| On-campus interviews are a wonderful opportunity to meet with
employers in a familiar environment. While the campus setting
may be more comfortable than a traditional interview setting,
it is important to remember that it is still very much a formal
interview and should be treated as such. The following guidelines
have been established to assist you in preparing for your on-campus
interview. Please read the entire document or link to a particular
section of interest.
Interview Scheduling
Interview Preparation
Interview Attire
Questions Anyone?
The Big Day
Professional Job Search Conduct
Interview Scheduling
- If you submitted a resume for an on-campus interview through our on-line system InterView, it
is your responsibility to check your email frequently to determine
if you have been selected as an interview candidate.
- Upon receiving email notification of your selection for
an interview, promptly schedule your time through InterView.
Failure to schedule will forfeit your interview.
- You are expected to arrive 10 minutes early
to all on-campus interviews. Arriving too early may make an
interviewer feel as if they need to rush to accommodate your
arrival, while arriving late is disrespectful to the interviewer
and his/her time.
- Emergency conflicts must be reported to Ms. Jodie Stauffer
x4146 as soon as possible.
- Failure to follow the above scheduling guidelines will result
in a loss of on-campus interview privileges as it reflects
poorly upon the University and prevents genuinely interested
candidates from interviewing.
Interview Preparation
- Research the organization prior to your
interview. Be familiar with the organization and the position
description so you can ask and answer thoughtful and appropriate
questions.
- Prepare your questions for the interviewer
in advance. These questions should focus on the employer's
needs, rather than your own personal needs. A lack of questions
for the employer may indicate disinterest and poor preparation.
- Schedule a mock interview with the Center
for Career Services to practice prior to the actual interview.
- Review hardcopy and online resources that provide lists
of commonly
asked questions so you are prepared.
- Have extra, professional copies of your resume and references
ready.
Interview Attire
You want the interviewer to focus on you as a candidate, not the
flashy tie you are wearing or your dangling earrings. Remember,
less is more when it comes to accessories, jewelry and fragrances.
You never get a second chance to make a first impression; err
on the conservative side. Suits are appropriate for on-campus
interviews for both male and female candidates. Navy, charcoal
and black suits in classic cuts and styles are a good choice.
Pair the suit with a solid blouse or shirt in a neutral color.
When in doubt, please ask a member of the Center for Career Services
staff for guidance in appropriate attire.
Questions Anyone?
While it is impossible to determine each and every question you
may be asked in an interview setting, you can anticipate areas
that are frequently addressed. It is not uncommon for an interviewer
to start by asking the candidate to "Tell me about
yourself". Many candidates are stumped by this first
seemingly simple question. Most employers will also be interested
to learn "Why are you interested in this organization"
and "What do you know about our organization"?
This is where prior research becomes very important. The interviewer
will most likely also be interested in "What transferable
skills do you have to offer"? Be prepared to talk
about your past experiences and provide specific examples when
appropriate. Give yourself credit; while you may not have professional
experience, chances are you have internship, classroom, organizational,
community and/or athletic experience to draw upon. Employers often
ask candidates to "Identify strengths and possible
areas of improvement". Remember to keep things positive,
no one is perfect, but presentation is everything. It is also
important to have a "Career path or career goals
in mind". Be sure your goals are congruent with
the position that you are interviewing for and be prepared to
discuss these goals with the interviewer. If you do not know where
you are headed and how this position fits into your plan, the
interviewer will be puzzled as well.
You should also have questions prepared for the interviewer.
These questions should focus on what you can provide for the organization,
rather than what they can provide for you. It is your job to convince
the organization that you are the one they should hire. Prepare
these questions as you research the organization. Do not be the
first one to bring up the issue of salary and benefits, instead
use this time to demonstrate a sincere interest in the position
and the opportunity to learn about the organization. While it
is important for you to be informed and know what you are worth,
the purpose of an on-campus interview is to screen candidates.
The topic of salary and benefits will most likely be addressed
later in the process with candidates that have had multiple interviews
with the employer.
The Big Day
- Remember this is an interview. Do not ruin your professional
look by totting a backpack over your shoulder and ski jacket
over your suit. If you must bring these items with you, consider
placing them out of the way upon your arrival at the CfCS.
- No gum.
- No cell phones.
- Keep in mind that you may be observed by the interviewer prior
to the official start of the interview. If you are waiting in
the CfCS library, conduct yourself as you would in a company's
waiting room or lobby. This is not the time to catch up with
your peers as they pass by in the hallway. Be confident, but
don't be too comfortable.
- Consider bringing a plain portfolio or interview folder with you
to store extra copies of your resume, references, a tablet and pen.
- Body language is extremely important in an interview setting;
be prepared with a confident handshake, eye contact and attentive,
open posture.
- Always rise, if able, when meeting someone.
- Use appropriate titles. i.e. "It's a pleasure to meet you Mr.
Perez".
- Don't forget to ask about the next step in the search process.
If you are interested in the position, tell the employer by
expressing your enthusiasm in a professional manner.
- Follow-up with a thank you note within 24 hours. Use this
note to re-state your qualifications or include something you
may have missed during the interview. Use good judgment when
deciding whether to type, handwrite, email or mail your thank
you letter.
Professional Job Search Conduct
As a student you are expected to maintain professionalism in
your job search at all times. This includes providing accurate
information to employers in regard to academics and past positions,
interviewing only with employers in which you are truly interested
and withdrawing remaining job applications upon accepting an offer.
If you have questions regarding professional job search conduct,
please refer to National Association of Colleges and Employers
(NACE) publications available in the Center for Career Services
Office.
For questions about the interview sign-up
process, please call Ms. Jodie Stauffer at 570-372-4146.
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Career
& Major Decision-Making