INTERVIEWING

All of your time spent working on your resume, the gruelling process of composing a convincing cover letter for each position, the networking with friends, relatives, neighbours and faculty, and the repeated emails and phone calls leads to one goal: getting the interview with the company of your choice. It is important to maximize these meetings and conversations. This guide is designed to help you prepare for these encounters. Remember that a moderate amount of anxiety associated with the interview process is good. Following these guidelines will increase your effectiveness in the interview. Remember, the employer is actually on your side. She\he has a need and has every reason to hope that you will fill it.

Purpose of an Interview It is important to remember that the purpose of the interview is two-fold:

(1) Employer needs to find out if you are the best candidate for the job.

Can you do the job?

• Do you have the appropriate background, including education, skills, and experience?
• Do you have the expertise needed to make you "stand out?"
• Are you able to learn and adapt? Will you do the job?
• Do you want to work for this company, or do you simply see it as a stepping-stone?
• Are you aware of and honest about your future goals and plans?
• Are you motivated and eager to learn?

Will you do the job?

• Do you want to work for this company, or do you simply see it as a stepping-stone?
• Are you aware of and honest about your future goals and plans?
• Are you motivated and eager to learn?

Will you fit in?

• Do you work well with others?
• How do you respond to supervision and criticism?
• Do you have the skills to balance where their team is currently weak?

(2) You need to find out if this is a good opportunity for you.

• What do I want my typical workday to look like?
• What are my career goals for the next five years?
• What kind of work schedule do I want?
• What kind of work setting do I want?
• Am I willing to relocate?