How to Prepare for and Succeed at On-Campus Interviews

Checklist

Days Before the Interview
Read the job description including the Job Summary, Essential Qualifications, and Preferred Qualifications.
Connect your personal experience to the requirements.
Research the department/office
Choose and prepare an appropriate interview outfit and accessories
Gather materials for interview (pen/pencil, clean copy of your résumé/cover letter, a bottle of water, a briefcase or other professional looking bag to carry it in.
Identify and confirm professional references
Practice potential interview questions
Write out any questions you have about the job or the department
Day of the Interview
Avoid perfume/cologne
Chew gum then dispose of gum
Avoid smoking
Arrive 10 – 15 minutes prior to interview
If applicable, warm your hands.
During the Interview
Smile early and often.
Engage in informal (and appropriate) “chit chat.”
Introduce yourself to the committee – even if you already know them.
Avoid discussions of salary, preferred work schedules, etc. until you are offered the position.
Listen to each question in its entirety before responding.
Always speak in positive terms regarding your current work place, supervisor, co-workers.
Set and maintain a high-level of enthusiasm.
Stay on point.
Articulate early and often that you are enthusiastic about this specific opportunity
After the Interview
Ask thoughtful, job-related questions of the search committee
Email (or hand write) a “Thank You” to the chair of the search committee
Direct follow-up questions to Human Resources
Notify professional references of any potential calls
Be patient and positive – it can take close to a month between interview and job offer
Remember that the selection process is Two-Way, use the interview to confirm or negate your interest in the position. If you are no longer interested, withdraw from the search.

Thank you Note Template:

Date

Dear [Search Committee Chair]:

Thank you for the opportunity to meet with you and the search committee. After learning more about the position, I am even more enthusiastic about the [position] position. I am especially excited because I believe the position’s emphasis on [emphasis] and my experience in [match for the position’s primary requirement] are so closely aligned.

Thank you again for the opportunity, and please contact me if I can provide any more information about my qualifications for or my interest in this position.

Regards,

Name

Updated by Dawn V. Valencia, 2014