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Office of Career Development
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Room 246
2000 Lakeshore Drive
University of New Orleans
New Orleans, LA 70148

(504) 280-6225
Fax: (504) 280-7440

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Preparing for the Interview

The most important part of any job search is the interview. Employers use the interview process not only to gather further information on candidates’ skills and experiences, but also to ensure that prospective employees have a thorough understanding of the job and the work environment. Interviewing is a two-way communication process, and the key to success lies in careful preparation.

It is essential that you research the employer prior to an interview. Find out as much information as you can by reading the organization’s web site thoroughly, focusing on any “careers” or “employment” links. But don’t stop there. Research what other people have to say about the company by searching back issues of newspapers, magazines, and professional journals for recent articles. Knowing about the employer will help you prepare appropriate questions and points to emphasize during the interview.

You should go into every interview with a clear sense of what you want the interviewer to know about you when you leave. Why do you think you are the right candidate for this job — is it your educational background, an internship you had last summer, or your 4 years of volunteer experience? Whatever that important information is, be sure to weave it into your answers. Prepare answers to possible interview questions, and practice those answers until you are comfortable giving them. Consider scheduling a mock interview with a staff member in Career Development to hone your interview skills.

General Interview Tips

•Speak clearly and professionally. Avoid using, “like,” “uh,” and “you know.”
•Listen carefully. Be sure you actually answer the interviewer’s questions.
•Be positive. If the employer asks about a low grade, a sudden job change, or a weakness in your background, focus briefly on the facts and what you learned from the experience.
•Pay attention to your nonverbal behavior. Look the interviewer in the eye, sit up straight with both feet on the floor, control nervous habits, and smile as you are greeted.
•Don’t be afraid of short pauses. It is better to take a few seconds to formulate an answer than to blurt something out without thinking.
•Speak in complete sentences, avoiding slang terms. If you tend to ramble, practice being concise; if you are generally quiet, learn to elaborate enough to answer a question fully.
•Arrive for your interview 10 to 15 minutes prior to the appointed time. Ask for directions and parking information when arranging the interview.
•Follow up with a thank you letter or email.

A lot of students and graduates believe that once you have been invited to an interview, the job is as good as yours...but that usually is not true. Many employers make employment decisions based solely on the interview. Look at the information below to see specific links to interview information. The Office of Career Development will be updating this page regularly with more information:

Overview of Job Interviews
Sample Questions an Employer Might Ask in an Interview
Sample Questions an Applicant Might Ask in an Interview
Sample Answers to Critical Interview Questions
Dressing for Success
Dining Etiquette for Interviews with Meals

 

 
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