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.
PREPARATION
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.
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 refer-
ence 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.
important to keep a few things in mind to prepare you for the big day. Look over the interview preparation
qualities that employers will take notice of.
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INTERVIEW
RESEARCH THE ORGANIZATION AND INDUSTRY