What do I wear?
- Wear something that projects a tidy, professional appearance.
You want the interviewer to notice you, not your attire. - One simple rule: Inappropriate clothing could conceivably cost you a job, but an Armani suit isn’t enough to get you a job.
When should I arrive?
- Early! Most recruiters suggest arriving up to 15 minutes early.
- Examine yourself before the interview: hair, tags, zippers, teeth, and shoes.
What will happen when I arrive?
- Wait
- Be courteous to the receptionist. He or she may have input during the selection process.
- Look for company reading material.
- Listen to all communication around the reception area.
- Scan bulletin boards for tidbits of information.
- Observe what others are wearing.
- Meet the recruiter
- Greet him or her positively.
- Offer a firm handshake.
- Smile!
How should I act?
- Give a firm handshake.
- Get up to greet someone when you first meet him or her.
- Maintain eye contact and communicate clearly.
- Pretend your interview begins the minute you enter the building. This enables you to get accustomed to being in “interview mode” long before you are “live” with a recruiter. It certainly can’t hurt to be polite and affirmative to everyone you encounter on your way to the interview.
The Interview
What kinds of questions will they ask me?
- Questions will vary, but they can be grouped into 5 categories: Personal, Education, Experience, Career Goals and Huh?
- Be prepared to discuss all aspects of your resume, including those that could be construed as negative, i.e., low grade point average, no participation in outside activities, no engineering-related experience, etc.It is up to you to convince the recruiter that although these points may appear negative, positive attributes can be found in them. For example, a low GPA could stem from your having to support yourself through college.You might have no engineering-related experience, but plenty of other experiences which showcase your skills.
What is the “huh” category?
- Our graduates have recounted to us instances when the employer will, in the same tone used for probing your technical proficiency, ask: “What time period would you like to have lived in?” or “If you were a plant, what kind would you be?”
- Many times these questions are asked simply to see how you will react. Obviously, you can’t prepare for these in advance.
- The recruiter may be trying to see how much your “rehearsed” self differs from your surprised self.
- The best advice: stay calm, seriously consider the question, and then give your natural response.
- Click here for examples of Questions Employers Ask.
What should I ask them?
- You don’t have to wait until the Applicant Query section to ask a question if one comes up.
- Many recruiters look positively to applicants who take the conversational initiative. However, don’t disrupt the flow of the interview.
- Click here for examples of Questions You Should Ask.
What are improper questions?
Avoid the following areas:
- Uninformed Company-Related Questions. Avoid asking questions that betray your lack of company research. If something you’ve found out is unclear to you, then be sure to ask for clarification.
- Salary/Benefits. This especially applies to the initial interview. Most companies that recruit are offering competitive salaries and benefits. If the recruiter brings up this topic, then you may discuss it. However, be very cautious: let them take the lead at all times.
- Personal Questions. Obviously, the last person you want to irritate is a potential employer. Therefore, avoid any questions that may be perceived as inappropriate. These include questions on their marital status, work qualifications, etc.
- Redundant Questions. It is entirely possible that you may go in to the interview with a list of questions. Remember to mark them off if they’re answered in the course of the discussion. You will look inattentive or disorganized if you ask them to answer similar questions again.
How will the interview end?
- Remain enthusiastic and courteous.
- Often the conclusion of the interview is indicated when the recruiter stands up. However, if you feel the interview has reached its conclusion, feel free to stand up first.
- Shake the recruiter’s hand and thank him or her for considering you.
- Let the recruiter know you look forward to hearing from him or her soon.
- Make sure you have the recruiter’s name and contact information down (asking for a business card is fine) as you are going to send them a thank-you letter for the interview.
What will a recruiter be looking for in my interview?
- Drive. Can you motivate yourself on a project? Can you maintain your motivation, despite obstacles and challenges?
- Self-Management. Can you prioritize your work? Are you able to set specific, measurable goals?
- Leadership. Do you recognize when an opportunity presents itself? Can you establish directions/tasks for others? Are you able to utilize others’ talents? How do you handle mistakes in others? In yourself?
- Cognitive Abilities. Can you sort through complex data? Are you able to determine the best course to a desired result?
- Communication Skills. Can you express yourself clearly, both in speaking and writing? Can you communicate the quality of a concept sufficiently to inspire others? How do you handle cultural/personality differences as they impact communication?
- Technical Proficiency. Do you understand the basic beliefs of your engineering discipline? Can you utilize this understanding in practical application?
