During your interview preparation, it is important to gather information on the company you are interviewing with. Knowing the background, location, and general information about the company will prepare you for the interview as well as help you to determine if the company is a good fit for you. It is also important to prepare a few questions to ask the recruiter. Knowing about the company will help you to formulate those questions. Example Questions:
"I understand that your company is invested in the surrounding community, could you tell me a little bit about your community involvement."
"I've been reading in the papers lately that you are looking to expand several of the divisions within your company, what areas are you looking to expand, and will these expansions have an impact on my position?"
In preparation for the interview it is helpful to compare your skills and abilities with the qualifications for the position. Reviewing your abilities and skills will allow you to spend more time in the interview talking rather than thinking about your answers. You will appear more prepared and organized to the recruiter. It is also beneficial to spend time evaluating what areas are your strengths and what areas you may want to improve on. Once you have established your strengths, you will want to back them up with examples and experiences with as much detail as possible. For example:
Recruiter: Could you please tell me about your leadership skills?
Interviewee: Well, I believe I have strong leadership skills. For the past two years I have served as the president of the Math Club. I lead our meetings each month, kept all members informed of upcoming events, and planned the Math Club Tournament. I also work as a shift manager at the A&W Restaurant here in town. I was in charge of a team of six coworkers. It was my responsibility to clean-up, manage the tills, and close the restaurant for the night.
To help you assess your skills and abilities the CDC has provided a Job Interview Preparation Sheet to compare your abilities with the qualifications of the position. This worksheet is a great organization tool.
The Career Development Center conducts "Practice Interview Days" each semester for students of all majors to practice interview with employer volunteers. In addition, beginning Fall of 2006, the CDC will also offer video interviewing via the "Perfect Interview" system,, an innovative multimedia software package complete with a webcam which automatically records and plays back your responses and includes interview coaching. For more information on practice interview options, contact the CDC at 389-6061 or see our Video Interviewing information page.
