What should you know?
Congratulations! You have been selected to interview next week with Company XYZ. You only get one chance to leave the right impression; so take the time to do your homework and research the organization, and you will increase your chances of leaving a positive impression.

Know The Company
Learning about the company and the job that is available is essential to a successful interview. Failure to do your homework before an interview can quickly turn off recruiters.

Know The Job
Analyze the job description and try to match your experiences, skills and interests. Talk with people who have worked in similar positions. Understand the nature of the job, the level of education necessary, future potential and other pertinent details.

Know Yourself
Careful self-assessment and advance planning will help you make the most effective presentation and convince the employer you are the right person for the job. Know your resume and be prepared to talk about your achievements.
• Analyze your strengths and weaknesses.
• Make decisions about your career goals; what you want to do, why you want to do it, and where you want to do it.
• Prepare yourself to discuss any work experiences that relate to the position.
• Determine the work environment that is important to you.
• Be ready with specific examples that show how your positive traits will be an asset to the company.
• Demonstrate your ability to get along with others, leadership skills, and group interaction skills by discussing involvement with clubs, fraternities, sororities, intramural, sports, etc.

The Importance Of Practicing
• Write out answers to typical interview questions.
• Use a friend, or tape-record yourself answering questions. Practicing out loud is important!
• Meet with your program coordinator in the Office of Co-op and Career Services to either review your answers or conduct a mock interview.

Dressing For An Interview
It is as important to consider what you will wear and how you will look during the interview, as it is to prepare for the interview questions.

• Find out the typical work attire for the company you are interviewing with and wear one step more formal. When in doubt, wear a suit
• An interviewer should remember what you said, not what you wore. Don't wear anything that will distract attention from what you have to say
• Good personal grooming is equally vital
• Do not overdo cologne or perfume
• Make sure nails are well groomed
• Hair should be neat and not distracting
• Limit the amount of jewelry you wear
• Remove body piercing and cover tattoos

Women
• Wear a suit or tailored dress
• Avoid low cut necklines, flimsy fabrics, or tight fitting clothes
• Avoid very short skirts
• Wear conservative pumps with neutral tone stockings
• Makeup should be light and natural looking
• Nail color, if worn, should be conservative

Men
• Wear a suit or dress pants and jacket of conservative colors with conservative shirt and tie
• Wear shined dress shoes or conservative casual shoes - no sneakers
• Facial hair should be well groomed
• Wear dark (not white) socks
• Remove earrings

Material To Bring To An Interview
As appropriate, you should have copies of the following with you at every interview: resume, transcript, references, portfolio, work sample and performance evaluations from previous employers (if you have them). Make sure you can leave the copies with the interviewer because they will not have time to read them during the interview. Also bring a note pad and pen.

The Interview - A Few Rules To Consider
• Address the interviewer as Mr. ___ or Ms. ___, unless he/she says otherwise
• Write down the interviewer's name
• Know the exact time and place of, and parking for, the interview
• Arrive 10-15 minutes early for the interview
• Don't smoke or chew gum
• Make frequent eye contact, but don't stare down your interviewer
• Sit still in your seat and be on guard for nervous mannerisms
• Be concise - it's okay to pause and think before speaking
• Use specific examples that describe your strengths and assets
• Say "yes" instead of yeah and avoid expressions such as "you know"
• Never contradict, interrupt, or argue with your interviewer
• Be alert, act interested, and focus on the positive
• Never say anything bad about a former employer or professor
• If you want the job, you must state your interest unequivocally
• Answer the question that was asked. If necessary, ask for clarification
• Don't lie about any aspects of your education or experience
• Ask your own questions to evaluate the job and company
• Avoid discussions of salary and perks until late in the hiring process
• Always find out what happens next
• Get the interviewer's business card

The Routine Of An Interview
Most interviews can be divided into four major sections: the introduction, the employer sell, the candidate sell, and the closing. The employer will usually control the flow of the interview while you should be trying to control the content.

During the "introduction" the employer will use the first few minutes of the interview, to create a comfortable, friendly environment so that a meaningful conversation can follow. A mutual topic of discussion such as the weather, sports, or a major news story, etc., will normally be pursued.

The "employer sell" will cover organizational structure, products or services, geographical location(s), specifics on the position under consideration, salary (usually not discussed during an initial interview), benefits, etc.

