the career development office to polish your interviewing skills.

· Rehearse answers to potential questions.

· Write down five to ten questions to ask the employer. Asking questions during an interview demonstrates that you are prepared and interested.

· Select what you will wear to an interview.

· Dress professionally and conservatively; be clean and well-groomed.

· When possible, wear a dark-colored, two-piece business suit.

· Refer to “The Best Dressed Candidates” handout at www.calvin.edu/career for more details.

· Create a professional portfolio (if desired). Portfolios may include any of the following:

· A few extra copies of your resume

· A copy of your transcript(s)

· Certificates of awards and honors; special certifications or special trainings

· Samples of relevant papers or projects

· Letters of recommendation

· Newspaper articles that address some achievement

· Internship evaluations, summary reports or projects

· Drive by the location where you will be interviewing so that you know how to get there, where to park, and whether there is road construction that could cause delays.

ARRIVING FOR THE INTERVIEW:

· Arrive early, but not more than 15 minutes.

· Leave your cell phone in the car.

· Carry with you only what is absolutely essential for the interview:

· A leather folder, with a writing tablet, pen and your prepared questions for the employer

· Extra copies of your resume and a typed list of references

· Your professional portfolio if desired

· Enter the interview with a positive, confident attitude, even if you are nervous.

· Treat everyone you meet in the office with respect.

· Greet the interviewer by name and shake hands firmly.

DURING THE INTERVIEW:

· Be honest and be yourself.

· Answer all questions thoroughly, yet concisely. You should generally be able to keep your responses to two minutes or less.

· Use specific examples whenever possible to support your statements. For example, instead vaguely stating “I am a detail-oriented,” provide a real-life experience, such as “One of my strengths is managing a lot of details. This can be seen in the work I did as an orientation intern at Calvin, coordinating the schedules for 50 volunteer leaders and organizing small group activities.”

· Maintain eye contact with the interviewer(s).

· Sit with good posture. Avoid nervous mannerisms such as tapping your fingers on the table or playing with your hair. Smile when appropriate.

· Ask questions when the employer gives you the opportunity.

· Do not ask a question just to ask a question. Ask questions based on the research you have done about the position and company.

· Do not ask questions about salary or benefits. Let the employer begin the salary negotiations.

· Before you leave, ask for a business card from each person in the interview.

AFTER THE INTERVIEW:

· Take notes about what went well in the interview and how you can improve in the future.

· Send a typed or handwritten thank you note to the interviewer as soon as possible.

· Thank the employer for his or her time and consideration, remind the employer of your unique qualifications and express your genuine interest in the position.

· Send a note to each person who interviewed you.

· If you have not heard from the employer regarding the outcome of your initial interview by the date they indicated they would notify you, a follow-up phone call or e-mail is acceptable.