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Sweaty Palms No More: Interview Like a Pro

Interviewing skills are critically important to getting the job you want. Employers will take sharp notice of how you present yourself and answer their questions. If they don't like what they see or hear, they'll just move on to the next candidate. Interviewing takes practice, but the good news is that the more you practice, the better you’ll get and the more comfortable you will be. So, what do you do to practice?

First, you need to prepare by researching the company. There may be a lot of information out there. And sometimes you cannot possibly know it all. So, pick one thing and focus on that.

Here are some ideas:

• Read the “About us” section of the website.
• You should know what the company does, what products or services it delivers and what clients or customers it serves.
• Check recent press releases so you are up on the company news.
• If it’s a publicly traded company, check the stock price.

Second, you need to prepare by practicing answers to possible questions the interviewer will ask by setting up a mock interview with Career Services. There is no way to practice for the exact questions, but what you are really doing is becoming familiar with your experiences, so that when you are asked a question, it is easier to recall an example that will fit.

You should focus on your strengths and weaknesses and any challenges you have faced. Employers want to hear concrete examples from your past that transfer or relate to the skills the job requires. These examples can come from work, volunteer, organizational, or classroom experiences. The point of the interview is to show the employer what qualifications you have, how they relate to the position and how you will benefit the company.

Here are some tips for the day of the interview:

• Be confident and enthusiastic
• Make sure clothes are pressed and ready to go a couple days before
• Wear a conservative business suit
• Have directions
• Shower – don’t wear perfume or cologne
• Arrive 15 minutes early
• Expect to make small talk and build rapport
• Always ask questions – it helps to show your interest

Finally, always write a thank-you letter within two days after the interview. Remember, you must sell yourself. If you don’t, no one else will. Please stop by Career Services to pick up our interviewing handout with a list of practice questions and to set up a mock interview with a career counselor.

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