Department of Student Engagement

Interviewing

Arrive on time
Know yourself - strengths and weaknesses; skills, interests, and values; accomplishments; long-term & short term goals
Keep to the point - Don’t bring up extraneous matters
Be as specific as possible
Introduce yourself to everyone in the interview process
Watch your non-verbal communication - Have a firm handshake, steady eye contact, positive facial and vocal expressions
Dress appropriately - If you don’t know if you need to dress up, ask when setting up the interview
Think ahead - what questions might you be asked?

Be able to describe your abilities as they relate to the position for which you are applying.
Review job description or position description.
Create your own list of skills that are important to the position.
Build a collection or portfolio of your better work.
Thoroughly research the organization; find out the history, mission, future plans.
Draw up list of four or five questions to ask.
Practice even though it may be just an interview with other students, make a good first impression!
It’s a two-way street! Get to know the organization as much as they are getting to know you.
Gain insight about the position and the organization.
Ask about notification and timeline. Know how you will be notified by phone, campus mail, or in person.
Send thank you notes.

Make sure that you have an accurate job description for the position for which you are interviewing.
Take time before the interview to think about some basic questions that you will ask to all candidates.
Review the application materials or resume of the applicant before the interview (and this doesn’t mean five minutes before!).
Highlight areas in the material that you would like to find out more about or you need clarification.
Have a plan about how the interview will start. Know who is going to start speaking and what the “flow” will be.
Make sure that you leave time at the end of the interview for the candidate to ask questions.

Adapted from Grand Valley State University