Step 2: How to survive a job interview
Marcelle Stoppay
Issue date: 2/26/09 Section: News
Interviews can be a nerve-racking experience for recent graduates but Joan Welker, director of career services, gave students some helpful information for a successful interview during her presentation of "Interviewing to Win" on Feb. 17.
To be considered as a potential employee for the company that is interviewing you, you need to be confident.
Preparation is everything. Identify your main strengths and weaknesses.
If your résumé lists that you are very persuasive or have strong leadership skills, be able to prove it with supporting evidence.
The more information you have to support your abilities, the better.
Be prepared to answer questions about the company or organization. You may be asked to explain what you know about the company or the image they try to represent.
Prior to the interview, research the company history, background information and mission. Explain how you understand the position and where you fit in working with the company.
Before the interview, prepare and review questions.
An employer is likely to ask you if you have any questions for them. Avoid 'me' questions like "do you pay for graduate school?"
Instead re-word your question to ask if the employer encourages continuing education. Let them choose how they would like to handle the question.
Ask questions to show your interest in the organization.
Also be aware of the going salary for the job you're interviewing for. Instead of setting a solid figure, offer a price range. Be realistic. Consider your experience and what it's worth.
Research the average pay for an entry-level position and for those that require experience. Geographic location has a large impact on your salary as well.
When an employer asks about your weaknesses, do not say you don't have any.
Tell the employer specific weaknesses that you recognize and what you can do to overcome them. This gives you the opportunity to turn it around into your strength.
Employers will evaluate a candidate based on several categories: career goals and objectives, education and achievements, experience and transferrable skills.
To be considered as a potential employee for the company that is interviewing you, you need to be confident.
Preparation is everything. Identify your main strengths and weaknesses.
If your résumé lists that you are very persuasive or have strong leadership skills, be able to prove it with supporting evidence.
The more information you have to support your abilities, the better.
Be prepared to answer questions about the company or organization. You may be asked to explain what you know about the company or the image they try to represent.
Prior to the interview, research the company history, background information and mission. Explain how you understand the position and where you fit in working with the company.
Before the interview, prepare and review questions.
An employer is likely to ask you if you have any questions for them. Avoid 'me' questions like "do you pay for graduate school?"
Instead re-word your question to ask if the employer encourages continuing education. Let them choose how they would like to handle the question.
Ask questions to show your interest in the organization.
Also be aware of the going salary for the job you're interviewing for. Instead of setting a solid figure, offer a price range. Be realistic. Consider your experience and what it's worth.
Research the average pay for an entry-level position and for those that require experience. Geographic location has a large impact on your salary as well.
When an employer asks about your weaknesses, do not say you don't have any.
Tell the employer specific weaknesses that you recognize and what you can do to overcome them. This gives you the opportunity to turn it around into your strength.
Employers will evaluate a candidate based on several categories: career goals and objectives, education and achievements, experience and transferrable skills.
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