Are You Ready for Your Interview?

By Michael Mustradi

As graduation nears, many seniors (such as myself) are scrambling to get their resumes and cover letters out to as many companies as possible to ensure that they will be employed after graduation.  Obviously, applying is only the first step becoming employed.  Your resume is nothing more than an advertisement for an interview.  So, an employer is interested in meeting you and sets up an interview date.  What do you do?

This article serves as an excellent check list before heading through the doors of a potential job opportunity.  Even though the list is self-explanatory, there are a few tasks that really jump out at me and should be a priority.

Review your resume.

This is crucial.  Not only should you know what is on your resume, you should know what you did not include.  The interviewer is going to want to know more about your experience and background, so review every position that you have had and be ready to go into detail about your successes.

Get back on-line.

This is an easy, yet effective way to really impress the interviewer.  Researching what the company has been up to recently, and being aware of some upper management names shows interest in the company and proves that you can do your homework.  Just glancing over the company’s website for 20 minutes can truly make the difference between getting the job, or getting the boot out the door.

Develop a list of questions.

Like the article states, the interview should not be an interrogation session.  The interviewee should be asking questions, too.  But, asking obvious questions that can be seen on the company’s website (going back to #2) is not effective and will actually hurt you in the end.  Instead, ask detailed questions about what your job description entails.  This shows that you are eager and ready to learn.  It will also keep the interviewer on his/her toes and will prevent a boring interview!

Gather your materials.

Getting a portfolio ready to go is essential before attending an interview.  The interviewer wants to see your work and wants you to brag a little bit about what you have done in the past.  Try to include a variety of documents from different positions if possible and be sure that everything is neat and in a professional briefcase or binder.

The entire list is a great way to know that you are fully prepared for the interview!  So, be prepared and be successful!