Missouri State University Career Guide - Flipbook - Page 26
INTERVIEWING
Interviewsgive you the chance to clearly communicate your skills, personality, and values while allowing the employer to get to know you
beyond your resume. Be authentic and present your best self Preparing for an interviewis equally as important as the interviewitself and
will help you feel relaxed and confident. By articulating how your qualificationsmake you the best candidate, you can demonstrate your
ability to succeed in the role and contribute to the company culture.
PREPARING FOR YOUR INTERVIEW
Know Yourself
Prepare Questions to Ask the Employer
Spend some time reviewing your qualifications and
accomplishments by looking over your resume. Reach out to
Career Center about taking a self assessment so you can
learn about your personal attributes and skills. Think about
your career goals and where you see yourself down the road.
At the end of almost every interview, the employer will ask
you if you have any questions for them. This is a great time
to demonstrate your knowledge of the company and your
enthusiasm for the position. Asking intelligent questions
lets the interviewer know that you are interested, which
could set you apart from other candidates. It is always a
good idea to prepare a few questions in advance.
Research the Company
Doing your homework not only impresses the recruiter but
also helps you choose the most suitable company for you.
Demonstrating that you have researched a company on
Google or Linkedln can set you apart from other candidates.
Employers want people who know something about their
company before they step into the interview room.
Prepare Answers to Interview Questions
Review common interview questions and practice your
answers, focusing on key points you want to convey. Study
the job description to anticipate specific questions and
prepare examples from your experience that show you meet
the requirements. The goal isn't to memorize answers but
to become familiar enough with the material to confidently
express yourself. Using examples is one of the most
important components of good interviewing.
Practice Your Interview Responses
To practice for interviews, use tools like Biglnterview and
schedule a mock interview at your Career Center for live
feedback. You can also rehearse answers in front of a mirror
to improve body language or record responses on your
phone and listen back to refine your delivery.
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MSU CAREER CENTER
• What do you like most about working for this
company?
• What is the office environment like? Culture and
community?
• What are your company's goals in the next 3-5 years?
• What qualities are you looking for in a successful
candidate for this position?
• Could you describe a typical day in this position?
• Who are the people I would be working with in this
position, and what are their roles?
Questions to Avoid
Avoid asking questions about salary, vacation, holidays, and
sick-day schedules. Let the employer initiate this
discussion. You want to show your interest in the employer
and position, not your personal desires. These items are
often discussed once you are seriously considered for the
position.
