Job Search Tools, Southeast Missouri State University

For many people, interviews can bring about anxiety and nervousness from the fear of the unknown. However, if you identify what’s to be expected during the interview, it can reduce apprehension and can result in a successful interview. Use the information on this page and be prepared!

Interviewing Guidelines

Know the Purpose of the Interview

You are assessing the employer to determine whether the company is a good fit for you; the employer is looking at your talents, work experience, enthusiasm and motivation.

Know To Wear Appropriate Attire

Maintaining a neat, well-groomed appearance is an interviewing “must.” Look like a competitive candidate. Investigate the company’s dress code. It’s better to be too dressed up for an interview than underdressed.

Know Yourself

What are your strengths? Weaknesses? Achievements? What can you offer the employer? How might you fit into the position or the company?

Know Your Resume

Anything included on your resume can be used as a point of conversation or question topic during the interview.

Know the Company

Employers often indicate that candidates do not know enough information about their company. Informational interviewing is another way to research the company, as well as the profession you are interested in.

Write an Appropriate Thank You Letter

Do not underestimate the positive impact of the thank you letter! Many job seekers fail to take this extra step, an action that if done well, can position them above the competition. Given the importance of thank you letters in making hiring decisions, it is imperative to follow up the interview with a written thank you letter to each person with whom you interviewed. Remember to have a firm handshake, good eye contact and arrive 10 to 15 minutes early!

Sample Documents

The following samples/templates are available in PDF format for you. Please stop by the Career Linkages office, UC 206 for additional samples.

Resume

Resume Checklist

Reference Checklist

Reference Sample

Cover Letter

Cover Letter Checklist

Interviewing Checklist

Interview Questions-Sample

Telephone Interview Checklist

Action Verbs

Transferrable Skills

Employment Search Websites

Mock Interviews

Are you currently submitting resumes and awaiting an interview? Going on job interviews but not getting the job? Applying to graduate/professional school? Or, maybe you are a career changer and would like to know interview questions that are more tailored towards your current career interest.

Contact the Career Linkages office to schedule a mock interview with a trained professional. Our staff will conduct a one-on-one practice interview with you and give you immediate feedback on your interviewing skills. At your request, we can also videotape your mock interview so you can see how you interview. Remember, non-verbal communication is just as important as verbal communication!

Questions to Ask Employers

At the end of the interview the interviewer will ask you if you have any questions. It is important that you ask something to show that you are interested. Remember to avoid questions about salary, vacation, and benefits in the initial interview. Allow the employer to mention this first!

How will my job performance be measured?
Goals that the department/organization has set for the upcoming year?
What are the opportunities for advancement?
New projects that they have recently undertaken.
The interview process. When can you expect to hear from them?
How would you describe the company’s culture?
What kind of training and supervision is provided initially?

Informational Interviewing

Trying to choose a career, or learn more about a career/job options within your major? Consider conducting an informational interview.

How Do I Get Started on Informational Interviewing?

Utilize your current networks such as friends, family, neighbors, alumni, and the Career Linkages office. Ask them to help identify potential contacts.
Once you’ve located people of interest, you will need to set up the interview.
After arranging an appointment, be prepared! Before your informational interview learn as much as you can about the organization, write down questions to ask, dress professionally and bring copies of your resume.

Appropriate Questions to Ask in an Informational Interview

How did you decide to become a _______?
What kind of schooling/training was required?
What sort of experiences would help me be prepared to enter this field?
How did you get your first job?
What do you do during a typical day?
What do you like most about being a_______?
What do you like least about being a_______?

After your Informational Interview, be sure to send a typed, business-style thank you letter. Also, keep the individual you interviewed updated on your progress.

Salary Survey Guide

The Career Linkages office is a member of the National Association for Colleges and Employers (NACE). The Salary Survey Guide provides listings of national salary averages based on industries. To find a more detailed listing of salary information, visit the Career Linkages office in the University Center, room 206.