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Prepare for your Mock Interview
Prior to Your Interview
1. Telephone or visit the Career Development Center to make a mock interview appointment.
2. Write down the date and time of your interview so you don’t forget!
3. E-mail a copy of your resume to the counselor/interviewer so that s/he receives it at least 3 school days prior to the interview. (Rough drafts are acceptable.) Also, submit with your resume, a description of the position (or type of position) for which you want to be interviewed.
4. Be prompt on the day of your interview and dress appropriately. (professional dress)
5. Thoroughly read the expectations and preparation tips provided in this guide.
6. Visit the CDC online at http://careers.appstate.edu for more resources on interview and resume preparation, including sample questions!
7. If you have any questions, call the CDC at 262-2180.
BECAUSE OF THE DEMAND FOR MOCK INTERVIEWS, IF YOU MISS YOUR SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT, YOU ARE NOT GUARANTEED AVAILABILITY FOR RE-SCHEDULING.
Interview Basics: What We Look For
-Resume provided (submitted prior to the interview date, just as an employer would expect)
-Arrive 10-15 minutes early
-TURN OFF YOUR CELL PHONE PRIOR TO ARRIVING AT THE CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER
-Dress appropriately for type of position for which you are interviewing
-Greet interviewer properly (handshake, use interviewer’s name)
-Utilize appropriate non-verbal communication skills: body language, posture, eye contact
-Show enthusiasm, confidence and sincerity
-Speak clearly and use proper grammar
-Listen to the interviewer
-Do your homework: research your desired career field & position thoroughly
-Sell yourself!
-Know yourself: interests, skills, strengths, weaknesses and career goals
-Know your resume (and portfolio if applicable); be prepared to discuss any contents
-Give specific examples to support your statements
-Ask relevant & appropriate questions
-Summarize the main points at the end of the interview
-Seek clarification regarding follow-up procedures
Do Not...
-Be late
-Be absent
-Dress or groom inappropriately
-Talk too much
-Talk too little
-Be vague
-Be overconfident
-Oversell your case
-Try to be funny
-Criticize yourself or undervalue your background
-Be negative
-Become emotional
Appropriate Attire
Another part of the interview preparation involves your appearance. The way you look and dress can say as much to an employer as the words you use. This is very important and should be decided upon well before an interview. Avoid extremes in appearance, and dress appropriately for your particular career or work setting. When in doubt, it’s definitely safer to err on the conservative side. You will not offend anyone if you wear a business suit, but you may seriously hamper your chances for a job if you appear too casual.
For men, a well-tailored, dark suit, conservative shirt and tie are generally acceptable. Excessive facial hair and/or long hair can produce strong negative reactions. For women, a well-tailored suit and blouse or a conservative dress is favored. Short skirts, low necklines, trendy outfits and excessive makeup and accessories can create negative impressions. Strong colognes and perfumes should be avoided as well.
Interview Points to Remember
ANALYZE STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES. In preparing for interviews, start by doing some solid, honest self-assessment. Analyze your strengths and weaknesses, your background, your academic performance, your career interest and your aspirations and values. In other words, begin to formulate in your own mind, not only what you would like to do but also what you feel you are best prepared to do. Be ready to clearly describe how and why your skills, knowledge, background and experiences have made you a good candidate for your desired career position.
RESEARCH YOUR CAREER FIELD. Gain as much information as you can by exploring related texts and web sites, and networking with professionals and alumni whose major was the same as yours.
RESEARCH EMPLOYERS. Study your prospective employers. It is imperative that you have some knowledge about policies, operations, company structures, philosophies, products and services. Be prepared to express how and why one particular company is a best fit for you. Failure to do your homework (both research and self-reflection) before an interview can be the “kiss of death.” Nothing turns recruiters off faster.
DRESS IN GOOD TASTE. Although most employers are becoming more liberal in their standard of dress and appearance, let basic good taste be your guide. With some employers, appearance could be the deciding factor. The question you have to ask yourself is “How important is it?”
BE YOURSELF, BUT SELL YOURSELF! Your attitude is going to influence the interviewer’s evaluation from the moment that they set eyes on you. Don’t try to be something you aren’t… just be yourself. Emphasize your best selling points and remember that the recruiter is looking for inherent personal energy and enthusiasm. The interview is your opportunity to sell a product and that product is you!
DWELL ON THE POSITIVE. While past failures and shortcomings need not be volunteered, don’t try to cover them up or sidestep them. Should recruiters ask about them, try to explain the circumstances rather than give excuses or blame others. Remember, they are human too, and have probably made a few mistakes. You will create a better impression by being honest and candid provided you remain positive.
ASK QUESTIONS-WHEN INVITED. When appropriate, ask meaningful questions, particularly if you are not clear about the details of the job, training programs, or other job-related concerns.
DETERMINE FOLLOW-UP PROCEDURES. Never leave an interview without determining what the next steps (both your’s and the employer’s) will be. Inquire about the timeline of an employer’s search process, and when you should expect to hear from them. Be sure to ask for business cards from all interviewers so that you have contact information for further correspondence. Immediately follow-up with thank you letters. Provide whatever credentials, references or transcripts are requested by the prospective employer as soon as possible.
USE THE CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER. For more detailed and personalized advice visit us on the third floor of John E. Thomas Hall, 262-2180.
Adapted from the College Placement Council’s pamphlet. “The Campus Interview.”
