The typical campus interview proceeds as follows:

• Brief introduction and building rapport .....3 minutes
• Discussion of your qualifications...............15 minutes
• Employer information and questions .........5 minutes
• Conclusion and follow-up steps ..................2 minute
  

  Tips

• Stay flexible and be prepared for different interview styles and time frames from the above model.
• Most interviewers will take 5 minutes to fill out an evaluation and review the next candidate's resume.
• Occasionally employers will set up 45-minute or 60-minute campus interviews.
• Most campus interviews are conducted by a single interviewer, though team interviews are possible.

a. Before the Interview

• Review your background, including work history, internships, coursework, activities, academic projects, interests and goals-particularly as they relate to the employer's needs.
• Assess your skills and prepare concrete examples. Employers are looking for good oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, creative problem solving, the ability to handle stress, and evidence of teamwork.
• Assess your technical skills, such as computer usage and math competency.
• Develop a list of "sell" points that highlight your marketable skills and relevant accomplishments.
• Research the employer through their website.
• Practice interviewing. Attend a Career Services interview seminar or mock interview session.
• Attend employer information sessions, especially if you are a pre-selected candidate or have a strong interest in the employer.
• Review the "Virtual Interview" at www.monstertrak.com.
• Complete the "Pre-Interview Worksheet" on page 34.

b. Day of the Interview

• Check your appearance and grooming. Your appearance makes the first critical impression. Business attire is appropriate for almost all interviews, even for education or government positions.
• Make sure you have ample copies of your resume. Take them to the interview in a slim portfolio.
• Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to be on the safe side.
• Relax and collect your thoughts.
• Review your notes. Do not bring out a note pad during the interview.

• Schedule the interview at a mutually convenient time.
• Try to be relaxed and personable, while keeping in mind that this is a formal interview.
• Provide full answers to the recruiter's questions, but don't ramble or become long-winded.
• Have at least one good question to ask the recruiter.

• Greet the employer with a firm handshake. Refer to the interviewer by name. Use Mr., Ms. or Dr. unless you are speaking to recent graduates or are invited to use a first name.
• Be yourself. Display energy and a positive attitude. Show you are sincerely interested. Be prepared to talk about yourself in a clear, concise manner.
• Be aware of your non-verbal communication, especially your posture. Don't appear too rigid or overly relaxed. Don't fidget. Maintain eye contact.
• Be alert and attentive. Answer the questions asked. Stick to the subject.
• Emphasize your strong points. Be self-confident. Don't be defensive or apologize for lack of experience.
• Focus on your ability to learn quickly, communication skills, analytical abilities and other strengths.
• Be prepared to answer tough questions.
• Have one or more good questions to ask the interviewer.
• Be prepared to discuss any aspect of your resume in depth.
• Use action verbs and other "power" words.
• Never criticize a former employer, teacher, friend, colleague or school. Stay positive.
• Use technical jargon only if a question is phrased in a manner that requires its use in your response.
• Watch your grammar. Interviewers are interested in articulate candidates. Use pauses rather than "uhs."
• Be prepared for personal or inappropriate questions. Decide beforehand how you will answer them.
• Never mention salary or benefits in the first interview. If the interviewer asks what salary you want, either ask what range the job pays or give the range you have researched in advance.
• The National Association of Colleges and Employers' Salary Survey is a useful source for finding up-to-date salary information.
• At the close of the interview, follow this plan to leave the recruiter with an excellent impression:
  (a) Ask for a business card.
  (b) Ask about the next step in the process and when you can expect to hear from the employer.
  (c) Re-express your interest in the position and the organization.
  (d) Thank the interviewer and shake hands firmly.

• Good communication skills
• Ability to interact with others; teamwork skills
• Ability to handle stress
• Ability to solve problems
• Promotability

• Unprepared for the interview; no knowledge of the employer.
• Unable to express ideas clearly; poor communication skills.
• Poorly defined career goals; little or no sense of direction.
• No real interest in the employer.
• Disgruntled personality; disliked former jobs, supervisors, school.
• Makes excuses during the interview; evasive.
• Asks no questions about the job or employer.
• Only interested in the best dollar offer.
• Lack of confidence or poise-fails to make eye contact; weak handshake.
• Unwillingness to relocate.