By Michelle Renner Special to the Kansan
Being prepared, confident is key to interview success
Being prepared for an interview is the most important part of a job search.
First, students need to determine whether they have the skills and qualities an employer is looking for before they apply for the job so they can be prepared to provide concrete examples of their experience and skills. Otherwise, there is no point in going to the interview, said Mike Heuring, assistant director of the University Placement Center.
Students also need to know something about the company they're interviewing with. Heuring suggested that students read the annual report, know about the company's products and services and read trade magazines and other publications to find out about the industry.
"When I interviewed, the lady asked me what I would have done if I had been alive when President Lincoln was shot," said Lynn McCullough, Shawnee senior. "I made up something that sounded reasonable. They just want to see if you can come up with intelligent replies."
Students should have definite career goals and be able to articulate them. And they should be able to give reasons why they are applying for a particular position, Heuring said.
Interviewees also should be prepared for unexpected questions.
In addition, applicants should be prepared with questions to ask the interviewer.
Students should ask about what is required of them in the job and the training procedures, Heuring said. Thoughtful questions about the company will impress the interviewer and prove that the applicant is serious about the job.
"It should be easy to think of good questions because you should be concerned about your future." Heuring said.
One subject that students should not ask about, at least not in the first interview, is pay and benefits.
Cynthia Willingham of the Journalism Job Information Center warned students to watch what they said and how they said it.
"Uh,' and 'anyway' and 'like' are words to avoid, as well as any other repetitive phrases," Willingham said.
Students should try not to exaggerate, and they should never make up things just to impress. The student never knows who the interviewer might know to verify the information that the applicant gives, she said.
Willingham advised students to be confident.
"Look the interviewer in the eye," she said. "Even if you are shy, you can look at their nose and it will give the impression of eye contact."
Applicants also should remember to dress the way they would dress if they already held the job. Heuring said.
"I sometimes suggest that students check out what people who already work there wear." he said. "Wear one pair of earrings; don't fill all the holes."
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