INTERVIEWING
This information covers only the basics of interviewing. For more detailed information on interviewing, plan to attend an Interview Workshop offered in the Career Development Center. Visit the online calendar or call the Career Center (717-477-1484) for information on upcoming workshop dates and times.
Before the Interview
- Prepare and practice answers to typical interview questions.
- Know yourself. Be able to speak comfortably and concisely about yourself.
- Plan ahead. Don’t wait until the last minute to get organized.
- Know the company. Research the organization.
- Know the industry.
- Prepare a list of questions to ask during your interview.
- Get a good night's sleep.
Attire for Hire! (Dress professionally and conservatively)
Read this recent article"The Return of the Interview Suit" from the New York Times: click here
- Wear a suit! this shows respect for the interviewer and the position for which you are applying!
- Remove all facial piercings and conceal all tattoos.
- Minimize the use of strong perfume/cologne.
- Your outfit should be wrinkle-free. Iron every piece of the suit!
- Avoid clothing that is too short, low-cut, or too tight
- Leave cell phones, i-pods, blue-tooths, and other distracting technology in the car!
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For more information and tips on how to dress for an interview, visit: SYMS Dress to Achieve
During the Interview
- Arrive on time for the interview (10-15 minutes early).
- As soon as you enter the parking lot, assume your interview has started.
- Greet the employer with a firm handshake and solid eye contact.
- Take extra copies of your resume with you to the interview.
- Convey enthusiasm, but don’t go overboard.
- Demonstrate your competence. State your skills and experience as they relate to the position.
- Ask questions! (this conveys interest in the position!)
- Thank the interviewer for his/her time.
After the Interview
- Reflect on the interview. Did you prepare enough? What did you do well? What would you do differently next time?
- Follow up. Send a thank-you letter!
The Telephone Interview
Preparation
Make sure your voice mail message is mature and professional.
Keep a pen, paper, copy of your resume, and cover letter near the telephone at all times. Some recruiters will contact you to set up an actual interview time; other recruiters will call and ask “Do you have a few minutes to answer some questions regarding your interest in XYZ position?”
Make sure that EVERYONE who answers your telephone understands the importance of the calls you will be receiving. Request these individuals to take COMPLETE messages for you (it’s important to verify interview times and clarify the time zone – in case it’s different than where you are currently living).
Doing Well During the Telephone Interview
Respond positively.
Show enthusiasm. Your voice is the only way to convey enthusiasm and interest in a telephone interview.
Remove all visual and audio distractions from you.
Listen closely to everything the interviewer says. Think through your responses as carefully as you would if you were sitting across the table from him/her/them.
Remember to ask questions and take notes.
At the conclusion, the caller will usually explain what you should expect to happen next. If the interviewer fails to identify these next steps, it’s a good idea to politely ask.
Before terminating the telephone call, verify that you have the person’s name (and spelling), job title, mailing address, and telephone number.
Thank the person/search committee for contacting you.
Follow up by sending a thank you letter/note to the recruiter/search committee.
Don’t get discouraged by the telephone interview process.
- Search committees are usually on tight time-lines, so your interview will probably feel very short and “rushed”.
- It’s very difficult to get a sense on how well you did during the phone interview – most people walk away from phone interviews feeling a sense of dissatisfaction or disappointment.
