PREPARING FOR INTERVIEWS
Job interviewing is a critical part of the hiring process. It is during
a job interview that you have the opportunity to sell yourself to the employer
by discussing your qualifications, skills, and experiences. The employer will
ask you questions, and you will have the opportunity to respond and share
relevant examples of things you have done and that you can do to diligently
to meet their needs.
We offer a variety of interviewing services to help you become a
dynamic job interviewer ranging from practice interviews online (through our Optimal Resume program), mock interviews that are
face-to-face with an employer, alumni, community member, or career coach, to
on-campus job interviews by employers trying to fill openings.
Your effectiveness in the interview has a direct relationship to your
preparation for the interview. Below are some basic tips to help you prepare:
TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEW
Step 1 - Before the Interview
- Research the employer.
- Research the position for which you are interviewing.
- Assess your skills for the position and be prepared to cite specific
examples of how your skills directly relate to the employer's needs.
- Prepare your interview attire at least a week prior to the day of your
interview.
- If you have a scheduled interview, take a "dry run" in your car to the
location, so you'll know exactly where you need to go and how long it takes to get there.
- Meet with an ECU career coach for a mock interview to test your
skills.
Step 2 – Day of Interview- Allow plenty of travel time.
- Be in the lobby at least 10 minutes early, but not too much earlier.
- Bring extra resumes and references.
- Carry a business portfolio and pen.
Step 3 – During the Interview- Smile and shake hands firmly.
- Make eye contact.
- Speak slowly and distinctly.
- Answer questions giving real-life examples of your achievements.
- Express genuine interest in the position – remember to smile.
- Shake hands firmly at the end of the interview.
- Ask for the job.
- Obtain the business card of the interviewer.
Step 4 – After the Interview- Make notes about key points of the interview.
- Send a thank you note.
- Follow up weekly, or on a schedule that you and the interviewer agree
upon.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCESFor more information on interviewing, you may refer to our Career
Success Guide by clicking below. Clicking on the guide below will allow
you to read it in an interactive format, print out pages from it, and
download it in PDF format. You may also click on the links below to
access the articles directly:
