Career Services Interviewing for Alumni

The resume and cover letter will get you the interview, but it is the interview that will land you the job. It is essential that your prepare yourself for the interview. The interview is an opportunity for you to learn whether the position fits your job preferences as well as for the company to determine whether you fit their qualifications. The interview should be regarded as a dialogue rather than a one-sided conversation. It is important to listen carefully to determine the interviewer's idea of the most important qualifications. Give examples that prove you have those qualifications and that you will succeed in the job. Be sure you are clear, concise and enthusiastic during the interview.

Use the links below to learn about the entire interview process. If you would like to meet with a career counselor to discuss the interview process or to schedule a mock interview, please contact Career Services.

Interview Preparation

Analyze the position. Review the job description so you understand the required job duties and qualifications. Be prepared to discuss and provide examples about how your skills and background fit the qualifications for the position.
Research the company/organization. Learn about the employer’s mission, products/services, culture, and industry reputation.
Research the industry/career field. Learn about the issues or major news related to the career field.
Practice, Practice, Practice! Know your skills and qualifications and be prepared to talk about them. Use the list of sample interview questions and tips listed below. Schedule an appointment with a career counselor for a mock interview to practice your interviewing skills and get feedback.
Prepare your 60 Second Commercial. Use this strategy to answer the interview question “Tell me about yourself”, to introduce yourself at a career fair, to network at a professional event or to mingle at a party. Please see the 60 Second Commercial handout for more information on creating your own unique advertisement. Also, check out this great free site offered by the Harvard Business School which helps you develop your 60 Second Commercial, also known as your Elevator Pitch: www.alumni.hbs.edu/careers/pitch
Map out directions to the interview site. If possible do a trial run to determine what route you will take,how long the drive will be and where you will park.

Dress for Success

Appearance is the first thing you communicate to others. Appropriate dress can be one of the most important factors in your job search. Your appearance creates an impression that can complement your credentials and give you an extra edge over other qualified candidates. Regardless of what you will wear if you get the job, you should dress for the interview in a manner that the employer assumes is the best you will look.

WOMEN

Wear a suit. Even though you might think you will never wear a suit again, you should still wear a suit. You may be surprised at how much use you will get out of that suit. Don’t have a suit? It’s time to buy one. Can’t afford a suit? Borrow one (as long as it properly fits).
Pant suit or skirt suit. If you choose to wear a skirt suit make sure the skirt length is to your knees. Also, if you wear a skirt be sure to wear skin-colored hosiery – no bare legs.
Solid color button down shirt.
Tasteful accessories (small earrings, one ring per hand maximum).
Keep color-treated hair updated.
Well-groomed fingernails. If you choose to wear fingernail polish, keep it a conservative color and be sure there are no chips in the polish.
Makeup should be neat/refined.
Polished, dress shoes.
Iron your clothes.
Your scent should leave the room when you do, so go easy on the perfume.

MEN

Wear a suit. Even though you might think you will never wear a suit again, you should still wear a suit. You may be surprised at how much use you will get out of that suit. Don’t have a suit? It’s time to buy one. Can’t afford a suit? Borrow one (as long as it properly fits).
Solid color button down shirt.
Conservative tie. Avoid cartoon characters, less-than-serious graphics or theme ties.
No distracting jewelry.
Socks must match pants.
Hair length should be appropriate and hair should be clean and well groomed.
Well trimmed facial hair.
Polished, dress shoes. Make sure the color of your shoes matches the color of your belt.
Iron your clothes.
Your scent should leave the room when you do, so go easy on the cologne.

