Further Interviewing Tips
Read Employer Literature
Study your prospective employer. If at all possible, do additional research in periodicals and newspapers. Read annual reports of publicly traded companies available in Axinn Library. It is imperative that you have some knowledge about their policies, philosophies, products and services. Failure to do your homework before an interview can be detrimental to the success of the interview. Prepare for an interview as carefully as you would for an important examination.
Be Yourself
Your attitude is going to influence the interviewer's evaluation. Don't try to be something you aren't. Just be yourself. Emphasize your strong points and remember that the recruiter is looking for inherent personal energy and enthusiasm. The interview is your opportunity to sell a product and that product is you!
Have Some Good Questions Ready
Feel free to ask about the details of the job, the training program or other job-related concerns. One way to show you've done your homework is to ask an informed question about future company plans or about a special division that may be of interest to you.
Follow-Up
Finally, follow up the interview. Provide whatever references or transcripts are requested by the prospective employer as soon as possible. Be sure to write down the name, title and address of the recruiter. You may want to consider a brief typed letter of appreciation for the interviewing opportunity.
The Interview Experience
If you're like most students, a number of questions are probably on your mind as you approach your campus interviews. They include:
How do I prepare for the interview?
What types of questions will the recruiter ask?
What questions should I ask--and not ask?
Is reading employer literature in advance really all that important?
What are some points I should consider to sell myself?
How can we possibly cover everything in 30 minutes?
The importance of the interview cannot be minimized. How you perform, what you say (even what you don't say), and how you respond to what is said to you will largely determine whether you will be considered further for employment with a company.
This brief summary can't begin to tell all there is to know about having an interview. Its main purpose is to provide a concise overview of a typical interview. For further information and assistance, don't hesitate to call upon The Career Center.
There are various types of interviews, ranging from the seemingly casual and open-ended, in which the recruiter asks few questions and lets the candidate do most of the talking, to the highly structured, in which the recruiter asks specific questions following a preplanned format. No matter what the interviewer's style, however, experienced interviewers are always seeking to judge:
1. What are you truly motivated to do? Do your motivations fit this job?
2. Will you work well with others?
3. Do you have the necessary skills?
4. Are you genuinely interested in working for this specific firm?
5. What is uniquely interesting about your achievements and your personality?
To a large extent, the personality and philosophy of the recruiter influences the course the interview will take. Nevertheless, while each recruiter and interview will be somewhat different, the typical interview can be broken down into four sections: (1) the introductory stage, (2) a review of your background and interests, (3) a discussion of the employer's opportunities and how you fit in, (4) the conclusion, in which points are clarified and the recruiter explains how and when the next contact will be made if there is to be one.
First Stage: Establishing Rapport
On the surface, the introductory stage may seem little more than a simple exchange between two people who have just met. Some recruiters are extremely adept at establishing rapport and creating a relaxed though businesslike atmosphere. Others are less adept at making you comfortable. Whatever their style, this is your chance to show your poise, thoughtfulness, and confidence. Remember, the recruiter's initial impressions are formed before any questions have been asked. The way you shake hands, the way you're dressed, the way you sit, and the way you talk all play a part in the impression you make. Can you make the recruiter feel comfortable and pleased to have a chance to talk with you?
Next: Review of Your Background
After the introduction, the recruiter generally begins to ask about your background. There will be "why", "where" and "when" type questions. Very often, one or more open-ended questions will be asked: (for example, "Tell me about yourself"). Essentially, these questions are designed (at least in part) to measure your self-confidence and your ability to relate to others ... to communicate in a clear and logical manner.
Your resume (and transcript, if one is required) will give the recruiter a great deal of information about your educational qualifications, experience, and interests. With this basic information as background, the recruiter will usually try to learn something about your basic ability and aptitudes as well as delve into other aspects, such as extracurricular activities. Most employers are looking for well-adjusted men and women who aren't afraid to work -- people who are self-starters, self-motivators. These characteristics aren't the type that will show up on a resume, but they are frequently detected in your outside interests, activities and part-time jobs.
Third Stage: The Matching Process
By the time the recruiter has come to the end of the second stage, your interests and talents are being assessed to see how they might fit into the organization. Assuming that you have the necessary background as well as a positive attitude and personality, the recruiter will begin the process of matching your career interests and goals with job openings and related training programs. Consequently, it's important that you have in mind what your immediate as well as long-range objectives are and that you express these objectives in a clear, organized and logical fashion.
From this point the interviewer might delve deeper into job responsibilities, other areas of activities, and a discussion of various operations, policies and practices. You may wish to interject with some questions concerning the type of work you might be doing and how your performance would be evaluated; you'll want to know the opportunities for advancement; and you may want to inquire about details regarding the training program or some other aspects of the employer's operations. However, most professionals discourage students from bringing up the subject of salary or fringe benefits during the campus interview. Allow the recruiter to initiate it.
The Wrap-Up
Assuming that the recruiter is interested in you, he or she will most likely do a 'selling job' on the organization and talk about training, advancement and benefits. You will be given ample opportunity to ask final questions, and then the recruiter will start to bring the interview to a close.
During the closing stage, recruiters will describe the steps for application. They may suggest a visit to the company or in some cases ask you to take specific tests. They will conclude by either arranging for your next meeting or by indicating that you will receive a specific communication within the next few weeks. Again, the exact content and shape of this stage will be determined by the organization's policy, logistics, time frame and so forth. It is important to remember that the campus interview is just the first step in securing a position with an organization. Other interviews and contacts will follow if an offer is to be made.