INTERVIEWING TIPS

• Two-piece suit (solid colors vs. print or patterns). Stick to conservative colors such as black, navy blue, dark brown and dark gray.    
• Wear a white shirt or a light color shirt.
• Tie pattern should be simple.    
• Belt or suspenders, but never wear both.
• Eliminate spotty facial hair or five o’clock shadow.
• Wear polished and well preserved shoes with knee-length socks that avoid exposing skin. 
• Nails should be clean.
• Suit with blazer/pants/skirt combo knee-length skirt and blouse.
• Footwear - Refrain from wearing sandals or open toe shoes. Shoes should be shined and well preserved.
• Jewelry should be subtle and minimal.
• Hair should be out of your face.
• Nails should be in conservative color polish - if wearing polish.
• Transgender candidates should dress consistently in accordance with their full-time gender expression.
• It is important that you wear clothing that fits you properly that looks polished and professional.

* In consultation with the Office of Social Justice, Inclusion, and Conflict Resolution

Tips for Getting the Most from an Interview

Develop a firm idea of what you would like to do.

• Think of the types of functions or skills that you like or are able to do well. Example: sales, research, writing, technical work or counseling.

Research the companies/organizations you plan to interview with.

• Read all available information.
• Speak to people who work for the company.
• Know the products/services.
• Most up-to-date information found online.
• Read career publications or journals.

Keep a file on each company that you have an interview with.

• The file should contain notes on the interview, the recruiter's name and address, copies of your replies and thank you letters. Acknowledge all correspondence immediately.

Preparing for the Interview

• Understand your values, interests, strengths and weaknesses.
• Prepare your resume.
• Know the type of employer and position that you are looking for. Consider having a mock interview.

Sample Questions

• Tell me about yourself.
• What are your greatest strengths?
• What is your greatest weakness?
• Why should I hire you?
• What do you know about our company?
• What are your short-term goals? What are your long-range goals?
• Which courses have you enjoyed most in school?
• Describe your most rewarding college experience.
• What two or three are most important to you in a job?
• Why do you want to work for us?
• Give me an example of a time when you motivated others.
• Tell me about a time when you failed at something. If you could do it again, what would you do differently?
• Give me an example of a time when you had to conform to a policy with which you did not agree.
• Tell me about a time when you had to use your presentation skills to influence someone's opinion.
• Give me an example of when you showed initiative and took the lead.
• Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation that demonstrated your coping skills.

One of the appropriate methods used in responding to behavioral questions is the STAR technique.

S – Situation: provide an example of a challenging situation
T – Task: indicate the task that you are trying to achieve 
A – Action: the action that you implemented 
R – Results: the results of your actions

Things to Ask the Interviewer

• What is the next step in the hiring process?
• What would be my day to day duties?
• What are three traits of your ideal candidate?
• What type of training or orientation will I receive?
• Am I the type of employee you are looking for to fill this position?