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Interview Tips

Be Prepared
Nothing sends the wrong message more than being an ill-prepared candidate during an interview. Check out their web page, ask about their reputation, and learn their history. Also, asking current employees about their perception of the office, what kind of environment is it, and what style of supervision is predominant can be very useful.

Ask the interviewer about the logistics of the interview. How many people will be involved, how long should I expect it to last, and what are some general expectations are all fair questions.

Most importantly, know where you’re going. Nothing looks worse than showing up late to an interview because you got lost. If possible scout out the location ahead of time.

Questions asked during an interview should be sophisticated and meaningful. Basic information that is public knowledge should already have been researched ahead of time. Your questions should reflect your analytical skills, and general curiosity.

Practice
Nothing can be more effective at relieving anxiety, gaining confidence, and honing your skills as practice can. The University of South Carolina’s career center offers free mock interviews so take advantage.

Practice is also helpful because it allows to you work on your answers. Most interview questions are open-ended; this gives the interviewee full power to guide the direction of their answers. You can disclose or present any information that makes you more marketable.

Also, practice turning negative experiences into positives. Just because you made a huge mistake at your previous job doesn’t mean you didn’t learn anything from it. Address the negatives and spin them your way.

Presenting yourself
Graduate Assistantship interviews will almost always be somewhat formal. To dress appropriately you must have clean, matching, and business-formal attire.

Nobody likes a complainer; stay positive throughout the interview even when addressing weaknesses or flaws, even if you hated your old boss you should look for the positive learning outcomes of your experience.

Be relaxed, be yourself, and be honest. The less rigid and comfortable you are during an interview the more relaxed and comfortable your potential employers will feel about you. Don’t try to be yourself, just be.

You should always follow-up with your potential employers by sending them a hand-written thank you letter or a thoughtful e mail. Ask them any follow up questions you may have, they’ll be more than happy to address them.

Interview Do’s and Don’ts
DO…

Know your values, skills, and abilities
Research the position, school, and expectations
Practice interviewing
Have purpose and future goals
Show confidence, maintain eye contact, dress professionally
Be yourself, be truthful, and be relaxed
Show up a few minutes early
Write a thank you letter, using their full names
Prepare questions to ask interviewer
Watch your posture, don’t forget to smile
Ask for clarification if something is unclear

DO NOT…

Have poor personal appearance or grooming
Act overbearing, over aggressive, or have a know-it-all attitude
Use poor grammar, slang, or profanity
Act nervous or lose your poise
Make excuses
Lack maturity
Overtly show disdain or contempt for past employers
Be indecisive
Show a lack of humor
Name drop
Refrain from asking questions

Common questions
1. Why do you feel you’re qualified for this position?
2. Describe a situation where you’ve had to handle a crisis or a difficult situation.
3. What do you know about our organization?
4. What are your major strengths and weaknesses?
5. If you saw a coworker acting dishonestly would you tell your boss and why?
6. How do you work in team situations?
7. What does diversity mean to you, and is it important?
8. Describe a situation where you failed, what did you learn from it?
9. What can you bring to our department?
10. What has your relationship looked like with your past employers?

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