Interviewing Success

Stand above other applicants — Be prepared!

Review this Interview Checklist and follow these steps for success.

Step 1: Research the Company

Know the company or organization well! Use online resources on the Career Center website, jobhuntersbible.com/research, and Google news to find out:

• • What are the organization’s major products and services? Any new products or services?
  • Who are the organization’s clients or target market(s)?
  • Who are the organization’s competitors?
  • What is the organization’s relative position in the marketplace? (e.g. leader, #2, #5, etc.)
  • What problems or issues is the organization facing?
  • What are some of the organization’s recent projects, successes, new accounts, etc.
  • What is the company culture?
  • What size is the organization? Annual sales? Areas of growth or decline?
  • Is the company privately or publicly owned? Is it an independent organization or part of a larger conglomerate?

Additional Sources of Information:

• • Review the organization’s website and LinkedIn page if applicable.
  • Use any search engine to access links to information about the organization.
  • Call the company directly and request information such as annual reports, brochures, or other available materials.
  • Work with Ame’s Library resources
  • Check out Vault’s Career Insider, accessible from Titan CareerLink and glassdoor.com for insider reviews
  • Students may also utilize the Hart Career Center resource library to obtain sources of information on organizations.

Step 2: Know Yourself

What skills and qualifications do you possess that the employer needs? What personal qualities and skills make you a strong candidate? Create an inventory of your skills.

Major Skills:

• Computer/Technical    • Communication         • Accounting/Bookkeeping
• Analytical/Research    • Organization             • Management/Leadership
• Marketing                   • Financial                  • Teaching/Training
• Administrative             • Selling                     • Helping/Counseling
• Creative

 

Step 3: Prepare to Make a Positive Impression: Clothing and Accessories

Clothing - Conservative is best.
        Men: A two-piece gray, black or dark blue suit with a white or pale long-sleeved dress shirt and matching tie.
        Women: A tailored suit in a conservative color, such as tan, gray, burgundy, black, or dark blue.

Jewelry - Simple and conservative, no nose, eyebrow, lip rings. For women, avoid anything that dangles. For men, no bracelets, earrings, or large rings.

Cologne - Your best bet is something subtle or nothing at all.

Portfolio - Bring one to hold your resume and your list of questions, and paper to take notes

Cell Phone - Leave it in your car. Really.

Clothing cannot compensate for poor qualifications, but don’t let your grooming and dress work against you when your professional image can be an asset.

• • Professional Attire for Men & Women , by the University of Tennessee. Covers Business Professional & Business Casual.
  • Suggestions for wowing your work place as seen in an  article from Forbes .
  • When Job Hunting: Dress for Success --an article by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D. offers general advice for looking your best
  • Dress for Success Tips for Women  complete with photo examples
  • Dress for Success Tips for Men  with photo examples and other links
  • 2 Major Mistakes Made in Dressing for Success w/ Bonus Tips  by Jeff Zelaya

After the Interview: Professional Follow-Up

Send each person with whom you interviewed a formal thank you letter within 24 hours. Individualize each letter to the person. Include:

• • why you are excited about working for this organization
  • why you are a good candidate for this position
  • additional information that wasn’t covered in the interview that is relevant to the position
  • thank them for the interview and considering you a serious candidate

Example Thank You Letter

If you accept a position, it is a good idea to confirm you’re acceptance in writing (Example acceptance letter). Additionally, accepting a job offer ethically obligates you to cease job search efforts and to withdraw your candidacy from other organizations (Career Center Ethical Guidelines). A courteous phone call followed by a professional letter is most appropriate (Example withdrawal letter).