Basic Interview Guidelines
Basic Interview Guidelines
Three Simple Steps to a Successful Interview 9 HOT TIP: In an interview, the "winner"
1. Prepare exhibits confidence and enthusiasm about the
2. Practice career opportunity. Through words and
3. Sell behavior, he or she demonstrates self-
confidence and a strong work ethic.
1. Prepare Interviewers are convinced that the candidate is
Understand and know yourself. What capable of doing the job with little of no
are your strengths and development supervision.
areas? What are your career and life
goals? Self-assessment is a highly 2. Practice
valued skill in today’s job work Participate in mock interviews.
environment. If you need help with this Complete the Mock Interview
step, consult the Self Evaluation ready Preparation Ready Reference and
references. schedule a mock interview appointment
Understand and be prepared for the with CASNR Career Services. Also,
interpersonal dynamics of the job participate in university- or college-
interview. Look at the job interview as wide mock interview days.
an open exchange of information Tape record and/or videotape mock
between you and the interviewer. They interviews, noting annoying verbal or
are as interested in your interpersonal body language habits.
skills as in the qualifications you bring Practice your responses. Although
to the interview. every interview is different, anticipate
Be reasonably knowledgeable about the the routine questions you will be asked
position, organization and community in an interview, and practice your
before you go into the interview. A responses in advance.
little research will go a long way in the
job interview. 9 HOT TIP: About 95 percent of students could
Adjust your e-mail address and voice benefit from mock interviews, yet only 5
mail messages. You are now moving percent participate in these activities.
from a college environment to a
3. Sell
professional environment. The rules are
Most interviews begin with the
different. “Hey dude, leave a message
question, “Tell me a little about
when you hear that machine do its
yourself.” Use this open-ended question
thing” and "[email protected]"
to sell your skills, abilities and
are not appropriate when an employer
qualifications to the interviewer.
wants to contact you.
Demonstrate enthusiasm, a positive