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| CAREER SERVICES |
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Interviewing
The resources below will help you with interviewing tips and tricks. Remember that the Career Services staff is available to assist you with all of your interviewing and job search needs. If you would like to make an appointment with a career counselor to discuss interviewing techniques or conduct a mock interview (in-person, phone, Skype), please call (713) 525-3160. |
Preparing for the Interview
- Know who will interview you and what is expected of you.
- Research the company, the industry, and the competition.
- Review your resume - make sure there are no typos, spacos, etc.
- Develop questions to ask the recruiter.
- Practice talking about yourself (skills, experience, goals).
- Prepare your 60-second personal statement: Your answer to the, "Tell me about yourself," question.
- Select clothes, accessories - be conservative.
- Polish your shoes and attend to personal grooming.
- Double check to be sure that you understand directions to the interview site.
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Day of Interview
- Eat properly.
- Arrive 5-10 minutes early (earlier if an application must be completed).
- Be polite to everyone you meet.
- Carry portfolio or briefcase with nice paper and pen.
- Take extra resumes & reference sheets.
- Be sure to hear interviewer's name and use it.
- Firm handshake.
- Mind your posture. Have good eye contact.
- Be energetic and confident. Use "open" body language.
- Focus on questions - answer truthfully.
- Avoid using slang. Don't giggle. Don't chew gum.
- Integrate experiences and skills into answers.
- Do not minimize or be derogative about former employers & coworkers.
- Do not monopolize conversation, but do participate in it.
- Be positive.
- Ask your questions - cue from interviewer.
- Be sure you understand the follow-up process.
- Thank interviewer by name.
- Shake interviewer's hand before you leave.
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After Interview
- Immediately send a thank you letter.
- Evaluate performance.
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Sample Interview Questions
Tell me about yourself.
What two or three things are most important to you in your job? Why do you want to work for my company?
What contributions do you think you can give to the company?
What do you consider to be your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
How has your major and college experiences prepared you for this job?
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
What are your long-range career goals?
What was your most difficult class here at UST and why? How did you deal with it?
Tell me about your past jobs/internships.
Describe a time when you had a miscommunication with someone. How could you have avoided this?
What has been your most significant achievement?
How would your last boss and colleagues describe you? |
Phone Interviews
Phone interviews are typically used to screen for minimum qualifications prior to bringing a candidate in for a face-to-face interview. Be sure to follow these tips when being interviewed over the phone:
- Take the call in a quiet environment with no distractions (i.e. not while driving, no kids or pets making noise in the background).
- Avoid using cell phones with bad reception. You may want to secure a land line for the call.
- Have your resume in front of you, as well as a list of questions you would like answered.
- Speak clearly and with energy. Do not talk fast. Sit up straight. Smile!
- Give clear, specific examples.
- Keep water close by in case you need a quick sip, but otherwise, do not eat, drink or chew gum.
- Remember, your goal is to secure a face-to-face interview, so do your best to clearly communicate how you are a fit for the position.
Do you have a phone interview coming up? Call Career Services to schedule a mock interview over the phone.
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Skype Interviews
More companies are using Skype and similar technologies to interview candidates who live out of town. The following video has tips on how to prepare for this type of interview.
How to Ace a Job Interview on Skype
Career Services is available for mock Skype interviews. Call for more information and to schedule a mock interview. |
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