Interviewing not as hard as many think

The art of the effective interview isn’t as difficult to grasp as you might think.

… The art of the effective interview isn’t as difficult to grasp as you might think.

By doing your research and dressing your best, you can instantly go from ‘ho-hum hire’ to ‘Hey! This guy’s on fire!’

That being said, a few core principles are worth keeping in mind.

Always remember that the main purpose of an interview is to sell yourself to the employer. Everything you do and say tells your interviewer something about how you may (or may not) fit into the company’s plans.

On the subject of clothing, moderation is key. Of course, you should dress professionally. For both guys and girls that means a suit in conventionally neutral and understated tones, but keep in mind that it is possible to out-dress your interviewer.

Barbara Juliussen, the Career Development Office’s associate director, said applicants should also opt for subtle fragrances and accents. And try to wear only minimal jewelry.

Nothing turns off an employer more than the overpowering scent of cheap cologne ‘- well, except for the sight of an ugly tattoo stretching across your arm.’ Decisions like these will lead the recruiter to characterize you as immature.

You should also allocate time for research. Some advisers might tell you that it’s difficult to know what questions your interviewer will ask.

But Juliussen says that there are certain questions that interviewers are almost sure to ask.

Behavioral questions, in particular, are a favorite of recruiters. An employer might say: ‘Tell me about a time when you solved a problem that was interfering with your progress. What did you do?’

You’d do best to think of an answer ahead of time. Remember that questions like this one are meant to give you an opportunity to discuss your talents and abilities.’

And, Juliussen warns, ‘prepare yourself for an opening of ‘Tell me more about you and why you are interested in this position.” Although this could easily be the most obvious question employers might ask, you may also find that it’s the most difficult to answer.

With this and every question, the main point is to be specific. Employers definitely do not want to hear blanket statements. In other words, tell your recruiter something that you think highlights a few of your most useful skills and talents.

Juliussen also recommends that students prepare three or four questions for their interviewers. Informative processes like interviews work both ways.

‘When you ask questions of your recruiter,’ says Juliussen, ‘it demonstrates you’ve done your homework.”

It’s important to know the basic facts about your recruiter’s company. In most cases this simply means searching the company’s name online and visiting its official Web site.

Juliussen said students often make the mistake of researching too little. Getting the facts ‘demonstrates a match between your skills and the position to which you are applying.”

You should try, she added, to avoid believing in common misconceptions. Don’t listen to those who say recruiters are trying to trick you into saying something you shouldn’t or are looking for certain answers.

It’s true that some answers to questions are more appropriate than others, and yes, your interviewer will most likely be listening and watching you closely, but don’t think that the interviewer is waiting for you to slip up.

So what happens when research isn’t enough preparation? The easiest solution would be to conduct a mock interview. Juliussen frequently conducts mock interviews in her office.

The mock interview is a simulation of a real interview that provides valuable insight. In most instances someone will videotape the mock interview, and you will then discuss it with your adviser.

Juliussen said that mock interviews ‘are an excellent way to observe a very important part of an interview: nonverbal communication.’

Nonverbal communication, which includes every conscious and unconscious movement you make, is a very good indication of what you are thinking or feeling at any particular moment. Crossing your arms and legs, for instance, usually means that you are insecure in your environment, and the interviewer easily picks this up.

Also, avoid covering your mouth with your fingers. This can either be taken to mean that you don’t agree with what your interviewer says or that you are intentionally withholding information. Obviously, neither interpretation is going to help you land the job.

Mock interviews allow you and your adviser to address your personal methods of nonverbal communication. At the very least, you’ll become conscious of your most frequent behaviors and have a chance to avoid them during the actual interview.

You might also consider answering a couple ‘interview-esque’ questions for your friends and family. People who have known you for awhile will be able to tell you if you answered their questions naturally and whether you took the chance to emphasize your best qualities.

Above all, have confidence, because the hardest part is already over.

‘Many students don’t realize that when they are sitting in that interview, they’ve made it past one of the hardest parts of the process: the resume screen,’ said J.P. Matychak, the director of the Career and Leadership Development Center. ‘They need to understand that the company already thinks that they have potential.’