The Initial Interview
This interview takes place on-campus, at the company (on-site), or over the telephone and usually lasts approximately a half-hour or less. The interviewer is trying to narrow the candidate pool so first impressions are extremely important during this interview. Some employers may make a hiring decision based upon this interview only

On-Site Interviews
This interview is used to assess your "fit" with the organization. Interviews are offered to the most promising candidates and usually involve a good portion of the day. During such a visit, you may meet with one person or many people from a variety of departments. You will have the opportunity to discuss job responsibilities, your qualifications and interest, salary, and benefits. This is an excellent opportunity for you to evaluate the job, atmosphere, and people with whom you would be working. Some organizations also administer tests of various types at this time.

If travel is involved in an on-site visit, be sure that you understand the situation before accepting the invitation. Travel arrangements for second interviews are handled in one of the following ways:
• The employer representative will take care of everything, including expenses.
• You will be expected to make all or part of the arrangements, and the employer will reimburse you for all or part of the expenses later.
• You will be expected to take care of everything, including expenses.

Telephone Interviews
Many companies screen applicants over the telephone. How well you do will depend on your preparation for such calls and the impression you make. Here are some tips:
• Any telephone calls during your job search could be an employer. Answer the phone appropriately every time; first impressions are important.
• Be sure to inform roommates and parents of the importance of taking careful telephone messages for you.
• Your greeting on your answering machine should be businesslike.
• Keep the following items next to your telephone: paper, pen, copy of your resume, date book, a log of companies you have contacted, your own course schedule including major exams/projects, and a copy of the job description.
• Express your pleasure at receiving the call, but don't act like you have won the lottery.
• Ask for a minute to turn down the stereo, close the door and set the stage for privacy and quiet.
• Your voice is your only means to express energy and enthusiasm.
• Use pauses effectively -- think about what you will answer or ask next.
• Don't hang up before you know the next step and thank the interviewer for calling
• Get the interviewer's full name, title and phone number.

Behavioral Based Interviewing
The basic premise of behavioral-based interviewing is the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior in similar circumstances. Instead of asking how you would behave in a particular situation, the interviewer will ask how you did behave. Below are tips for preparing for one:
• Recall recent situations that show favorable behaviors or action (example: course work, work experience, leadership, teamwork, initiative, planning, and customer service.)
• Be ready to describe the situation, your action, and the outcome or result.
• Be sure the outcome or result reflects positively on you even if the result itself was not favorable.
• Be honest. Don't embellish or omit any part of the story.

Examples Of Behavioral Interviewing Questions
Decision making/problem solving: How did you make the decision to come to RIT and major in __?
Leadership: Have you ever been a member of a group where two members did not work well together? How did you handle this?
Motivation: Give me an example of when you went above and beyond the call of duty.
Communication: Have you ever had to "sell" an idea to a group? How did you do it? Did they buy it?
Interpersonal Skills: Tell me about the most difficult or frustrating individual that you have ever had to work with, and how you managed to work with that person.
Planning /Organization: What do you do when your schedule is suddenly interrupted? Give a specific example.

The art of informational interviewing is in knowing how to balance your hidden agenda (to locate a job) with the unique opportunity to learn firsthand about the demands of your field. Thus, never abuse your privilege by asking for a job, but execute your informational interviews skillfully, and a job may follow.

What Can It Accomplish?

• It will expand your information regarding a specific career/job market
• It will help to clarify your goals and serve as a reality check for some of your assumptions/perceptions
• It will bring your career research to life by gaining first-hand, current information from someone in your field
• It will establish the first link to eventual job targets and build your professional network
• It may uncover hidden job opportunities

Whom To Contact?

• Those who work in settings you like (e.g. manufacturing, business, government)
• People in career areas you are interested in (e.g. process engineer, market researcher, systems analyst)
• Those who work in specific jobs in specific organizations (e.g. process engineer at Intel, or graphic designer at Saatchi)

Where To Find These People?

Use your network, which is described above. You can also call community service agencies and trade organizations e.g., Rotary Club, business and professional organizations, women's organizations, Chamber of Commerce and alumni organizations.

What Motivates Professionals To Grant Informational Interviews?

The reasons are varied. Generally, most people enjoy sharing information about themselves and their jobs and, particularly, love giving advice. Some may simply believe in encouraging newcomers to their profession and others may be scoping out prospects for anticipated vacancies. It is common for professionals to exchange favors and information, so don't hesitate to call upon people.

How Do You Set Up Informational Interviews?

Personal referral is the most effective. Have a mutual acquaintance be the bridge to your contact. Telephone contact is the next best route if you don't have a personal referral. Letters are most effective when they are followed by a telephone call. Send a letter requesting a brief informational interview (clearly indicating the purpose of the meeting, and communicating the fact that there is no job expectation).

How Do You Prepare For Informational Interviews?

Prepare for your informational interviews just as you would for an actual job interview: polish your presentation and listening skills, and conduct preliminary research on the organization. You should outline an agenda that includes well-thought-out questions.

Learn as much as possible about the organization and something about the person you will be interviewing (e.g. title). Dress professionally and bring a copy of your resume (to be presented upon request).

Always remember to send a thank you letter to every person who grants you time and to every individual who refers you to someone.

Sample Interview Questions

Examples Of How To Make The Contact:
Case 1: Let's say you've identified someone you want to talk to. You ask around and discover that Susan in your physics class knows the person you're trying to contact. You have decided to call, but what do you say?
"Hello, my name is . Susan Langford suggested that I call you. I am considering a career in urban planning and would be interested in any information or advice you could share with me. Could we set up a time for about 20 minutes, to talk about this?

Case 2: What if you don't have a personal referral, such as in this case:
"Ms. Darcy, my name is _______ and I'm an RIT alumni. I'm very interested in a career in the travel industry. I've read your travel column in the paper and I understand you've been involved in this field for some time. I would be interested in your personal perspective about careers in travel. Could we arrange an appointment time next week?"

Sample Questions For The Informational Interview:
Know exactly what kind of information you want. The following are examples of possible topics of conversation for the interview. Use these, as guidelines, to come up with questions that are important to you.

• How did you get into this line of work? Get started in this job?
• How did you prepare yourself for this job? This profession?
• What is the most valuable thing you learned in college?
• Knowing what you know now, would you take the same job again? Why or why not?
• What do you like most about it? Like least about it? What do you find most rewarding about your work?
• What skills or personal qualities are necessary in this career?
• What do you do in a typical day?
• What type of people do you work with?
• What are other specialties in this career area? Get referrals if appropriate.
• What are your organization's goals at this time?
• Would you advise people to enter this career area? Why or why not?
• What classes can I take, or projects can I do, to prepare myself for this career area?
• What, in your opinion, is the job outlook in this career area? What will affect its growth or decline?
• Where else could I find people involved in this activity? What other settings or industries do, (e.g. accountants) work in? Get referrals if appropriate.
• Are you active in any professional organizations in our field and which would you recommend?

How to Conduct an Informational Interview:

• Arrive 10-15 minutes early for your appointment.
• Be able to introduce yourself effectively in a minute or two.
• Be prepared to discuss your own interests, skills and values and how they relate to the career in which you have interest.
• Adhere to the original time request of 20-30 minutes.
• Ask for referrals to other appropriate individuals in the field.
• Stay true to your request for information - let the individual you are interviewing bring up specific job openings.
• Always follow-up with a thank you note.
• Keep the door open to remain in touch with this new member of your network.
• Evaluate your interview; did you accomplish your goal(s)?
• Contact referrals you received as soon as possible.