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Career and Résumé Guide: Interviewing

Sources to research a career with resume writing information.

Before The Interview

The Four "Knows"

  1. Know Yourself
    Make a personal inventory list. Your strengths and weaknesses. What you want in a job and what you don't want.
  2. Know the employer
    Read any recruiting literature, Annual Reports, and company websites. 
  3. Know the interview procedure
    If you don't know what to expect, you won't be relaxed and natural. 
    Schedule a mock interview with Career Readiness. Prepare yourself using the Common Interview Questions.
  4. Make sure the interviewer knows about you
    Fill out the personal information form and other paperwork completely, neatly, and promptly. They give you and the interviewer the foundation for a mutually productive interview.

Common Interview Questions

When you "script" your answers to common interview questions, you actually write out answers to common questions prior to the interview. Scripting doesn't mean you simply memorize and regurgitate each answer.

It means you prepare: highlight a few points you would like to make and emphasize them throughout.

Selected Books

During the Interview

What Interviewers Look For

  • A lot of facts in a short time
    The interviewer needs enough information to make a decision as to whether the company should invite you to further interviews.
  • Your personality
    First impressions are important. They tell a lot about your poise, ability to communicate, and general social skills.
  • Your interests
    What you want to do and why you want to do it. Your career goals, interest in continuing education, geographic preference, and willingness to relocate.
  • Your qualifications
    Grade point average is important. So are work experience, extracurricular activities, and hobbies. But most important is how all these things relate to your career objectives.

Do & Don't

  • DO Talk about Yourself
    That's what the interview is for. When asked a question, don't just answer yes or no. Take the opportunity to elaborate on your career goals, interests and qualifications.
  • DO Be Honest
    Exaggerations or outright lies are usually attempts to hide some problem that will prevent a good student/company match.
  • DON'T Act
    Just be you. The only employer you will be happy working for is one that likes the real you.
  • DON'T Be Too Casual
    Remember you are interviewing for a professional position. BE ON TIME. Dress appropriately and have your thoughts and questions well organized.