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Interview preparation
Step 1- Research Accordion Closed
Learn about the organization before the interview so you can demonstrate knowledge of the position for which you are interviewing, the prospective employer, and the employer’s industry. This should include researching the organization’s services, products, departments, mission, locations, competitors and reputation. Finding current event information that pertains to the organization can also be useful- discussing your perspective of these events during an interview can display your industry knowledge and analytical thinking skills.
Step 2- Self-assessment Accordion Closed
What are your top skills and strengths? Be ready to express why you are the right person for the job by analyzing the job description and matching your skills, education, experience, and interests to the employer’s expectations. If you don’t have a complete job description, ask the employer to provide you with one before the interview. Prior to the interview, consider how well your experiences match specifics from the job description. Think about actual examples that you can share during the interview that demonstrate your abilities to fulfill the duties on the job description. Review the Behavioral Interview worksheet to help you prepare to answer questions using the STAR model.
Step 3- Create your own questions Accordion Closed
Typically you will have the opportunity to ask your own questions of the interviewer(s) towards the end of the interview. Prior to your interview, consider at least 3 questions that you would like to ask. Your questions should be designed to elicit helpful information for you and to show the employer your ability to inquire about thoughtful topics. Consider a questions that focuses not only on the job you are applying for but also shows your understanding of the larger organizational operation. Avoid questions that bring up topics such as salary, benefits or vacation time. These are issues that can be addressed when discussing compensation after you have been offered the job.
Step 4- Positive first impressions Accordion Closed
There are several ways that you can impress your potential employer before the interview begins:
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early for the interview. Do not arrive more than 15 minutes early as the employer may feel rushed to see you. Use the time prior to the interview to review the office environment. Does this organization seem to provide a good work culture?
- Greet everyone you meet prior to the interview professionally and with a smile. Often employees who are not part of the actual interview, such as front desk staff, will be asked for their impressions of you from casual introductions.
- Most interviews call for professional attire for men and women. Even though some organizations have casual dress policies in their work environments, dressing professionally when interviewing with these types of organizations is still appropriate as your attire will show that you are taking your interview seriously.