Tips for Students

Tips for effective interviewing

Before/During the interview:

  • Do your homework – research the company, learn about the organization’s strengths and weaknesses.
  • Have an understanding of the job requirements.
  • Arrive early.
  • Dress professionally.
  • Know how you can become a valuable asset to the organization
  • Remember: the first impression is often a deciding factor. Decisions as to whether or not you get the job usually occur within the first 20 seconds of the interview!
  • Introduce yourself and offer a firm handshake.
  • Be friendly but businesslike.
  • Try to appear somewhat relaxed rather than rigid.
  • Sit up straight, listen attentively, and make eye contact.
  • Project enthusiasm, flexibility, ease of communication, sincerity, and willingness to take on more than the duties detailed in the job description.

 

Questions to ask when interviewing

General questions:

  • Tell me a little about yourself
  • Why should I hire you?
  • Have you ever encountered major problems and how did you overcome them?
  • What have you learned from your mistakes/successes?

 

About College Experiences:

  • What courses did you like best/least in college and why?
  • What school activities have you participated in?
  • Why did you choose your major in BCN?
  • How has your coursework prepared you for this job?
  • Do you think your grades are a good indicator of your academic achievement?
  • Do you have plans for advanced study/advanced degree?

 

About Work Experience:

  • Tell me about past part-time/full-time/internship experiences
  • Describe your experiences.
  • What level of decision-making authority were you given?
  • Describe your relationship with your supervisor.
  • Give me some examples of your work experience in which you demonstrated tenacity, integrity, and honesty. Etc.

 

About Goals and Interests:

  • What are your goals for this job?
  • Did you contribute financially to your education?
  • What do you expect to be earning in —- years?
  • What do you do in your spare time for enjoyment?
  • Are you willing to relocate? Travel?

 

Questions on your personal characteristics:

  • How would you describe yourself?
  • How would your friends describe you?
  • Describe yourself using five adjectives, then using three of them; give specific examples of your performance.
  • How well do you work under pressure? Give me some examples.
  • In what type of work environment are you most comfortable
  • How do you evaluate or determine success?
  • What are your strengths/weaknesses?
  • How often do you update your security protocols?
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