ECDO - Effective Interviewing

Interviewing

Interviewing is an opportunity for an employer to assess your fit for the position and the company. It is also a time for you to assess the employer and determine whether you want to work there and if the position is the right fit for you.

It is extremely important that you spend a significant amount of time preparing for interviews. Give yourself ample time to learn as much as you can about the employer, the position and how to best show that you are the right person for the job!

Research:

Review the company web site to learn as much as you can about the company
Understand the position and how your background fits
Read industry news – has the company been mentioned recently? What is happening within that industry that you should know about?
Network with individuals that have worked at the company or are currently working there
If possible, talk with people that are/were in the position for which you are interviewing
Understand who their competitors are and what makes that company different

Practice:

Review example interview questions and prepare answers
Know your resume. Be able to walk an employer through your resume and highlight your relevant experiences
Sign up for mock interviews held on campus through the Department of Economics and/or Letters & Science Career Services
Schedule a mock interview with the Economics Career Advisor

The interview:

Verify the time and location with employer a few days before interview
If it is a phone interview, find a quiet space where you will not have any distractions
Take extra copies of your resume
Have a list of questions ready to ask the employer at the end of the interview. Do not ask questions about salary, benefits, vacation, etc.
Dress professionally. Most interviews require a business suit unless the employer indicates business casual attire is sufficient
Be confident!
Gather contact information of all interviewers

After the interview:

Send a short, but professional, thank you note to each interviewer within 24 hours. Email is sufficient.
Thank you letter should be tailored to each interviewer, if possible.
If you decide you are no longer interested in the position you should notify the employer as soon as possible.
If you do not receive the offer ask for feedback. If you are still interested let the employer know. Sometimes the person they hire does not work out and they may contact you!

For more interviewing resources, check out the Letters & Science Career Services page and the guide to interviewing.