Interview Prep

Top Ten Interview Tips

• Research the company, the position, and the industry.
• Arrive 10-15 minutes early!
• Dress for success.
• Bring extra copies of your resume and references.
• Have a firm handshake and display confidence.
• Use body language to show interest.
• Listen!
• Ask about the next steps in the interview process.
• Thank the interviewer(s) and follow up with thank you notes or e-mails.
• Have questions for the employer prepared ahead of time.

Before the Interview:

• Research the company, the position, and the industry.
• Obtain the interviewer’s name and title.
• Confirm the time, date, and location of the interview.
• Identify your skills that relate to the job; review your resume and be able to elaborate on your experience.
• Review frequently asked questions and practice your responses (see the UGA Career Guide, pages 46-49).
• Schedule a mock interview with your Career Consultant and/or practice using Big Interview.
• Prepare questions to ask the interviewer (see the UGA Career Guide, pages 46-49).
• Know the general salary range for the position.
• Plan what to wear.

During the Interview:

• Arrive early.
• Bring extra copies of your resume.
• Relax. Be yourself. Be positive.
• Follow the lead of the interviewer. (Don't try to take over the interview.
• Listen closely to the interviewer's questions; ask for clarification if needed.
• Be concise in your answers, but provide enough detailed, concrete examples to back up your claims.
• Never speak poorly about a former employer or colleague.
• Be aware of your posture and body language; watch your grammar.
• Be sure to clarify any follow-up arrangements.

After the Interview:

• Write a thank-you letter to the interviewer(s).
• Evaluate your performance by asking yourself questions such as:
  • "How well did I present my qualifications?"
  • "Did I use clear, concrete examples?"
  • "What points did I make that seemed to interest the interviewer?"
  • "How can I improve my next interview?"
• Follow up with a phone call to find out the status of your application if the employer has not contacted you within the stated time frame.