Preparing for an Interview

Preparation is the key to success

The job market is very competitive and you probably will not be the only qualified candidate for a position. The deciding factor may simply be the way you present your skills and qualifications relevant to the position, and how well you conduct yourself during the interview.

Are You Right For the Job? Evaluate yourself

• What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses?
• What are your short-term and long-term goals?
• Formulate responses by asking the question: "Why should they hire me?"
• Concentrate your search on positions for which you are competitive.

Every working person has probably, early in his/her work life, agonized: "I can't get the job unless I have the experience, and I can't get the experience unless I have the job!". A few ways of getting that experience are:

• You may need to consider positions other than the level in which you were formerly employed and work your way through the ranks to your employment objectives.
• Keep your sights realistic. Keen competition exists for all levels of jobs at the University, from "--" Assistant I to Management Services Officers and higher. The pool of applicants for any position usually contain many whose qualifications exceed the minimum requirements.

Know The Job:

It is a good idea to pay close attention to the requirements of the position. When you are sure you understand what the job demands, tailor or address your application and/or resume to the specific duties of the position. ("Tailor" means to highlight the related training or experience you have that applies to the duties required.) Always be honest. When you tailor your application to a position, do not claim skills you do not have. If the position involves purchasing, explain in detail your purchasing background. Unless the vacancy announcement lists "preferred, desired, or helpful," the qualifications listed are required.

Learn about the University, the jobs, and their requirement

• Talk to friends who are familiar with the University.
• Regularly check the types of positions that are listed in the weekly Employment Opportunities Bulletin and on the Web site.
• Research the University and be diligent in keeping up with new job opportunities.
• The heavy competition for positions at UCD has made it common for people to be hired after they submit numerous applications.

You will be asked to relate your qualifications to the job requirements. Obtain a copy of the job description to read and make notes if necessary, then analyze your qualifications point by point. Think of examples of how you handled similar or parallel tasks and be prepared to describe these examples. Remember that the interviewers are interested only in those experiences you have had that directly relate to the position they are offering, so stay on the subject. Do not get sidetracked with irrelevancies.

• Practice. Have others review your application and/or resume and obtain critiques to improve the marketing of your qualifications.
• Participate in mock interviews, practice impromptu speaking skills, and accept every opportunity to interview for on- and off-campus jobs.
• Consider taking courses and workshops that will help you with oral and written communication skills.

Items to consider bringing to the Interview

• References

• Use former supervisors who are familiar with your work.
• Include their names, titles, companies, and phone numbers.

• Resume

• Review your resume thoroughly and be prepared to discuss all points.
• Always bring a resume copy identical to the one supplied to the interviewer.
• Bring along samples of your work, if possible.

• Other Items

• Bring a folder and pen to the interview to jot down notes.
• Bring directions to the interview location as well as the interviewer's phone number in case you are running late.

Arrival at the Interview

• Arrive no earlier than fifteen minutes before the interview (but no later than five minutes prior to the interview).
• Allow adequate time for traffic, parking, and a last minute appearance check. If possible, scout out the location the day before the interview to avoid last minute problems.
• Review your notes and go in with confidence.

Here are some tips on how to arrive ready to win the competition:

Never walk into an interview without knowing about the products and services provided by the company. Find out about its corporate culture and future projects so that you can demonstrate how you can contribute to the company as it continues to grow. Have a solid understanding about its mission and values so that you can inquire about the company's aims.

2. Plan your schedule

Find out the exact location of the office where you will be interviewed and make plans to arrive at least 15 minutes before the interview. If you must, look up bus schedules or plan alternate routes if you anticipate traffic jams. It is impossible to recover from a late arrival at your interview, so avoid being late altogether.

Dress a notch above your day-to-day work attire. For example, if everyone wears blue jeans to work, arrive in dress slacks and a sport shirt (for men) or in a skirt and a blouse (for women). If applying for a job in an office environment, both men and women should wear a business suit.

Prepare a list of interview questions you can expect to be asked at an interview. Know what you are going to say before the interview. To be best prepared, write down your answers, and go over the information several times the day before the interview. Ask a friend or relative to assist as you practice answering those questions in a mock interview.

Despite all the practice, however, always anticipate questions you did not expect to be asked. Such questions help to demonstrate your adaptability and ability to think on the spot.

Prepare two or three questions to ask the interviewer. The questions should seek some specific information about the responsibilities of the job, future projects, and organizational structure.

Here are some key questions you can ask during an interview:

• What are the day-to-day responsibilities of the person in this position?



• Why is this position open?



• What is the career path for this position in this company?



• Where does this position fit into the overall organizational structure of the company?



• Are there important changes such as expansion of products or services, which will affect my position?



• Are the procedures of the position completely developed or is a person encouraged to contribute innovative new ideas?