Prepare for an Interview

Preparation is the key for successful interviewing. The type of information you need to prepare is about yourself and the organization with which you are interviewing.

Effective interviewing skills are a must! Many people will be competing with you to obtain the same position. Thus, it is critical not only to convince an employer that you can do the job, but that you can do the job better than the other candidates who are also competing for the same position. 

Below we provide all the interview information you will need from preparation to handling an offer and salary negotiation. We literally take you through each step to allow you to put your best foot forward!

Preparation for the Interview

A)    Know Yourself
In the interview, you will need to be able to present information about yourself in terms of your interests, skills and abilities. You may wish to meet with a career counselor for self assessment purposes. You will also need to review your past experiences and be ready to discuss how they specifically relate to the position for which you are applying.

B)   Know the Employer
You need to find out as much information as you can about the organization with which you are interviewing. Some of the basic information you will want to know is:

»        products or services provided
»        size
»        age of the organization
»        geographic location
»        financial standing
»        competitors
»        subsidiaries
»        opportunities for advancement
»        types of positions available
»        growth pattern
»        recent articles about the organization

There are a number of publications which can help you research a company or organization. Most can be found in a public or college library. Some of the publications can be found in the Office of Career Services. Among the most helpful resources are:

»         Thomas' Register of American Manufacturer
»         MacRae's Bluebook
»         Moody's Manual
»         Standard and Poor's Corporation Records
»         Dun & Bradstreet Reference Book
»         Poor's Register of Directors & Executives
»         Company Files (annual reports and brochures) – Office of Career Services
»         Employer Data Sheet Book – Office of Career Services
»         NACE Annual (National Association of Colleges and Employers)
»         The Wall Street Journal Index

Your preparation will enable you to identify and communicate what you have to offer an employer. It will also help you to develop a better understanding of how you would fit within the organization and what questions you need to ask to determine whether this is an appropriate workplace for you.  

C)   Additional Tips – Before the interview

»         Record the exact date, day, time, and place of the interview.
»         Be certain to obtain the interviewer's full name. Ask for the correct pronunciation if
           needed.
»         Prepare questions you want to ask the employer before the interview.
»         Plan to arrive at your designated location at least fifteen minutes early. Make sure you
           know how to get there.           
»         If you are not sure, get clear directions and a map.

D)   Interview Attire
It is very important to create the professional image you wish to project.

Women

Women should wear a suit or a solid color dress. The tailored suit is most preferable. The most accepted colors are navy, gray, and black. The blouse should be white; other light colors may also be acceptable. Hosiery should be a neutral color. Shoes, preferably pumps, can be black, blue, or gray. The heels should be low to medium. Jewelry should be limited; earrings kept to one matching pair. Use make-up conservatively. Nail polish should be clear or a neutral color, and nails kept relatively short. Hair should be well groomed. Perfume, if worn, should be minimal.

Men

Men should wear a tailored suit. The most accepted colors are black, navy, and gray. A conservative shirt and tie should be worn. Also, wear conservative black or brown shoes with dress over-the-calf socks. Men should be clean-shaven; aftershave, if any, should be minimal. Haircut should be conservative and well- groomed. Earrings on men are generally not recommended at interviews.

For more information about dressing for the interview and on the job, you can read Dress for Success by John T. Molloy. Additional books are available in the Career Services Office.