SOU CG 2024-24 DM Accessible - Flipbook - Page 22
Interview Prep
It’s important that you prepare for each
interview. You only have a short period of
time to showcase your skills, and employers
often make hiring decisions based on first
impressions.
Review the Job Description
Read the job description thoroughly and make note of the
skills, experience, and tasks associated with the position.
Dressing for
an Interview
Dress standards vary across industries.
In general, your interview outfit
should be slightly more formal than
what would be expected on the job.
If you’re unsure what the dress code
is for your desired field, reach out to
your network for advice. It’s better to
be over-dressed than under-dressed.
For most interviews, you want to err
on the side of professional dress:
Research the Company
■
Suits
Make sure you understand the company’s mission, services,
and products. This information will help you tailor your
responses, as well as showing the interviewer that you are
serious about the position.
■
Blazers
■
Button-up shirts with ties
■
Dresses or skirts that fall at or below
the knee
■
Nice blouses
■
Solid, more muted colors or subtle
patterns
■
Clean, close-toed shoes
■
Minimal jewelry
Reflect on Your Strengths
The employer has a problem to solve, and you are the solution!
Remember to highlight what makes you unique. What are your
strengths? What are your most relevant experiences?
Familiarize Yourself with Common
Interview Questions
Develop a few strong answers and examples for your interview
responses. Flip to page 24 for our question breakdown.
Practice
Ask your friends, advisors, and Career Connections staff to
conduct mock interviews for you. The more interviews you
do, the more confident you will feel, and you can get helpful
feedback before entering an actual interview situation.
Make sure your clothes are clean and
wrinkle-free, and pay attention to
your personal hygiene. Avoid wearing
strong colognes or perfumes.
Remember, you are trying to project
that you are organized, have a sense
of professionalism, and that you are
taking the opportunity seriously by
putting your best foot forward.
Compile Your Documents
While the interviewer may already have your documents, it’s
always a good idea to bring extra copies of your resume, cover
letter, references, and work samples in a professional portfolio.
Make sure all your documents are error-free!
Prepare for Remote Interviews
Phone or video calls are very common for preliminary
interviews and long-distance applications. Choose a quiet,
well-lit place where you won’t be disturbed and check that
your phone signal/internet connection is strong.
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S O U C A R E E R CO N N E C T I O N S - C A R E E R S . S O U . E D U
Plan Your Travel
It is imperative that you arrive on time for your interview. In
fact, you should strive to be 10–15 minutes early. Plan your
route and be aware of traffic or public transit delays.
Silence Your Devices
Before you walk into the office, make sure your phone and
smartwatch are in silent mode.
