What should I bring to the interview?
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You may want to bring a simple portfolio (folder) or notebook with extra resumes. Bringing stacks of class projects and completed homework assignments to show the recruiter is generally not recommended.
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If you carry a briefcase, do not carry a purse also.
What if I'm asked about... dreaded subject (i.e. bad grade, got fired...)?
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First of all, if you perceive something about yourself to be a negative point, don't bring up that subject. If the recruiter brings up the dreaded subject, try to be casual about your response and answer directly and honestly.
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Whatever the issue is, if you act like it's a big problem, the recruiter will be more likely to hold it as a strike against you. Try not to make excuses for the problem or blame others.
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Instead, address the recruiter's concern, take responsibility, say what you learned from the experience, and move on to the next question.
What about salary negotiation?
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Before your interview, research current salaries to obtain a realistic range for this type of position. One source to check is the National Association of Colleges and Employer's quarterly salary survey.
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Be prepared to give a range if the interviewer asks, but don't expect to get into nitty-gritty salary negotiations in the on-campus interview. However, salary discussions are likely to become more involved in a follow-up interview.
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It would be a good idea as you prepare for that interview to find one of the general job search books in the Career Services library and read the section on negotiations.
What if I'm asked an illegal question?
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If you honestly believe that a question has nothing to do with your ability to do the job, it is appropriate to decline giving an answer.
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For example, if you are asked if you have plans to have children, you could say, "Right now, I am excited (interested, preparing) to being (continue) my career in...... or another response might be "I'll be happy to answer that if you can clarify how my family plans relate to being an accountant at your firm."
What if I can't think of an answer right away?
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It's O.K. to pause for a few seconds to think of a good answer. Blurting out an immediate answer simply to be saying something is not a good idea.
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Giving a question a few seconds of careful thought before responding can demonstrate effective communication skills.
How should I sit?
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It is important to pay attention to your posture, but that doesn't mean you have to sit up straight like a toy soldier. Try to relax a bit, but don't slouch.
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Leaning forward slightly may help to nonverbally communicate interest and enthusiasm.
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Keep your feet on the floor and your lower back against the back of the chair. Remember that you communicating by body language as well as orally.
How firm should my handshake be?
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Try not to get too worried about this. You needn't strive for some optimal pressure application. Just greet the recruiter with a smile. When his or her hand is extended toward you, reach out, grasp the hand firmly, give it two or three shakes, and move on to the next task.
Can I reveal my sense of humor?
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A sense of humor is almost always considered a positive quality. The thing to be aware of, however, is that what may be hysterical to you, could be "lame" or offensive to the person interviewing you.
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Don't be afraid to smile and reveal your lighter side, but be careful to avoid anything that may be considered controversial or "off-color" to others.
Can I move my hands?
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It is O.K. to express yourself with your hands, but don't go crazy and fling your arms all over the room.
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When you practice interviewing with someone else, ask him or her if your hand movements or any other quirks were distracting. If so, remember in the interview to be aware of your gestures and keep them under control as best you can.
Can I take notes?
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Generally speaking, it is not advisable to take notes during an interview. It is acceptable to jot down a name or other simple fact, but too much writing will slow the interview dramatically.
How should I address the recruiter?
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It is best to refer to the recruiter as Mr.________ or Ms.________. They will tell you if they want you to call them by their first name.
What if I'm asked about my weaknesses?
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Don't be alarmed. There is a way to answer this question without sinking your own ship. Try to think of something that you truly do consider to be a weakness, but make sure that it's also something you've been taking steps to overcome.
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For example, you may say that you haven't had much experience supervising others, but that you've recently taken on a volunteer position as an industry captain for the American Heart Association which involves coordinating and supervising the efforts of a number of block captains.
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This type of example demonstrates that while you have weaknesses like anyone else, you've identified them and are making progress toward eliminating them. One final tip on the weakness question: avoid using the trite expressions "workaholic, perfectionist, and overachiever." These expressions are overused and the recruiters are bored stiff with the same old lines.
