INTERVIEW PREP
RESEARCH THE ORGANIZATION AND INDUSTRY
Your knowledge of the employer and industry should be evident in
your responses to interview questions, as well as your questions for the
interviewers. When you demonstrate this knowledge, you also express your
sincere interest in the position.
IDENTIFY YOUR TOP QUALIFICATIONS
Create a concise, memorable summary (commonly referred to as an elevator
pitch) for introducing yourself to the interviewers. Highlight your most
relevant experience, accomplishments, abilities, and future goals that relate
to the position. You can use this introduction in response to the prompt,
“Tell me about yourself.” If you need help verbalizing how your skills and
experiences match the job posting requirements, refer to page 37 and
schedule an appointment with a career coach.
SELECT YOUR INTERVIEW ATTIRE
Make a good first impression! Refer to page 38-39 for a guide to appropriate
and professional attire. If you are in need of interview attire, we encourage
you to apply for professional clothing through First Impressions. Visit www.
cmich.edu/firstimpressions for more details.
SCHEDULE A MOCK INTERVIEW
The best way to prepare for an interview is to actually do it! Through
our Mock Interview Program, we will simulate an interview for you to
strengthen your interviewing skills. Sign up for a Mock Interview by logging
into Handshake at www.careers.cmich.edu. To practice your responses to
common interview questions, see page 36. For additional practice, consider
visiting Ready, Prep, Interview at www.readyprepinterview.com or Big
Interview at www.biginterview.com.
PREPARE QUESTIONS FOR INTERVIEWERS
Interviewers expect you to ask questions. Asking questions is another way to
express your genuine interest in the position and organization. Refer to page
36 for sample questions to ask during the interview process. Keep in mind
that you will likely develop additional questions on-the-spot based on what
transpired during the interview.
BRING YOUR REFERENCES LIST
References are typically requested at the conclusion of the interview. Refer
to page 26 for a sample reference list. Make sure to bring a copy with you
to your interview and notify your references that you have an upcoming
interview. They may be receiving a call from the hiring manager soon!
PLAN AHEAD
An important step in the interview process is following-up with the employer.
Request each interviewer’s business card at the conclusion of the interview,
and send each of them a thank you note. Refer to page 41 for a guide on how
to write them.
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