Interviews

Tips from your F●R●I●E●N●D●S at Career and Professional Development

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Everybody has moments like Chandler, where we may not make the best first impressions, or make jokes when we’re uncomfortable. These qualities can make interviews that much more difficult, unless you properly prepare. That’s what we’re here for!!

Interview Do’s

Arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment time, dressed appropriately and conservatively.

Show up at the right place with the right person!!

                Some employers may have interviews at different locations, and have multiple people who may complete interviews. Make sure you’re showing up to the right place and know with whom you’re meeting. When you get there, listen to the interviewer’s introduction to make sure you’re addressing them correctly and with the right punctuation.

Be prepared

                Have a list of questions prepared for the interviewer. Many times at the end of an interview they will ask whether or not you have any questions for them- having these questions is GOOD! The interview is a two way street. Also have answers prepared for their questions, such as what are some of your weaknesses. Don’t be like Chandler:  

Source: Google

 If you need help thinking of questions or preparing for some, here are examples from our 

Career Planning Guide:  

Be Enthusiastic, Be YOU.

Unless you’re Chandler Bing, then it’s okay to fight all your natural instincts.

In the end, the employer is interested in who you are and what you would bring to the atmosphere if you took up the position. If you’re going as far as to interview, you’re obviously interested in the position, so express that interest and how you appreciate the opportunity for the interview. Portray self-confidence- they thought you were qualified enough for the interview, so you need to believe and show that you ARE qualified, and you will be the best fit for the position.

Interview Don’ts

Don’t say anything negative about previous employers, professors, or other positions in the organization.

                You should portray a positive atmosphere, because if you are bashing your previous employers, then your interviewer will simply begin to wonder what you might say about their organization when you are speaking to others. In addition, if they think you’re only interested in one position, they may be less inclined to hire you over someone who is enthusiastic about the organization as a whole, not just one position.

Don’t lie

                This goes along with being yourself. If you falsify any application criteria or answers to questions in the interview and still get hired, they’re going to realize that you aren’t necessarily fluent in 12 languages like Joey said. Lying may somehow get you the job, but it doesn’t mean you will keep it.

You have already made a major step by gaining this interview, so congratulations!! If you employ these tips, you have the chance to knock it out of the park, and grow that much more in your career journey. Here at Career and Professional Development, we have advisors that are more than willing to work on your interviewing skills, in addition to even having a mock interview for practice!! So if you want to knock those nerves out, make sure to come and visit us.