Preparing for Your Interview

A successful interview starts with preparation. Who is the employer? Who is the interviewer? What can you find out about them? Where is this valuable information located? The Career Services Office can assist you in this important data gathering process. Lexis-Nexis, WESTLAW, Career Services files and publications can provide the answers to the questions listed above. This process will also provide you with questions for the interviewer about the job itself. By questioning the interviewer, you can gain specific information about the position and get clarification about areas that were vague to you in your research process.

It is essential that you come to the interview with prepared questions. This demonstrates that you are interested enough to have done your homework and are taking the opportunity seriously. Preparation also means planning what to wear for the interview. You should plan a wardrobe that would be appropriate to the position for which you are applying. Neatness is an important part of any first impression. The initial rapport you establish with the interviewer is essential. Besides your appearance, your physical responses and body language are key to success. Such things as a firm handshake, smile, and sincere greeting set a positive tone to your meeting. Eye contact, enthusiasm and attentiveness convey an energetic and confident image. You want the job, let them know it!