Preparing for an Interview

Preparation is the most important part of your job or internship interview. You can maximize your interview success with advance planning, self assessment, and interview practice. Review and complete the following 10 planning activities before your job or internship interview.

1. Knowledge of yourself: know yourself in terms of skills, interests, values, and future aspirations.
2. Career direction: well-defined goals, confidence in pursuing a chosen field of interest, and realistic plans for advancement.
3. Communication skills: ability to deliver ideas, clear and concise answers, and verbal animation.
4. Qualifications: be aware of and able to communicate specific academic training, leadership experience, critical thinking skills, and extracurricular involvement.
5. Maturity: demonstrated by poise, optimism, appearance, and tone of voice.
6. Professionalism: communicate a strong work ethic, high moral values, and integrity.
7. Execute a game plan: prepare to “sell yourself” in terms of relating your interests, skills, and goals.
8. Conduct a mock interview with a recruiter, career counselor, former employer, or even a friend — this is the key to success!
9. Do not memorize answers, but know how to communicate the contents of your resume and your top reasons for pursuing the opportunity.
10. Write down 25 words that describe you prior to the interview — be familiar with these self-descriptors and feel comfortable delivering them in the interview: “I am: motivated, confident, dedicated, loyal, a problem solver, a team player, ethical, etc.”

Company Research

Conducting thorough company research is vital to an effective interview. Employers view researching the company as a critical factor in applicant evaluation because it demonstrates the candidate’s interest and enthusiasm for their company.

Where to Find this Information

There are several resources available to find the information on the forms above. In addition to the organization’s website, The Career Center recommends using any of the sites highlighted here: The following resources can help you research companies:

• Factiva, Market Insight, Hoovers, VAULT, etc.: There are several online sites that will provide company reviews, main competitors, and additional industry and company information. Most charge a fee, so you may want to inquire at your local library about accounts they may have with these vendors.

• Company Website: Although biased, company websites are a great starting point in researching companies. Find out the basics: size, locations, products, services, history, investor information, etc. While this may be a good starting point, be sure not to make it your only stop when researching companies.

• Current and Former Employees: Why not speak with individuals who have actually worked there in order to get a true view of the company. The good, bad, and the ugly will come out – but at least you will be making your decision with the most information possible.

• Professional Associations: Associations will honor companies in their field who excel in their specific field. Check out professional associations to see if a company you are considering has been celebrated in the past or if there are any cautions posted about said company.

• Better Business Bureau: We often forget about this organization when researching companies, why not contact them to find out if there have been any complaints filed against the company or if the organization is recognized by the bureau for its business practices.