Career Services
Durick Hall
Don't forget: It's all about the outfit!
Interviewing 101
In summary, the key to your interview success is preparation, practice, and salesmanship
Preparation: Research your employer thoroughly, make sure your resume is up to par, pick out appropriate attire, think about questions you may want to ask the employer, get a good night's sleep.
Practice: Set up a "mock interview" with Career Services, go on a test-drive to your interview location, browse through our selection of interview questions.
Salesmanship: Know yourself. Complete some self-assessments with Career Services, define your strengths and areas of weekness. Develop quantifying statements that illustrate your strengths.
Further Help & Samples:
Full Interview Guideline
Packet
General Interview
Questions
Major-Specific Questions
Personal Follow-Up
Questions
Tough Questions:
Weakness: If asked about a
weakness, choose a weakness that might also be seen as a strength (for
example, being a perfectionist). While being too picky can certainly cause
problems, it is also a desirable trait in many situations. Also mention
what you are doing to overcome the weakness (i.e., "I tend to be
a little shy in front of large groups of people. So, while I was at Champlain,
I took a Public Speaking course. Through lots of practice I have significantly
increased my self-confidence and ability to make effective presentations
over the semester. I was proud of my hard-earned B+.")
Reason for Leaving Your Last Job: Talk about
past experiences in positive terms. Do not give the impression of being
a victim by referring to personality clashes or condemning past employers.
If you left for greater challenge and potential, say so.
What about Salary?: Hold the salary question
for a follow-up interview. On the follow-up interview, let the employer
be the first to mention salary. Remember, when analyzing starting
salary, evaluate the long-range potential and fringe benefits of the job.
If you indicate a specific figure, you risk stating one too high (and
pricing yourself out of a job,) or too low (and shortchanging yourself.)
