Trainer's Tips #10: Interview Tips for Students
March 30, 2016By Sarah Alspaw, Assistant Director of Career Services and Graduate Student Support
I have hosted quite a few mock interviews this week. It is a little over a month after the annual Career Fair, so students are beginning to hear back from the organizations they met during that event. During these mock interviews, I have made a number of observations that I think can help as you prepare.
It’s not a test.
The biggest mistake that students make when entering an interview is the way they view it. Most students see interviews as ‘tests’ that if you answer a question ‘incorrectly’ you will not get the job. It is rarely as cut-and-dry as that. There are usually multiple factors at play in a recruiter’s or hiring manager’s decision to move a candidate along in the process, and many interview answers do not possess simply one correct response.
For example:
Which historical figure inspires you most, who would it be and why?
The response to this question would provide an interviewer with a glimpse into what you value, and whether those values align with the mission of the organization.
For example, they are not expecting every applicant to say Mahatma Gandhi. Each candidate is going to have a different answer. It isn’t who you choose (necessarily, some historical figures may give an interviewer concern), it is the explanation of why, and the values you admire that are important.
What is the right way to view it?
Remember, this is a conversation. This is two people trying to decide if they should go into business together. They are trying to ascertain if you will provide them with the service they need, and you are trying to decide if this organization will allow you to work in a good environment and if you will fit in well with the team. You should not know whether you want the job until after the interview, the same way they should not know if they want to hire you until after the interview.
I suggest that all students consider participating in a Mock Interview, with either myself, or someone you trust to tell you the truth. If they wouldn’t tell you that your breath smells bad (which is important to know for an interview), then I would not suggest doing your Mock Interview with that person.
We have software you can utilize to participate in a mock interview online. Creating an account on https://captechu.optimalresume.com will allow you to record your own answers to common interview questions and watch your recorded responses. This will allow you to see how the employer will view your responses, which will in turn allow you to adjust your approach. There is even a coach on each question to help you if you do not know how to answer.
Preparation is key!
I suggest taking the following steps when getting ready for each interview:
1) Research the company
2) Learn the job description like it is your own job
3) Anticipate questions you may be asked and practice out loud, not just in your head (the mock interview helps with this)
4) Prepare appropriate attire and copies of your application materials such as your resume
5) Make sure to plan out your trip in advance, arrive early (but not too early, if you will be more than 15 minutes early you should wait in your car or a local coffee shop until your meeting time is closer).
These are very basic strategies for beginning to prepare for interviews. I have a few other suggestions for getting prepared, which you can find using the following links:
STAR Stories:
Appropriate Attire:
Interview Etiquette
Other Interview tips:
Other information:
https://mycapitol.captechu.edu/ICS/College_Offices/Career_Services/For_Students.jnz
I will be hosting a webinar on Wednesday March 30th at 5pm to give a basic overview of interview skills, and provide additional resources to help you get ready. To access this webinar, please follow the link below and log on at 5pm on March 30th.
http://capitol.adobeconnect.com/interviews/
If you are unable to attend the live webinar, you can find the recording after Wednesday March 30th at 6pm by following the link below:
https://mycapitol.captechu.edu/ICS/College_Offices/Career_Services/Events_and_Webinars.jnz