10 Steps for Your Next Interview
Step 1 - Do Your Research
Know as much as you can by looking into future projects, trends,
clients, mission, and culture; business journals, Google, or other
on-line resources for information about events, announcements, news,
direction the company is headed, new ventures, website. Talk
to contacts about position/work; products/services; uniqueness in the
market. Use industry specific language; know the big players in the
field; be up-to-date with current events and future trends.
Step 2 - Practice, Practice, Practice
Be familiar with talking about yourself, goals, activities, projects,
employment, etc., through a mock interview at CSO. Practice out loud
with a roommate or friend. Take notes. Thinking about your
answers is great but you may find it differs from actually speaking your
answers.
Step 3 - Be on time and be polite
 Better yet, be a few minutes early! Make sure you know before the day
of, where the
interview is taking place. Plan your route/method of
travel early and keep things like traffic and delays in mind.
Remember, that everyone you meet on the day of the interview, from the
secretary to the first year associate to the partner is involved in
evaluating you, even if it is informally.
Step 4 - Dress and act appropriately
Wear a suit! First impressions last! Have a firm hand shake and
maintain eye contact as well as a straight posture and SMILE.
Avoid perfume & cologne - keep jewelry simple. Speak about yourself, even
your weaknesses in a positive light of growth and curiosity. SELL
yourself and your skills!
Step 5 - Organize your thoughts
Your answers should be concise but also complete. Don't be
afraid to pause for a second before beginning your answer. If a
question is asked and you are unsure of the answer, talk about how you
would go about figuring out the answer to that question.
Step 6 - Be specific Be specific – This is one of the most important points. Don’t just tell an interviewer that you’re great –
tell them why you are great for them! In other words, “sell, don’t tell.” Not only what did you do, but why is
that significant?
- your top 3 strengths and how you have proven that
throughout your college experience.
- having a sincere interest in
their organization/position by relaying how you are a great fit for
them.
- group projects, your role, your accomplishments as a
member of a club/organization
- what you were responsible for at a past
internship.
These things are what make you memorable. Set
yourself apart from the other candidates interviewing for the same
position.
Step 7 - Make a bridge between you and the
employer
Prove you are the right person for the position by showing them how
you fit in with what they are looking for. Integrate your
pre-interview research into both your answers to their questions as well
as the questions you ask them.
Step 8 - Ask questions...
...that reflect your knowledge of the field and/or position. Do
NOT ask questions that raise "red flags" such as salary, vacation, etc.
The company should bring up salary first. Also avoid questions
that can be easily answered by the organization's webpage.
Step 9 - Send a thank you note
Send either a typed or emailed thank you note immediately to
all interviewers. Ask for business cards while at the interview.
Mention something that struck you from the interview. Personalizing thank you notes goes a long way.
Step 10- Evaluate
"Keep a formal
tone - Keep everything positive." Is this a place you think you would enjoy working? do you feel
comfortable in the environment?
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