Research the organization so you can ask intelligent questions and show specifically why you are interested in and qualified for the position. Practice answering probable questions, including those about yourself. Select clear examples of your experiences and accomplishments that relate to tasks or skills required in the position. (In response to a question such as "Have you ever ___", or "Tell me about a time when you ___", try the STAR method - briefly describe the situation, your task, your actions, and the results.) Prepare good questions to ask. Practice all of this at an Interview Workshop offered by the Center for Career Development.

When arranging the interview, ask the name and title of the individual(s) meeting with you, as well as the length of time you should plan on being there. Will you meet with people one at a time or in a group? Get directions and practice getting there, if necessary. Plan your wardrobe and grooming. First impressions are important - and frequently irreversible!

On the Day of the Interview

Arrive ten minutes early. Be very polite to office staff. Offer a firm handshake and maintain eye contact with the interviewer. Find out how the interviewer prefers to be addressed. Do not use first names unless invited to.

Avoid eating, drinking, chewing gum, or smoking - even when offered - as it may be distracting. Do not place anything on the interviewer's desk. Ask for business cards to facilitate sending your thank-you letter. Sit comfortably and avoid nervous habits. Speak distinctly, using proper business English. Smile and laugh when appropriate. Appear interested, motivated, and ambitious, with a genuine desire for the specific position. Show enthusiasm and sell yourself by discussing your accomplishments through specific examples that are relevant to the employer's needs.

Listen to the interviewer(s) and don't monopolize the conversation. Be sure to answer the entire question that has been asked. Don't be afraid of a little silence as you collect your thoughts. Be prepared with questions for the interviewer. Be sure you have a complete picture of what you would actually be doing if hired. As you conclude, express appreciation for the interview and reiterate your interest in the position. Inquire as to what happens next, so you know when and if you will be contacted.

After the Interview

Evaluate the experience. Jot down anything you might want to remember for the next interview at this organization or another. Within 48 hours, send a brief thank-you letter including any additional information the interviewer might have requested. Reiterate your interest in the position/organization and mention anything important that you forgot to say in the interview. Thank the interviewer for his/her time and courtesy. Send a letter to the person who invited you to the interview and the person who has the power to hire and supervise you. You may also mention the name(s) of others involved in the interview and thank them as well.

The letter can be brief - about three short paragraphs, and should never exceed one page. Remember the real purposes of the letter - to sincerely express your appreciation for the interviewer's time, as well as to confirm your interest in the position available. Always close the letter with some reference to future contact. The letter should use a business format, be typewritten on good quality bond paper and be free of errors.

Negotiating Offers

If you are not certain that you should accept an offer, express interest and appreciation, find out the salary and other compensation, and ask for time to consider the offer and to develop any further questions you may have. It is best to discuss your hesitations with an adviser, mentor, or career counselor.

Sample Interview Questions

Types of questions an interviewer might ask:

1. Tell me about yourself. (Practice one-minute and two-minute versions - this is your sales pitch!)
2. What are your greatest strengths? ...weaknesses? (Any weakness must have a solution in progress.)
3. Why are you interested in this position? (You had better know what the position entails.)
4. What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment? (May show your perseverance.)
5. What career goals have you set? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? (Not just using us, are you?)
6. What do you know about our organization and why did you choose it? (You had better know a lot!)
7. If you could begin college again, what would you do differently? (Show new insights and growth.)
8. What experiences have prepared you for this position? (Give very specific examples.)
9. What do you value most in your working experience? (Every job has taught you something valuable.)
10. What is your philosophy of business (or teaching, or nursing, or management, etc.)?
11. Are you interviewing with other employers? (Only with employers like this one, for jobs like this one!)
12. Why did you choose to get your degree at Adelphi? (Answer had better relate to program - not location.)
13. What future training do you plan to further your career? (Some employers value this - some don't.)
14. What was your most significant contribution during your last job or internship? (Better think about this.)
15. What do you do in your spare time? (You are an interesting person, right? Not a couch potato!)
16. What activities did you pursue in college? (Mention the sports, jobs, volunteering, and good grades!)
17. Do you belong to any community organizations? (Good ways to acquire related skills.)
18. What is your management style? (Think about your own experiences. Do some research.)
19. Are you willing to travel as part of your job? (Be flexible, but don't say yes if you absolutely won't.)
20. Would you be willing to relocate if your employer required it? (It might be necessary in your field.)
21. Do you speak any foreign languages? (This would make you valuable to most employers.)
22. Tell me about your computer skills? (You had better have some. If not, start learning now!)
23. Tell me about reports you have written and how they were received by your supervisor or professor.
24. How did you choose this as a career? (Personal story okay here. "Don't know" won't do.)
25. Which of your previous jobs have you liked the best? ...the least? (Never disliked any job or person.)
26. What was the most difficult decision you have ever had to make (other than choosing a college)?
27. How would you value a company or a stock? (Yes, practice the technical questions, too!)
28. If a clock says 3:15, what is the angle between hour and minute hands? (A brainteaser or stress question.)

Questions you might ask the interviewer:

1. Could you describe the typical career path for this position?
2. What would you consider the most important aspects of this job?
3. To whom will I report?
4. What are the skills and attributes you value most for someone being hired for this position?
5. If hired, how would I get feedback on my performance?
6. Where have successful employees previously in this position progressed to within the company?
7. Could you describe a typical day or week in this position? ...the typical client/customer?
8. What are the major responsibilities of this position?
9. What do you see as the key challenges facing a person in this position?
10. What are the current major goals of the organization?
11. What is your timeline in filling this vacancy?
12. This organization recently _______ (use your research here). How is this affecting the organization?
13. What are the greatest strengths of this organization/company?

Practice answering the tough questions at one of our Interview Workshops. Call 516.877.3130 to register.

Follow up with an individual videotaped mock interview.