The "candidate sell" is the time spent answering questions about your goals and qualifications and demonstrating your communication skills.

During the "closing", both parties should indicate their level of interest in the other and understand what the next steps to be taken will be.

After The Interview
Just because the interview is over, your work is far from complete….

It is advisable to send a thank you letter to the person(s) who interviewed you within twenty-four hours after the interview. Not only is this a courtesy, but it reinforces your interest in the position. It can also serve as an additional opportunity to separate you from the other candidates by recalling a notable topic or attribute discussed in your interview.

Most employers will tell you when you can expect to hear from them. If you do not hear by that date, it is appropriate for you to call them.

If the employer requests additional materials, such as a completed application, transcript, or references, see that they are sent as soon as possible. If something will be delayed, inform the employer of the reason.

If an employer indicated an interest in pursuing things further with you, but you are no longer interested in the opportunity, inform him/her of that fact as soon as possible.

Contact Log
It is important to maintain current records on all your job search activities. Record all contact and address information for each organization to which you apply, updating the log with each follow-up call or letter, interview, etc. Accurate records can help to remind you about the current status of each job opportunity you are seeking, as well as when a follow-up query is appropriate.

Review The Interview
After each interview mentally review the questions asked by the interviewer and your responses to them. Were you caught "off-guard" by any questions? Could you have answered a question better, in more detail, or in a more focused manner? Quiz yourself after each interview and take notes. This will enhance future interview efforts.

Interview Ethics
• Interview only when sincerely interested in a position with the employer
• Provide accurate information on your qualifications and interests. Never falsify data such as GPA, academic major, coursework completed or extracurricular activities on a resume or during an interview
• Notify the Co-op and Career Services Office, at least 24 hours in advance, if you cannot make an on-campus interview or employer presentation. Either call the Co-op Office at (716) 475-2301 during business hours or leave a message on the answering machine
• Acknowledge invitations for on-site interviews promptly, whether you accept or reject them
• Notify employers well in advance if you must postpone or cancel an on-site interview

How Candidates Are Evaluated
When asked what they look for in potential employees, many employers respond by mentioning all or most of the following traits:

1. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
2. Sense of responsibility for carrying out assignments
3. Ability to follow directions
4. Ability and willingness to work with others
5. Interest in continuing to learn through both formal programs and informal opportunities
6. Ability to deal with change
7. Comprehension of the technology of the specific field
8. Problem solving ability

In determining the level to which you have developed these traits, employers will use interviews and the documents that you submit during the application process to take a hard look at what you have done with your life to date (your successes and failures); how you are presenting yourself now; and your goals or the direction your career seems to be headed. You will then be evaluated against the criteria established for the job and the other candidates under consideration.

Links
• Ask The Headhunter: The insider's edge on job search and hiring. Read The New Interview to get a different perspective on the interviewing process.
http://www.asktheheadhunter.com/basics5.htm

• College Grad Job Hunter:Valuable insights designed to help you successfully interview, get the job you want, and negotiate the best job offer!
http://www.collegegrad.com/intv/

• Job Interview: Tons of pointers and advice on interviewing including answers to various interview questions.
http://www.job-interview.net

• MBA Style Magazine Interview Questions: Over 50 interview questions MBAs should expect. Although site is designed for MBA level candidates, the questions are relevant to all job candidates. Includes a good overview of fashion tips for interviewing, consulting case questions, salary information for major US cities and links to top MBA schools and other job hunting web sites.
http://members.aol.com/mbastyle/web/intervw1.html

• MonsterTRAK: See the virtual interview and other job search topics. http://campus.monster.com/

• Virtual Interviewing Assistant: The University of Kansas provides information on a variety of interviewing topics from basic processes of interviewing to planning strategies to focus group interviews. Some of the links may be old but the bulk of the site is worth your visit.
http://www.ukans.edu/cwis/units/coms2/via/focus.html

• Quintessential Careers: Here are some great articles about interviews. The site also provides you with numerous links to other career-related articles.
http://www.quintcareers.com/career_college_articles.html

• CareerBuilder.com: Advice on resumes, cover letter, and interviewing. Information on before, during, and after the interview.
http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/CareerBytes/Index.htm