ALUMNI
Interviewing
An interview is basically a first impression. It is the time where an employer would like to meet you in person to find out if you are who they believe you are based on your networking or your résumé.
The most important thing to remember about an interview is to have and display your confidence. In most cases the interviewer knows fairly little about you or your ability—so they are "reading" you to find out if you are the most qualified candidate for their position. This unfortunately, often, has little to do with technical ability and more to do with how you answer a few questions. If you are confident in all your answers, then the "reader" will be more confident in you.
First impressions
Appearance
- Apparel should be appropriate—preferably a suit
- No gum, but you should have fresh breath
- No cell phones
Other
- Be early
- Have a good, semi-strong handshake
- Good phone etiquette on set up
- Be kind to the receptionist/secretary
Bring
- Copies of résumé
- Copies of reference sheet
- Calendar/planner
- Blank paper
Researching the Company
Research the company/school before you interview. There are many sources you can use to research an organization: Standard & Poor Register, The Wall Street Journal, Internet, placement office employer files, etc. If you cannot find the information you desire, call the organization and ask to have company brochures sent to you.
Know the Company!
- Their mission and vision
- Any recent news about them
Also, know your résumé. For the most part, this is all the information they have about you—if you don't know what it says, it reflects poorly on you.
Bring questions for the interviewer, generated by your research, to ask at the close of your interview. This list may be taken to the interview.
Follow-Up
Send a thank-you note to the interviewer, restating your interest in the position. This correspondence could be either a formal letter or a hand-written note card.
