Preparation for the Interview
| Research
the Organization |
Find out some basic information
about the organization before you go for the interview. You will
be in a better position to ask intelligent questions and you will
impress the interviewer with your initiative and your knowledge
of the organization. (For information on how to conduct research
please ask for the Research handout at the Career
Center.)
Employers often list more
qualifications in the job posting than can realistically be met
by most potential candidates. This is usually done as a pre-screening
device in order to reduce the number of applicants for the position
by setting up artificial barriers. You should not allow this to
discourage you or prevent you from pursuing the position .
Just
as you are looking for the ideal job, employers are looking for
the ideal employee. Analyze the job description and match your experiences,
skills, interests, and abilities to the job. You may find that some
of the qualifications are less essential than others. Emphasize
your strong points to minimize the effect of possible limited experience.
Talk
with people who have worked in similar positions in that organization
or in other companies. Read about the specific job category in career literature. As a result of your research, you will have gained information about
the nature of the job, the level of education and/or training necessary,
future potential, and other pertinent details.
| Prepare
and Anticipate Questions |
Anticipate questions that
may be asked of you in an interview. Prepare answers beforehand
to some of the more difficult
or sensitive questions. This does not mean memorizing
responses or writing a script, but rather planning the points you
want to make. Also, prepare questions you would like to ask the
employer. For example, "How do you evaluate job performance?"
| Practice
Good Communications Skills |
It is important that you
use good communication skills during the interview. Practice with
a friend, a career counselor, or by videotaping a mock interview.
Work on the following communication skills:
- presenting
yourself in a positive and confident manner
- offering
a firm handshake
- speaking
clearly and effectively
- listening
attentively and maintaining eye contact
- avoiding
the use of unnecessary verbal and non-verbal distractions
Dress professionally for the interview; you don't get a second chance
to make a first impression. Your appearance should be neat and clean,
pressed and polished. Conservative business attire is appropriate for
most settings.
Be on time for the interview.
Plan to arrive fifteen minutes early. Check in with the interviewer
or the secretary about five to ten minutes prior to your scheduled
appointment. Use your waiting time to check your appearance, review
the questions and answers you prepared, and read any company literature
that may be on display. Take advantage of this time to get a feel
for the work environment by observing the surroundings and interactions
among staff.
|
