Your awesome resume got your foot in the door…
now it is time for the
Interview!
What are the most important things to remember when it comes to interviewing?
- Do your homework- research the company/business so that you are informed about who they are- their mission, what they do, and current projects they are working on.
- Prepare some questions that you will ask the interviewer(s). “What questions do you have?” is always asked and is just as important as any of the other questions asked during the interview. Having questions prepared shows that you care and did your research.
- Practice interviewing by using some of the tools listed below and answering questions with a mentor, career services, or other professional. I highly recommend the interview practice available through Illinois WorkNet Optimal Resume Career & Talent Suite.
- Have answers prepared for common interview questions. This doesn’t mean that you have a prepared monologue but you have ideas and examples ready to go that highlight your skills and achievements.
- Dress appropriately
- Carry a portfolio or briefcase with copies of your resume, references, questions you want to ask the interviewer(s), business cards if you have them, something to write with and on, and other essentials that you may need (for example: allergy season?- bring tissues, wearing pantyhose?- bring an extra pair)
What is an Elevator Pitch?
A quick speech (typical length of an elevator ride, hence the name) that highlights who you are, what you do, and what you want to do.
Blackburn has partnered with Upkey who provides guidance and support in building your elevator pitch in a fun and engaging format. Sign up takes less than a minute and you’re ready to go!
Create a free account on Illinois WorkNet to link to Optimal Resume where you can access the Interview Practice (and other great tools)!
The Interview module allows you to control all aspects of your interview practice session, including the interview type, the number of questions, your response format, and the interviewer.
Don’t forget about the THANK YOU note!
When the interview is over, don’t just breath a sigh of relieve and move on. Follow-up with a thank you note (email is perfectly fine in almost all situations). Check out the following video for more information on the importance and content of a thank you note.