In order to conduct a successful job search, it is important not to wait until you have scheduled job interviews to begin to hone your skills. Learn about the art of interviewing and practice sound interviewing techniques by gaining knowledge of how to better sell yourself to an interviewer and to present powerful interview answers. Career Services Center contains numerous resources on various interview styles, do's and don'ts, and frequently asked questions. In addition, you may make an appointment with a counselor to address your interviewing concerns and participate in a “mock” interview designed to give you a valuable opportunity to improve your interviewing techniques. To schedule a “mock” interview, please contact our office .

Interview Prep Tools

• Virtual Interview
  Take a virtual interview on the web. (provided by Monster.com)
• Dress for Success
  How to provide a positive first impression.
• Top Skills Employers Seek
  Find which of these you possess.

Before the Interview

• Write down the complete address of the location where the interview will be held.
• Know the name(s) of the person(s) with whom you are interviewing.
• Be punctual. Better yet, arrive 10-15 minutes early.
• Research the job and the company.
• Be prepared with questions to ask the interviewer(s).
• Dress appropriately.
• Come into the Career Center and practice your interviewing skills.

During the Interview

• Enter the interview confidently, walking straight and tall. Smile.
• Extend your hand for a firm handshake.
• Use good eye contact.
• Speak clearly; do not use slang or inappropriate language.
• Answer the questions truthfully, thoroughly, yet concisely.
• Avoid being negative; do not criticize past employers.
• At the end of the interview, obtain business cards (if possible) and thank the interviewer(s) for his/her/their time.
• Leave with a warm handshake and a smile.

After the Interview

• Immediately send a thank you note.
• Follow-up with a telephone call a week later if you have not heard from human resources.

Things to DO in an Interview

• Show up.
• Compliment the facilities and location of the office.
• Bring a well-polished resume and several letters of recommendation.
• Show up early and well-rested so you can be at the top of your game.
• Be polite, and refer to everyone as “sir” or “ma'am”.
• Make sure to have eaten before your interview to avoid any embarrassing stomach noises.
• Leave yourself plenty of time to make sure that you get there early.
• Bring several extra copies of your resume just in case.
• Greet your prospective employer with a firm handshake.
• Discuss the extent of your education.
• Compile a list of former jobs and why you left them.
• Buy a new suit and try to look sharp.
• Try to impress the interviewers with your strong vocabulary.

Things to NOT DO in an Interview

• Call to let the interviewer know that this is your one phone call from County Jail, and could you reschedule for 15 to 20 years from now?
• Explain how the maintenance crew might need to visit the rest room once you're done in there.
• Bring “Fat Tony” from the old neighborhood who'll vouch for you as being a “good earner”.
• Kidney-punch everyone and call them “jerk-wad” and “dork-face”.
• Ask them if they wouldn't mind having the chef whip up half a rack of ribs.
• Ask if they wouldn't mind paying the cab driver who's been driving in circles all day because you had no idea how to find the place.
• Wear a pair of gold Hammer pants and a Christmas sweater with reindeer on it.
• Use words you don't know and say things like “I am a very combustible xenophobe.”