You have landed that job interview, now what? Information on this page is designed to serve as guidelines to assist you in preparing for and conducting a successful job interview.
Remember… how you apply for a job is as important as the qualifications you have to offer. In fact, you should view your job search skills as part of your overall qualifications. Employers evaluate not only the skills you possess for the job, but also the skills you exhibit in looking for the job. These are evidenced in the quality of your resume and cover letter as well as your ability to conduct yourself professionally throughout the interview process.
Research the Employer/Organization
- Employer/organization websites should be your first stop when researching an employer. Here you will find out about the organization, their mission and what the employer is all about.
- Online directories – Business directories are available in the university library. Also, check out industry/trade journals.
- Networking with current or former employees of employer/organization and other personal contacts
- Call the employer/organization for information if you cannot locate a website or other source of information.
- See How Do I Research Companies? for more helpful information.
- Visit Handshake to practice what to say in your interview. You can also view sample responses to certain interview questions.
Top 10 Reasons to Hire Me
- Determining your Top 10 Reasons to Hire Me can assist you in better understanding what you have to offer an employer. Your Top 10 list can be used to guide your thinking in developing a resume or cover letter, or in preparing to interview with a particular employer.
Avoiding Interview Mistakes
- Avoid many of these interview mistakes.
Professional Dress Guidelines
- Planning what you will wear to an interview is vital; you want to make sure you present yourself in a professional manner. See our Professional Dress Guidelines for helpful tips.
Research the Position/Type of Work
- Review the employer/organization website and job posting
- SIGI 3 – In “Occupational Information,” view information on over 300 careers including job descriptions, education/training/skills and other qualifications, advancement opportunities, salary, job outlook, etc.
- OOH (Occupational Outlook Handbook) – US Dept. of Labor resource with detailed information on hundreds of careers
- O*Net (Occupational Information Network) – Another US Dept. of Labor career information resource with detailed information on hundreds of careers
Understand the Concept of “Behavioral Interviewing”
- Be able to “tell a story” of how you applied and/or developed specific skills to address and improve upon a challenging problem or situation. For more information, visit the Behavioral Interviewing information on our website.
Research Interview Questions & Answers and Other Tips
- Book: Knock ‘Em Dead: The Ultimate Job Search Guide by Martin Yate
- Websites:
Make extra copies of your resume, cover letter, and references page.
- Bring extra copies along with a writing pad and pen in a portfolio or case to the interview.
Be prepared to discuss every item on your resume.
- Market your qualifications for the job! Many interviewers ask you to expand on the information on your resume.
See a Career Services Career Counselor for a mock interview.
- Practice makes perfect. A mock or practice interview will put you more at ease with the interviewing process. Prepare for your mock interview by writing, and bringing with you, your answers to these standard interview questions.
