Home >> Guides >> Interviewing

Interviewing

Different Types of Interviews:

Behavioral Interviewing: The premise behind behavioral interviewing is that the most accurate predictor of future performance is past performance in a similar situation.
Informational Interviewing: An informational Interview is an interview that you initiate -- you ask the questions. These are conversations with people who are currently working in your field of interest.

Know Yourself: Know how to reply to possible interview questions.
Know the Organization: Read the catalog for more information on the organization's strengths and mission. Learn what interview format is being used.
Know What Employers Look For: Employers want you, as a university graduate, to have demonstrated ability in these five skill areas.
Know the Topic.: Read up on current events, social, and ethical issues.
Practice: Take the time to practice interviewing, either with friends or with the Mock Interview program.
Know How to Handle Illegal Questions: An interviewer may ask some questions regardless of their legality.
Anticipate Difficult Questions: How can you explain your low grade point average? Why did you change your major three times? Don't try to avoid these questions or "beat around the bush." Explain the situation honestly and in a positive manner. Try to turn a weakness into a strength, for example, "Yes, my GPA is low, but this is because I worked thirty hours per week to put myself through school."
Prepare Questions for Your Interviewer: The end of the interview is usually reserved for your questions. Do not just ask generic questions, and do not ask questions that could easily be found in company literature. Ask questions that will help you determine if you are a good match for the position and organization.

Dress: conservatively and neatly.
Arrive: a bit early or right on time. If you must cancel, make sure you give as much advance notice as possible. If you are going to be late, call. Don't chew gum or bring soda/pop or food with you into the interviewer's office. (If you must, bottled water with a cap is fine.)
Greet: the interviewer appropriately and with a firm handshake.
Sit: up straight and use correct body language.
Look: at your interviewer directly as much as possible. Eye contact, eye contact, eye contact.
Listen, Think, Answer.
Avoid: discussing issues of a sensitive nature, taking control of the interview, answering more than just the question asked, asking personal questions of the interviewer.
Ask: questions about the school/company and the application process when queried at the end of the interview.
Thank: the interviewer with a closing handshake and follow up with a written note.