Prepare for Your Interview

Preparation is the difference between a successful and unsuccessful interview. The following information will guide you through the interview process and provide you with the groundwork for your future success.

KNOW THE EMPLOYER

This is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your research skills. It is important for you to find out as much as you can about the organization, agency, institution, and position you are interviewing for. Ask yourself the following questions: • What products or services does the organization provide? • What is the size of the organization? What is its organizational structure? How much potential for advancement is there within this structure? • Who are the organization’s leaders or key stakeholders? Find out how the position you are applying for relates to the whole organization. Attempt to narrow down some challenges, opportunities, policies, or philosophies of the organization so you can ask knowledgeable, informed questions during the interview. This research will not only increase your self-confidence, but it will also impress the interviewer.

KNOW YOURSELF

Before your interview, know what you have to offer the potential employer. Evaluate yourself in terms of your strengths and how those strengths translate into skills that will benefit your prospective employer. It is also helpful to know your weaknesses. Be ready to talk about your career objective, your short- and long-term goals, and your interests. Practice illustrating how your extracurricular activities and previous professional experiences are examples of skills in leadership and responsibility. Be prepared to tell an employer why you are the best fit.

FSU Panama City & Distance Students

The Career Center offers many online resources available to assist FSU Panama City and distance learning students with career exploration and planning, including résumé critiques. View services and more at career.fsu.edu/student/ virtual-services.

LEARN TO COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY

You must be able to express yourself and communicate clearly to the interviewer. • Participate in a mock interview at The Career Center.

Learn more about mock interviews on page 36. • Set up your FSU Career Portfolio to identify and describe your skills. • Practice and improve your virtual interview skills through Big Interview, the Career Center’s newest interviewing resource. See page 36. • Concentrate on what is being asked and respond appropriately. Watch your tone during the interview and try to speak in your normal voice. • Remember to take a moment after each question is asked to prepare a thoughtful, thorough answer.

Stop speaking once you’ve answered the question.