Interview Tips for Students

What to Expect in a Typical On-Campus Interview

• Interviews are usually 30 minutes in length – arrive 10 minutes early so the interview can begin promptly.
• The interviewer will usually spend a few minutes at the beginning introducing himself/herself and giving some information about the company and job openings – it is fine for you to take notes.
• The interviewer will ask questions based on the student's resume – he/she will want to hear specific examples of behaviors from past experiences, not hypothetical or vague answers.
• Time will be left at the end for your questions – be sure to have specific questions about the job openings or location, etc.
• If you want to highlight or point out something you've accomplished that didn't come out in the interview, mention it to the interviewer at the end if there is time.
• Ask for the interviewer's business card if he/she hasn't already given you one.

How to Prepare Ahead of Time

• Confirm the date, time, and location for your interview with Career Services or via their online information.
• Review the company's website and any literature you've obtained – know the latest "news" about the company.
• Talk to any students on campus that has interned/co-oped with the company (Career Services or the co-op office can tell you).
• Generate quality questions to ask about the company based on what you've read and heard – don't just ask questions for the sake of asking them – make them count.
• Review your resume again to make sure everything is accurate and that you're prepared to answer any questions pertaining to it.
• If for any reason you must cancel or withdraw from an interview, contact the company and/or Career Services promptly – don't be a "no-show".
• If the company needs an employment application or other forms filled out before the interview, do this as soon as you receive them and submit them by the deadline.
• Find out whether you need to bring your transcripts to the interview (Career Services should be able to tell you).
• Even though the interviewer already has your resume, bring an extra copy to the interview just in case he/she needs another one.

 

Follow-up

• Email or write a "thank-you" note to the interviewer – email is perfectly acceptable.
• Provide the interviewer with updated contact information if it's changed since you last communicated with him/her.
• If you are receiving other offers/have deadlines and need to hear back from the company, contact the interviewer to get an updated status and explain your timeframe.
• If you think of any questions that you forgot to ask during the interview, don't hesitate to email them to the interviewer!