Tips for Interviews

Interviewing well is critical whether it is for a job, a college, or an internship. Preparing for the Interview is as important as the Interview itself. Here are some key points to help you as you prepare for your interview:

• GET TO KNOW A BIT ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION BEFORE YOU INTERVIEW 

  • Research the company/school/organization. 

    • What is their business? 

    • Why do you want to be a part of it?  

    • Study the company’s website.

• ARRIVE EARLY FOR YOUR INTERVIEW

  • Know where the organization is ahead of time. Getting lost en route will only add stress to your day and have you not at your best to interview

• MAKE A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION

  • You only get one chance!

• OFFER A FIRM HANDSHAKE that says, “I am happy to meet you!”

  • Make eye contact: It lets the interviewer know you are engaged.

• DRESS APPROPRIATELY

  • Wear clean and pressed clothing

  • Be sure your hair is groomed and are fingernails clean. 

  • No skin or undergarments should be showing!

• BE PREPARED TO ANSWER QUESTIONS about yourself and about what you have written on your resume.  

  • Think about who you are, what skills you possess, how you can add to the organization ahead of time.

  • See sample questions here

• ASK QUESTIONS so that you don’t leave the interview uninformed.  

  • Good interviews are a two-way exchange of information.

• BE YOURSELF and let your own special characteristics shine through. 

  • Do not try to be something you are not.

• ASK FOR A BUSINESS CARD so that you can write a thank you note after the interview. 

  • The card will have the contact information that you need. Restate your desire to be a part of the organization, and thank the interviewer for their time and the information they have provided you. Cite specific examples when possible.