Career Services
| The Day of the Interview | How can Career Services help? |
You have completed your research, planning, and practice for your interview and now the big day approaches. The following information will help you as you move through the interview day. You can use the interview checklist to help you get ready.
- Does your suit need to be dry cleaned?
- Is your shirt/blouse cleaned and pressed?
- Are your shoes shined?
- Men: Do you have clean dark socks?
Women: Do you have 2 pairs of pantyhose with no runs?
On the morning of your interview pay special attention to your grooming. Many cultures have different expectations about grooming. You must meet or exceed the expectations of your interviewer. In the United States that means you are expected to shower, wear deodorant and wear clean clothes. Men should shave or trim their beards/mustaches. Women should wear minimal, subtle makeup and jewelry. Everyone should wear subtle cologne. Brush your teeth and use mouthwash. The goal is for the interviewer to remember you for your skills and personality, not your cologne. If possible, remove jewelry from piercings and cover tattoos. It is acceptable to have earrings if they are subtle. If this is a concern, you should ask what the company policy is towards tattoos and piercings before you accept a job.
Top Make sure you arrive in the office of your first interviewer 10 minutes before the interview is scheduled to begin. Do not expect them to meet with you early, however, and do not show any impatience if they are late. If you have to travel any distance, you may want to be in the vicinity of the office building 45 minutes in advance. This will give you extra time in case of heavy traffic or if you get lost. if you get there early you can review your questions. If you decide to get a cup of coffee, make sure to bring your toothbrush for afterwards.
Once you arrive at the building the interview process has begun. You can be judged by how you behave with parking attendants, receptionists, and security guards. Greet everyone you meet with courtesy. Receptionists and secretaries often have input into hiring decisions. This is good advice for life, too.
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The interview process itself usually begins with introductions. Be sure to make a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. Greet everyone by name. If you are not sure how to pronounce someone's name or were not sure you heard it correctly, ask them to repeat their name and then repeat it back.
The interviewers may start with some small talk to break the ice but will quickly move to their interview questions. An interview should go back and forth like a conversation, and it is OK to ask them questions relating to the topics you discuss. They should take the lead during this part of the interview, however. When they have asked all of their questions, they should give you an opportunity to ask yours. Feel free to ask them questions that you have prepared.
When answering questions be sure to
- Never speak negatively about former employers
- Listen carefully and take your time answering
- Speak clearly and concisely
- Emphasize your strengths
- Discuss your weaknesses only when asked, and then do so in a positive light
- Avoid personal issues in your answers/examples
- Never use slang or incorrect grammar
For more information about questions see Sample Questions
Top At the end of the interview you should ask the interviewer what the next step is in the interview process. You should also ask him or her when you will hear from them. Let them know that you're interested in the job and that you feel you would be an excellent candidate. Do not presume that you will be made an offer, however. You should show confidence, not arrogance. You could say something like;
"I think I would be able to contribute a lot to your department, Ms. Smith. I hope you will consider giving me that opportunity."
Make sure you get business cards from everyone with whom you have interviewed so that you have the correct spelling of their names for thank-you letters.
Once you have left the parking lot, your interview is over and you can now relax. Do something to celebrate!
How can Career Services help?
Schedule a Mock Interview
View our presentation on interviewing
Check our list of workshops
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| Contact Us | |
| Science Library G-50 | Phone: 518-437-4900 |
| Fax: 518-437-4906 | Email: career@uamail.albany.edu |