Preparing For The Interview

Three basic questions are at the heart of every interview:

1. Can you do the job?
2. Do you want the job?
3. Will you fit in?

The interviewer will not only be assessing your verbal responses to their questions, they will also be looking for non-verbal clues like your demeanor, your attitude, your attire, and your manners.

To ace your interview follow these steps:

• PREPARE 
• PERFORM
• FOLLOW-UP

Prepare

Know the organization and the job
You need to research the company as much as possible and ask thoughtful and targeted questions during the interview. Reviewing the company website is a good place to start, but don’t stop there. You should also read their annual report, search the internet for press releases, and speak with former and current employees.

Know why you are the best person for this particular job
You want to align your skills, experience, and education with the requirements of the position and with the organization. Do your research (review the job description and your resume). Be prepared to cite specific examples when you answer the interviewer’s questions. 

Use the following tools to help you prepare:
Interview Preparation Worksheet
SWOT Analysis

Review lists of sample questions and prepare answers. 
    Sample questions can be found at: 
    www.collegegrad.com
    www.glassdoor.com

Practice
Don’t let the interview be the first time you answer these questions. It is important to prepare and practice prior to the real interview. To schedule a practice interview, please fill out the career appointment form alumni.wgu.edu/careerappt.

Perform

Interview Do’s:

• Dress for success:
  • Dress your best! Select professional, conservative attire
  • Make sure your outfit is ready; cleaned and pressed; stain and wrinkle-free 
  • Make sure shoes are clean and polished 
  • Avoid perfume or cologne
  • Avoid distracting jewelry
• Speak clearly so you are easily understood
• Pay attention to your non-verbal communication: posture, poise, eye contact, facial expressions, gestures, and personal space
• Bring: 
  • Additional copies of your resume
  • A black pen
  • A reference list
  • A set of job-related questions to ask the interviewer 
  • Breath mints (not gum)
• Honestly assess your skills and experience. What sets you part from your competition?
• Display a positive, sincere, and enthusiastic attitude - reflecting what YOU can do for the employer
• Plan ahead and arrive at least 10 – 15 minutes early
• Listen fully and completely to questions. Formulate your response before starting to speak 
• Prepare a closing review of your fit to the job

Interview Dont's:

• Do not ask about salary and benefits, until you are offered the position
• Do not give repetitive examples or embellish your answers
• Do not address the interviewer by first name (unless/until invited to do so)
• Do not bring a cell phone into interview
• Do not ramble or give negative information
• Do not be (or appear) aloof or indifferent
• Do not be abrupt, rude, or impolite to anyone
• Do not criticize a former employer or professor

Follow-up

Thank you letters are one of the most important and least used tools in a job search. Always send a thank you letter (a formal e-mail is fine) to everyone who interviewed you. The letter/e-mail should go out within 24 hours after the interview. Thank you letters serve many purposes in the job application process: expressing your appreciation, reiterating your interest in the position, and reemphasizing your skills and strongest qualifications.

See the thank you letter template for more information on writing thank you letters.