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Interview Preparation

Preparation is the key to interview success.

To market yourself during an interview, you need to:

• Know your skills, abilities, and past accomplishments.
• Tie these qualifications to the needs of the organization.
• Communicate these qualifications to the interviewer.

These seven tips will help you prepare - and succeed.

• Know yourself. Analyze your interests, skills, accomplishments, and passions. Identify examples of success from your past experiences. You should be able to tell short stories that explain problems or situations you have encountered, the action you took to solve the problems, and the results of your actions. Your interview challenge is to present these scenarios to employers by focusing on the skills, abilities, and personal traits that allowed you to achieve your successes. If possible, quantify your achievements.
• Identify two or three selling points that distinguish your employment candidacy from that of others. Determine how you will convey these points during the interview using the CAR Model of behavior-based interviewing.
• Research the organization prior to the interview. Your research does not have to be done covertly. Employers understand and expect students to do research on their organization. Some companies provide the ISU Career Center Library with literature. However, most company information can be located on the companyís web site.
• Acquire as much information as possible about the position for which you are applying. What skills are required? What are the position responsibilities?
• Remember that the interview is a two-way exchange of information. Your goal is to discover if the organization is a good fit for you. The employer's goal is to assess whether you are a good fit for the organization. Be sure to prepare questions about the position and organization.
• Conduct a practice interview at the Career Center. This provides an opportunity to develop interviewing skills, have your performance critiqued, and receive suggestions for improvement. If you cannot come to campus, feel free to call the ISU Career Center at 888-892-6044 . Ask to speak to a counselor about interviewing skills and techniques. You might also consider scheduling a mock interview via the telephone to get a feel for how well you are answering interview questions.
• Dress professionally. While the climate of the organization should be considered, it is generally preferable to dress in a conservative manner. Be sure you look professional and are comfortable. The last thing you want to worry about is that your skirt is too short or your pants are too tight. Also, make sure your shoes are shined, your hair and nails are well groomed, and your teeth are brushed.

*  Acknowledgement: Information adapted Interviewing Skills, a publication of the Indiana State University Career Center.

Last updated: February 16, 2009

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