Career Services
| Types of Interviews | How can Career Services help? |
| There are many different types of interviews that you might encounter during your job search. These include: |  |
 Phone interviewsOn-campus interviewsCareer fairsOn-site interviews |
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| It doesn't matter which type of interview you have scheduled. You will have the most success when you are prepared. |
Phone Interviews
A phone interview is often used to prescreen applicants before inviting them to an on-site interview. These interviews are usually short - around 30 minutes - and are mostly likely with one person. The questions asked will be similar to the ones used at an on-site interview. The purpose of a phone interview is to get enough information to decide if they want to invite you to an on-site interview. They are often done when travel is required for the onsite interview. The following are suggestions for how to conduct a more effective phone interview.
- Use a land line phone instead of a cell phone. Then you do not need to worry about signal strength.
- Sit at a desk or table where you can sit up straight and take notes if necessary.
- Dress up as if this were an in-person interview. This will help you feel more confident and professional.
- Make sure you take the call someplace quiet where you will not be disturbed
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An on-campus interview is an in-person interview that takes place here in Career Services. It is a short interview that usually lasts 30 - 60 minutes. It is used as a screening process to decide who should be invited to an on-site interview.
To participate in on-campus interviews here at the University you need to do the following:
- Register with Career Services and MonsterTrak - our online job database
- Attend an On-Campus Recruiting (OCR) orientation session or view the presentation on line
Go to the On-Campus Recruiting page for more information on how to participate.
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Career Fairs
Yes, Career Fairs can be considered a type of interview. You have a very brief opportunity to make a good first impression, learn about a variety of companies and find out what steps you need to take to get a longer interview. For more information about career fairs, take a look at our career fair online presentation.
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On-Site Interviews
These types of interviews can vary significantly. Some may last for just an hour and others could be more than one day. If you need to travel a distance the interview will usually be longer. The employer will want to accomplish everything in this one trip. A local on-site interview may be shorter because the employer can ask you to return. Usually a tour of the facility is conducted and you will have the opportunity to meet potential supervisor(s), coworkers, manager(s), and even executives. You will have the opportunity to observe the corporate environment, ask questions, provide more in-depth information about your skills etc., and evaluate the community. Here are some things you should remember for an on-site interview:
- You can request an interview agenda: Usually an on-site interview includes being interviewed by several people. Sometimes you meet with each interviewer separately and sometimes you meet with a group of people. An agenda lets you know of the length of time and nature of these interviews, as well as the names and positions of those conducting the interviews.
- Ask about additional activities: Sometimes at an on-site interview you may need to take a test. This should be listed on the agenda but you should ask about the details of any activities so that you can better prepare for them.
- Ask if you need to bring any materials: You should plan to bring copies of your resume, a list of your references and your portfolio, if you have one. You should also ask whether you need to bring any other materials (e.g., writing samples, course project, transcript, company application, research).
- Travel Expenses: If you need to travel any distance to an interview, there are other issues you need to clarify such as travel arrangements, etc.
Schedule a Mock Interview
View our presentation on interviewing
Register for On-Campus Recruiting
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| Contact Us | |
| Science Library G-50 | Phone: 518-437-4900 |
| Fax: 518-437-4906 | Email: career@uamail.albany.edu |