What is An Interview?
An interview is a screening process and an opportunity to learn more about an organization. At the same time, the organization has the opportunity to evaluate you as a prospective employee.
An interview is an opportunity to set yourself apart from your competition, expand on the information the employer already has about you and to send the message, “I am the best person for this job”.
You must be prepared to sell yourself. In order to do this, it is important to have a thorough understanding of who you are, of your long-term and short-term goals, and what sets you apart from the competition.
How Can I Prepare for the Interview Process?
Generally, there are three stages: before the interview, during the interview and after the interview. The Career Discovery staff and interviewing resources are available to assist you in preparation in each stage.
Stage one - before the interview
Conduct a thorough self-assessment. Review your education, experience, interests, likes, dislikes, strengths, weaknesses and values. If you have never taken the Strong Interest Inventory and/or the Myers Briggs Type Indicator, now might be a good time (available at Career Services).
Write your resume. Make it individualized and accurate. Be able to support everything with specific examples. Make an appointment to have your resume reviewed at Career Services and/or look online at the Resume Workshop Online at www.uwec.edu/career.
Analyze the position for which you will be interviewing. Do you believe you will fit in and be able to contribute to the organization? Will the job enable you to reach your goals: personal growth, travel, flexibility, advancement, geographic area?
Research the organization. Learn as much as you can about size, location, products or services and benefits. Don’t hesitate to request information from the company itself or check online. Talk with employees of the company and/or industry professionals. Find out about Blugold Career Success Network - a data base with the names of alumni and friends of UW-Eau Claire who have volunteered to be resources to UW-Eau Claire students.
Know how your experience, education and interests relate to the position and anticipate possible questions. This knowledge will allow you to answer the why, when and where questions, will reflect your self-confidence and your ability to communicate and relate to others effectively.
Practice Interviewing. Talk to Career Services, people in the field and your friends. Arrange a mock interview, discuss techniques, practice in front of a mirror or, visit Career Services to use Patty Practice; a program that allows you to practice interview questions.
Consider creating a portfolio. Portfolios are for everyone! They include documents and materials that demonstrate your knowledge and accomplishments. These can include samples of your writing, portions of a successful project, letters of merit and appreciation, etc.
Acknowledge all preliminary correspondence promptly. This includes verifying the specifics of your interview including date, time, place, individuals conducting the interview and an itinerary, if any. Determine who will bear the costs of necessary transportation, meals and overnight lodging.
Be prepared for the possibility of a drug screening test. More companies are requiring this. Consult with a Career Services staff member about your rights.
REMEMBER: If you appear prepared and competent in your interview, you will be perceived as a prepared and competent employee.
Stage two: during the interview
Dress appropriately and comfortably. First impressions are important. Look professional.
Be punctual. Arrive about fifteen minutes early.
Be aware of your nonverbal behavior patterns. Nonverbal communication makes up as much as 65% of all communication. How you dress, stand, sit, use your hands, move your head and eyes and how you listen, all work together to provide information to your interviewer.
Play the part. Your evaluation begins as soon as you walk in the door. Maintain good posture, have a firm handshake, use eye contact, show enthusiasm and control any of your nervous mannerisms. Be polite and respectful to EVERYONE.
Sell yourself. This is your opportunity to prove that you are the best candidate for the job. If you know yourself and understand the position you can sell yourself as a match.
Be a good listener. Focusing on the interviewer and the questions being asked will lessen your nervousness and enable you to answer questions more directly. YOU have total control of all the information your interviewer receives.
Be prepared to ask questions. Your questions will demonstrate both your understanding of and interest in the position. You can ask for additional information or clarification of information you found in your research.
Be honest and enthusiastic. The interviewer wants to learn about your background and abilities. Use specific examples whenever possible and stress the positive rather than negative. Pick up a copy of FAQS About Behavioral Interviewing in the Career Discovery Center.
Show you are likeable. Employers hire people who they like as well as those who they believe can do the job. Smile, be friendly, and maintain your composure no matter what.
Know when the interview is over. Look for signs such as looking at a watch, putting papers in a pile, and moving back a chair. At this point, summarize your qualifications, express your interest and desire to work for them, and thank them for their time and consideration.
Stage three: after the interview
Analyze the interview. Although it is not recommended you take notes during the interview, it may be helpful for you to do so immediately afterwards. How did it go? What did you learn? What was your impression of the organization, the interviewer, and other people you may have met?
Write a thank you note. You can get an edge simply by being one who ALWAYS sends a note. Reaffirm your interest and include any pertinent information you may have neglected such as a response you felt was incomplete. If additional information or materials were requested, verify that it is being forwarded. Notes may be typed or hand written.
When appropriate, follow up. If you are told you will hear about a position by a specific date, but do not, call the organization and ask about the current status of your candidacy.
Second Interviews
What is the purpose of the second interview? Second interviews are for the employer to see how well you fit in with the company. It is also to assess your skills and qualities in more detail, including company/industry knowledge.
Know what to expect:
Most likely, you will meet with a number of people, as compared to your first interview (either a string of one-on-one appointments or a group of people). It will most likely be a longer process than the first time and may include a lunch. Bring your dinner etiquette! There will also be more specific job questions and behavioral questions-how you handled past situations.
More questions and more intensity means more preparation.
Tips for Answering and Preparing:
1) Pinpoint the skills(s) that the employer is looking for and think of examples, examples can be from any experience
2) Learn the jargon of the field/company
3) Research the company/field in more depth than previously, speak with contacts within the company to find out any events going on within the company
4) Be organized and use S.T.A.R.S.: to describe the Situation, the Task, the Action, the Results, and a Summary of the experience
5) Highlight individual as well as team accomplishments
6) Review your resume (again) and focus on discussing internships and other experiences in more detail
Here are some Important Do’s and Dont’s:
Don't neglect to review your performance from your first interview. Note any questions or situations that caused you difficulty and plan how you will handle those aspects better. Brainstorm new information you can bring into the second interview.
Do be confident! If you hadn't performed well in the first interview, you wouldn't have landed the second. Think about what made you shine in the first interview, and do more of the same. Realize that the interviewers at your second interview want to learn how well you will get along with other team members with whom you'll be interacting with every day.
Don't slack off with your interview attire. A second interview doesn't mean a more casual interview.
Do expect to be asked some of the same questions you were asked in the first interview, but some new ones too. Second interview questions may delve more into your personality, or they may be about more specific technical skills. Keep your responses fresh yet consistent with each person you meet.
Do be prepared with lots of questions to ask. You will have more opportunities to ask questions in the second interview and will be expected to make more sophisticated inquiries.
After the interview:
Each person you interviewed with should be sent a thank you letter. Although it’s time consuming, it’s important to write a different letter for each interviewer to emphasize what you enjoyed about each meeting.