Have an interview coming up and need help preparing for it? Well...we at the Office of Career and Graduate School Connections got your back !

 

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First, you need to know the 5 different types of Interviews....

5 Types Of Interviews
Types What it is Tips

Phone

 An interview over the phone Treat the interview as if it is an in-person interview.

Skype

 An interview over the internet using the software application Skype Test your equipment prior to the interview and make direct eye contact with the webcam.

One-on-One

 The most common interview type Dress professionally and be aware of your body language.

Group

 An interview with multiple candidates Stand out! Let your personality shine, remember you are up against multiple people.

Panel 

 An interview where several members of a hiring company interview a candidate at the same time Stay calm and speak loudly and clearly. Bring several copies of your resume.

5 Types Of Interviews

  • Types:

    Phone


    What it is: An interview over the phone
    Tips: Treat the interview as if it is an in-person interview.

  • Types:

    Skype


    What it is: An interview over the internet using the software application Skype
    Tips: Test your equipment prior to the interview and make direct eye contact with the webcam.

  • Types:

    One-on-One


    What it is: The most common interview type
    Tips: Dress professionally and be aware of your body language.

  • Types:

    Group


    What it is: An interview with multiple candidates
    Tips: Stand out! Let your personality shine, remember you are up against multiple people.

  • Types:

    Panel 


    What it is: An interview where several members of a hiring company interview a candidate at the same time
    Tips: Stay calm and speak loudly and clearly. Bring several copies of your resume.

Mock Interviews

Don't let your real interview be your first! The best way to prepare for an interview is by first having a mock interview with one of our Career Development Specialists. First, you will complete an online, video interview using the Mock Interview app in Handshake. Once this is completed, you will come in for your in-person mock interview, where you will dress as if for a real interview, be interviewed by our staff based on a job description of your choosing, and receive feedback that will help you improve your performance before your job interview. With the Office of Career and Graduate School Connections, there is no reason to go into a job interview unprepared!

But...that's not the only way we can help you... Introducing the STAR Method.

This is a a method of responding to a behavioral-based interview question.

S- Describe the SITUATION that you were in. Give enough detail for the interviewer to understand.

T- Describe the TASK that you needed to accomplish.

A- Describe the ACTION you took. Don't tell what you might do - tell them what you actually did.

R- What was the RESULT? How did the situation end? What did you accomplish/learn?

Preparing for your interview

  • What to Do
    • Arrive to the interview 10-15 minutes early
    • Speak and answer questions clearly
    • Research the company prior to arriving to the interview
    • Always shake hands before and after an interview
    • Listen carefully to the person(s) name and correct pronunciation
    • Take your time when answering questions. If you need to take a brief pause to think about the question do so no more than 5 seconds
    • Keep your answers focused on employment
    • Sell yourself and experience in a positive way no one else can sell you
    • Be honest and be yourself
    • Ask questions at the end of the interview
    • Write a thank you letter promptly after the interview
  • What NOT to Do
    • Use slang or foul language
    • Arrive at an interview late
    • Call the interviewer by their first name
    • Avoid speaking about personal issues
    • Avoid lying about your experiences… Interviewers can read right through it
    • Take the interview casually it can be insulting to the interviewer and organization
    • Bring parents, friends, or pets to an interview
    • Lie on your job application or resume

Dress for Success

First impressions are made in the first 5 seconds. Always wear business attire, unless the employer tells you otherwise. A suit is always the interview uniform. (add a smile with a sprinkle of enthusiasm.) 

 Do’s and Don’ts of Dress for Success

  • What to Do
    • Make sure you clothes are nicely pressed
    • Lean towards the conservative side of style
    • Bring an extra tie, shirt, or pantyhose...just in case
    • Have good hygiene
    • SMILE, make eye contact, and have good posture
  • What NOT to Do
    • Over-Accessorize
    • Wear too gaudy, too short, or too tight clothing
    • Wear loud colors and printed fabrics
    • Use too much cologne/perfume
    • Slouch or cross your arms