During the Interview

Carry these items to the interview: several copies of your resume on quality paper, copies of your references, professional looking portfolio to take notes and carry your resumes/references, directions to the interview site. If possible, leave your cell phone in the car.
Upon arrival: arrive 10-15 minutes before the interview, treat the receptionist with respect, check your appearance in the restroom, take along a breath mint, try to relax and take a few deep breaths.
Be aware of your disposition. Greet everyone you meet with a smile, good eye contact and a firm handshake. Always be aware of your nonverbal behavior. Maintain a relaxed, but professional posture and a positive tone of voice. Show excitement for the position.
Listen and relax! Enjoy the conversation and listen carefully by focusing and giving the interviewer your full attention.
Think before you speak. Before you answer a question, take a deep breath, organize your thoughts, be sure you understand the question, and clearly communicate your response.
It is ok to ask for a minute to think about a question. It is perfectly acceptable to pause for a moment to collect your thoughts before responding to a question. Simply say to the interviewer “May I have a minute to think about that.” Interviewers would rather you take a minute to think about your response and give a well thought out answer, rather than have you ramble on because you didn’t take enough time before responding. If you are really stumped on a question it is ok to ask, “Can we return to that question later?”
Be specific and give examples. Do not diminish past experiences. It adds to your credibility when you can give specific examples with a few strong points.
Be honest. Under no circumstances is it ever acceptable to make up an answer or embellish the truth. See #6 above is you are struggling with a response or an example.

After the Interview

Collect business cards from each interviewer. This ensures you have the correct contact information for sending a thank-you and for asking follow-up questions after the interview.
Evaluate your performance. What parts of the interview went well? What parts need improvement? Be sure to address the areas for improvement to ensure that it goes better during the next interview.
Thank the interviewer. Always write a thank-you note to the interviewer. Send a letter within 1-2 days to each person you met with. If you are limited by time, an e-mail thank you is acceptable; otherwise a handwritten note is better. This is your opportunity to remind the interviewer of your great qualities, share something you may have forgotten to share in the interview, and again express your interest and enthusiasm for the position.

Behavioral-Based Questions

The basic premise of behavioral-based interviews is that past behavior predicts future performance. Behavioral-based interviewing is designed to minimize personal impressions that can affect the hiring decision by focusing on your actions and behaviors rather than subjective impressions. These types of questions are structured to obtain specific, behavioral examples. Recall situations that highlight favorable behaviors or actions. Utilize the PAR technique to help you highlight relevant pieces of your example and give structure
to you answer.

P = Problem: Describe a problem, challenge or situation. What was the situation? What needed to be done?
A = Action: Explain the action you took, individually or as part of a group - focus on skills you used. Give sufficient detail in discussing the steps taken to resolve the situation.
R = Results: Share the results, quantifying if possible. What happened? What was the result or outcome? What did you accomplish or learn?

Examples of Behavioral-Based Questions

What accomplishment has given you the greatest satisfaction?
What is the toughest challenge you have faced?
Tell me about the position that has given you the most satisfaction.
How do you work under pressure?
When have you failed?
How do you deal with conflict?
Describe a stressful situation that demonstrated your coping skills.
Describe a situation where you had to do several tasks at the same time.
Tell me about a time:
- When you had a major problem and explain how you dealt with it.
- When you made a poor decision and how you corrected it.
- When you had to adapt to a difficult work situation.
- When you worked with someone you disliked and how you handled the situation.
- When you worked as part of a team and one team member wasn’t carrying his or her weight.
- When you had to exert leadership in a crisis situation.
- When you had to persuade someone to your point of view.
- When you had to overcome disappointment.
- When you went above and beyond expectations.

Sample Interview Questions

Click here for a list of sample interview questions.

For industry specific sample interview questions, visit SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management).

Questions to Ask the Interviewer

Typically at the end of the interview, the interviewer will ask you if you have any questions. You should ALWAYS have questions prepared to ask the interviewer. If you don’t have questions prepared you might damage your chance of a successful interview. This is your opportunity to gain valuable information to determine if this position and organization are a good fit for you. We advise that you prepare 3-5 questions to ask the interviewer.

Topics to avoid asking questions about include: salary/benefits, information about the organization that is readily available on the web site or brochures, personal questions, and questions that have already been answered during the course of the interview.

Topics to consider asking questions about include: specific questions about the position or organization, qualities and skills the employer is looking for in candidates, advancement and promotion, and training programs.

Click here for a list of possible questions to ask the interviewer.

GOOD LUCK!