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Know the Job
First, know the job description and requirements. The more you know about a job's duties and responsibilities, the better prepared you will be to present your specific qualifications, skills and experience for the job. Even if your academic major specifically prepared you for the job, research is still important.
- Start by reading information about a specific job or career field. You can use the resources available in McGrath Library or your area public library, your local employment services office and Hilbert's career library.
- Watch presentations and read publications specifically oriented toward the job or company in which you are interested. They may provide current and future indicators that may assist you in making your final decision.
- To obtain more information, follow up your research by talking to people who are employed in the same job for which you will be interviewing. First-hand information like this is best and will help you understand the job better. This is called informational interviewing.
Know Yourself
It is referred to as a job market for good reason: all the rules of
supply and demand apply. The prospective employer is the consumer at
this point and you, in seeking employment, become the provider. It is
your primary goal during the interview to convince the consumer that
they need the services which you can provide and that you can provide
those services better than any of your competitors.
Your first goal now is to know the product, or yourself, as well
and as honestly as possible. It's not very impressive to an employer if
you have not sized yourself up and taken a personal inventory or
assessment of your skills, interests and values.
- Know your interests and potential. Know your strengths; be able to
state them clearly and simply. Admit your weaknesses; be able to state
goals to improve.
- Know why you are seeking that particular position.
- Be informed about the general field in which you are seeking
employment. Have specific knowledge of the position you are seeking.
- Your education, current and past employment, and hobbies and
activities all contribute to your skills and abilities which you will
apply to any job. It's important to maintain accurate records,
especially on dates and types of training, hire and exit dates, wages,
and special recognition received. This information is obviously needed
to prepare your resume, but some of the items may also be needed during
the interview.
- Keep your resume current; it will likely be the basis for conducting most of the interview.
- Use 3x5 note cards for quick reference, but keep them to a minimum and relevant.
- Memorize as much as possible to avoid shuffling papers and cards or have obvious vagueness in your responses.
- Your speaking voice and language, manner of dress and body language
are your silent allies in the interview. Be sure to include them in
critiques of your practice sessions.
- Be informed about the people with whom you are dealing. Learn each person's name and title and address him or her by name.
- Establish a good rapport with those who interview you. They are your link to the company for follow up information.
Know the Organization
Information on businesses may be obtained from McGrath Library or your public library by using the Reader's Guide to Periodical Literature.
The Career Development Center and the local employment services office
may also provide information on specific employers. Professional
organizations also have files on many agencies, businesses and
organizations as well as job offerings. Major corporations provide
reports and general information if requested directly. Check for 800-
numbers to expedite your initial request and to verify if there are any
charges for materials being sent.
It's useful to research the organization for the following reasons:
- It will help you prepare and practice for your interview. You will
be better able to site specific skills, experiences and achievements
that can be applied to the particular job.
- It's easier to convince employers that you will be an asset to their organization if you are knowledgeable about it.
- Information obtained through research can help you decide whether
or not you want to work for the organization if offered a position.
Arrival for the Interview
- Arrive on time for the interview.
- Be there at least 15 minutes early so you will not be rushed and
will have time to take care of personal needs, check your grooming,
collect your thoughts, and get "psyched" for the interview.
- Arrive early if you are unfamiliar with the building location, parking arrangements or office location.
- Check travel necessities such as route, public transportation,
tolls, and parking availability the day before to know how long it will
actually take to get to the location of the interview.
- Ask for directions when confirming your interview appointment; this
is not a weakness--it is a sign of being accurate and organized.
Answering Questions
- When answering the employer's questions, it may be helpful to ask yourself, "Why does he/she want to know this?"
- Communicate information that is meaningful and positive.
- Stick to the subject and answer the question being asked.
Go to our Common Interview Questions for more information.
Terms of Employment
During the interview process, the general terms of employment should be
discussed. Also, the organization's expectations and requirements
should be clearly stated at this time. Although these items are usually
fairly definite, any obvious conflicts or questions should be resolved
before you make a final decision.
Matters such as vacation and sick time, company benefit package,
special retirement programs and, of course, wages should be left to the
end of the interview. Having done your research, you should already
have some knowledge of current local wage ranges for your position.
Whether or not your starting pay is negotiable may depend on several
items:
- Size of the company, institution or organization.
- Source of revenues - private sector, contributions or public funds.
- Current size of the available job market.
- Your experience.
- Projected growth potential of the company and your abilities to contribute to that growth.
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