Interviewing for a job or internship can be challenging to navigate. I personally overthought every detail I could think of in advance of my first interview. To help you prepare for the Career Fair on February 28, I asked business professionals within the Career Center for their advice on interview “dos and don’ts.”
Matthew Pouss, the director of the Career Center, emphasized the importance of a positive attitude. Keeping a positive demeanor throughout the interview aids in being perceived by the potential employer as personable as well as coachable. Sending a thank you email or letter after the interview has concluded also aids in making you appear as personable. Verbal articulation is another important thing to keep in mind. Using educated vocabulary and being able to rephrase complicated questions into terms that provide you with better insight are valuable skills when it comes to the interview process. Pouss also went into some items to avoid. You do not want to appear disheveled for your interview; it is imperative that you are in professional attire. You should always overdress for interviews as opposed to underdress. The final thing to avoid relates to keeping everything positive. If the topic of your former employer comes up during the conversation, regardless of previous experience, you must speak positively of them. Speaking negatively of a prior employer paints you in a bad light.
Felicia Laux, the assistant director of career services, advised that coming prepared with questions and background knowledge about the company you are interviewing with is a top priority. It is also important that you enunciate and don’t trip over your words. If you become trapped in your own words, you are unintentionally sabotaging yourself. Laux also cautioned against lying or exaggerating your capabilities when talking about your previous work experience, your skill set, and what you have to offer the company. If you do this and you are hired, your superiors ultimately will find out.
Finally, Emily Sharp, the new assistant director of career services, stressed the importance of punctuality. You do not want your prospective employer’s first impression of you to be affected by tardiness. Sharp started off her “do” list with a recommendation to ask about the interview agenda so that you are prepared for the setting or activity. Ending on a positive note, Sharp said that it would be advantageous to form a personal connection with the interviewer, perhaps finding common ground or asking insightful questions to your interviewer.
These business professionals have been through the interview and hiring process time and again, so incorporating these tips into your interview strategy will only benefit you.