Interviewing is the art of presenting yourself.

Whatever your GPA is, and whatever experience you have, if you aren't able to interview successfully, you won't get the job. Following are some tools designed to help you successfully interview and get the job you want--and then negotiate the very best job offer!

Put your best foot forward:

Practice good grooming habits for the interview -- present yourself as professional and polished -- remove piercings or visible tattoos for the interview. Look like you care if you get the job!

Guidelines for dressing for Interviews:

  • Men: clean shaven, neat hair, crisp shirt, pressed pants, polish shoes if appropriate, tie, fingernails groomed, and minimal cologne. Practice a firm, but not exaggerated handshake!
  • Women: neat hair, crisp shirt, pressed pants or skirt, fingernails groomed, light makeup, avoid excessive jewelry, and minimal perfume--add a scarf and voila!

Check out some interviewing advice that can assist you in preparation for this important meeting at College Central.

Prepare for your Interview

Before the Interview

  • Research, research, research!
  • Know the organization's major products/services.
  • Chain of command.
  • Appropriate salary ranges.
  • Job requirements of the position you are applying for.
  • Know your strengths.
  • Your long- and short-term goals
  • Prepare a list of questions to ask.
  • Prepare for questions recruiter may ask.
  • Confirm date, time and place of interview.
  • Practice. Contact Jon Tobin for information on how to use Interview Stream with the webcam on your computer to practice your interview skills and answer the same questions you would get in a real job interview.

During the Interview

  • Have an Interview Strategy
  • Dress appropriately; good grooming
  • Be on time (five minutes early)
  • Maintain eye contact.
  • Be pleasant and courteous.
  • No nervous habits (tapping foot, smoking, etc).
  • Allow interviewer to take the lead in questioning.
  • Select words carefully - take a few seconds to prepare an answer, and then respond.
  • Avoid slang.
  • Do not criticize past employer.
  • Maintain a positive attitude - no negatives.
  • Attempt to limit responses to 60 seconds each.
  • Attend to non-verbal cues.
  • Tell what you do well.
  • Say 'thank you'.

After the Interview