Interviews

Interviewing

An interview is a conversation between you and a prospective employer. Few interviews happen without advanced notice and, as a rule, most interviews are fairly predictable. This is good news for you as the interviewee because with some preparation and a little practice, you can increase your chances of being offered a position.

The hiring process varies by organization and career field. The need to fill a position may be immediate or based on anticipated needs. The time line for filling vacancies is dependent on the needs of the employer. Some organizations complete the hiring process in two weeks while other may take six months or longer.

Employers also differ on how they organize the interviewing process. Some employers base their hiring decision on one interview. Others begin with a screening interview followed by a second interview or a series of interviews. Although the process and timeline may vary according to field and the organization, there are many standard aspects of interviewing. The best books on interviewing offer much of the same advice as is summarized throughout this guide.

Before the Interview

Research the organization and the specific job for which you are applying.
Know how your skills and abilities relate to the requirements of the position. Learn as much as you can about the organization’s history and background: what it does, the services or products it offers, what its future plans are, etc.

Identify your skills.
Based on what you have found out about the opening and the organization, make a list of the traits and skills you have that coincide with the job's qualifications. Identify examples of activities or work experience where you used the skills you have listed.

Think through answers to anticipated interview questions.
Anticipate the possible questions that you may be asked during the interview, and formulate your answers. Practice your answers aloud. What points would be best for you to cover? Schedule a mock interview with Fine Arts Career Services for even more practice.
Questions You Should Be Prepared to Answer

Prepare questions to ask the interviewer.
Although it may not feel this way, an interview is not an interrogation during which you only answer the questions asked. It is an exchange of information. And there is a great deal that you should want to know. The answers to your questions should help you decide whether you would accept or reject the position. Questions about benefits, vacation, sick-time, etc., should be asked when you are offered the job.
Questions to Ask

The Day of the Interview

Dress the way those interviewing you are likely to dress. A good rule of thumb is to wear clothing just a little dressier than that required for everyday use on the job. It is better to be overdressed slightly than to arrive too casually attired. Do not wear something so striking or unusual that attention is drawn to your clothes or accessories rather than you. Additionally, pay careful attention to details. Shoes should be shined, nails and hair should be trimmed.

Things to bring with you:

An extra copy of your résumé.
A typed list of your references.
A portfolio with examples of your work, if relevant.
A pen and notepad/binder.

Arrive early
Give yourself plenty of time to find the interview site. Familiarize yourself with your surroundings, relax, review your résumé, and gather your thoughts. Be in the reception area at least five minutes before your scheduled time. This means that you arrive early enough to go to the restroom and check your appearance.

Greet the interviewer by name, with eye contact, a relaxed smile, and a firm handshake
Unless you have been invited to use the person’s first name, it is best to remain formal and use his/her surname.

Show some energy and enthusiasm
Smile, nod, make eye contact, and give non-verbal feedback. Pay attention to your body language.

Listen attentively and speak clearly.

Emphasize your assets
Show that you can do the job and that you will fit in with the organization. Do not speak negatively about yourself, other people, or previous jobs.

Treat everyone you meet as if they could offer you the job
Anyone connected to the organization including the clerical staff has the potential to kill a job offer. Remember that you are always an interviewee until you have an offer in hand.

You can expect the interview to last anywhere between 30-60 minutes. It generally starts with some chat or small talk. Next, the interviewer asks you some questions, and tells you more about the job and the organization. Finally, you have some time to ask some questions. The next thing you know, the interview is over and you are on your way.

As the interview draws to a close, you should express your interest in the position, your excitement and enthusiasm about the organization, and confidence in your ability to do the job. If it hasn’t already been covered, you should ask about the next steps in the hiring process: What is their timeline for making a decision? Will you hear either way? How will you be contacted? Ask the interviewer(s) for a business card(s) so you will have accurate information later. Thank the interviewer for his/her time.

After the Interview

A typed thank-you note should be sent within 24-hours to the interviewer(s). Here’s another opportunity to state your continued interest in the organization and to draw parallels between your background and the position. A thank-you note won’t get you the job, but it will make you stand out in a positive way. Not sending a thank-you note will make you stand out too—as unprofessional. Click here to view a sample thank-you letter.

Dealing with Rejection

Sometimes the most qualified person does not get the job. Often, the decision to offer someone the position boils down to who the hiring authority thinks is the best fit for the organization. You may never know why you were not hired, and you should try not to take the rejection personally.

Final Thoughts

Your ability to win a job depends on your ability to identify the skills you have acquired and to communicate those skills to a prospective employer. Even more important is your ability to communicate how your skills fit the organization’s needs. Successful interviewing is the result of preparation and research before the interview, professionalism and enthusiasm during the interview, and follow-up after the interview.

Online Sites for Interviewing

Vault Online Career Library
Contact FACS at 232-7333 for the password. Click "Career Advice" on the main page, then look under "Job Search."
Wet Feet
College Grad.com
Job Web
The Riley Guide
Quintessential Careers


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