Preparing for the interview

Self-preparation

Through self-examination and lots of practice are necessary. We recommend that you schedule at least one mock interview with a counselor at the Experiential Learning Center. Before you do, you need to examine:

the job-related skills you have to offer - in what ways did you stand out form your classmates?
what you have accomplished
where you want to go in your life
what the current trends and methods are in your field
which questions you are likely to be asked and how you will answer them

Evaluation of the employer

You must know enough about the employer to justify why you are looking for a job with them, and to come up with insightful questions about the organization. Research the organization by reviewing employer brochures, books, internet homepage, magazines, and library material. Types of information to have might include, history, organization, products or services, location(s), growth, and future potential. Below are some samples of jobs and potential information you may want to have before the interview:

Sample Job: Teaching Sample Job: Business
*Size of school district *New markets, products, services
*Name of principal and superintendent *Number and location of plants/store
*Teaching philosophy *Organizational structure
*Unique qualities of the school *Annual sales during the last five years

See the section on employer questions for more suggestions.

Nuts and Bolts

Be sure to carry a few extra copies of your resume and your references
Take along a pen or pencil
Make sure you know where you are going, and will be able to arrive about 10 minutes before your interview is scheduled to begin - being late is teh worst possible first impression. Factor in driving time, time to find a parking spot, and time to walk from there to the interview location.
Leave your personal life at home. Before entering the interview area, take a minute to clear your head of any school or home-related concerns.
Have a list of questions prepared beforehand - write them down if you think you may forget them once you are in the interview.

Source: Interview to Win. Planning Job Choices, 1996, 54-60