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Interviewing Success
You can never be sure what you will be asked
during an interview, but
certain questions are likely to arise. Check with your Office
of Career
Services to see a list of typically asked questions and the
best answers.
Anticipate these questions and rehearse your responses to
them in advance. Also look over "What Interviewers Like"
below.
You may also want to practice in a mock interview venue with
Carol and
David, Career Counselors. Under confidential conditions, you
will have
the opportunity to practice a typical interview and critique
your session in a non-threatening atmosphere. Students who
have taken advantage of this opportunity to 'see themselves
in action' have highly endorsed the value of this additional
job search strategy. Sign up today for your private mock interview
& critique session by calling 508 767-7409.
Go to: JobWeb.com
for Career Development and Job Search Help for college Graduates.
Also, try http://www.Collegegrad.com/intv/
What Interviewers Like
The Collegiate Employment Research Institute at Michigan State
University
asked 739 corporate recruiters and hiring officials what characteristics
were considered most critical in choosing new hires and how
they might
detect these traits. Among the responses were the following:
| Employment Trait |
How to Measure |
| Written communications skills |
Request writing samples or give written tests. |
| Decision making skills |
Ask about life decisions such as reasons for selecting
major. Put students in pressure situations and see how
they solve problems as they arise. |
| Oral communication skills |
Varies according to kind of job being filled but recruiters
agree that in order to move into management one needs
to be able to state ideas and objectives clearly. |
| Judgement skills |
Can get some sense of judgement by how applicant handles
certain aspects of the interview. Does the candidate bring
up the salary question too early in the interview? Does
the applicant downgrade a former employer? |
| Maturity |
Pesentation of student career goal and personal identity
can help in measuring maturity. |
| Well-developed work habits |
How well did student accomplish past work objectives?
How much did the student stretch himself or herself to
accomplish goals? |
For more information on What Recruiters Like, contact the
OCS, extension 7409. |
