Employers gravitate toward candidates who have clear career direction and are able to articulate what they want. Present you career objective in relationship to the needs of their organization.

 

Check the day, date, time and location of your interview and remember to arrive at least fifteen minutes early. If you are not familiar with the location, look it up on MapQuest.com, Google maps, or get directions from the employer. If you have time physically look for the building the day before. This will better prepare you for possible delays and make you more comfortable the day of the interview. If you can’t do this make sure to give yourself ample time for such things as traffic, getting lost, road construction, etc. First impressions can make it or break it and arriving late is an unnecessary risk.

Create the most professional look possible. Remember you are presenting the "professional you." Your appearance should indicate that you are the top candidate.

 

Become knowledgeable about prospective employers, job titles, the industry and the current market. Create a list of potential employers and check out their websites and unbiased resources. Your research may generate good questions to ask the employer and will show your knowledge, interest and enthusiasm for the opportunity.

Don’t expect to be an expert interviewee without anticipating questions and organizing your thoughts. Rehearse, role-play and tape yourself. The Career Services Office provides mock interviews for students. During a mock interview a career advisor will ask you questions as if you were in a real interview. You can also be videotaped so that you can review the interview and see what areas you should focus on improving.

First interviews are typically screening interviews and may be conducted in person through the Internet or over the telephone. Regardless of the method used or the type of interviewer, your goal is always the same – to present yourself in the most positive, promotional and professional manner possible. Be ready to deliver your customized “One-Minute Commercial” at a moments notice.

 

Ask Questions, show that you are interested in the company and the position that you are interviewing for.

 

Periodically follow up in order to reconfirm your interest in the position. Also remember to send the employer a thank you letter within 24 hours after the interview. The letter should be sincere and professional looking. Let the employer know that you enjoyed meeting with them and you appreciate their time and consideration. Only about 10% of candidates ever do this, so it can really make you stand our above the rest.

 

 

 

  

Although it may seem like accepting or denying an offer would be the easiest part of your search it is actually a critical process that requires a great deal of patience and attention. Here are some important things to remember.