Contact Mandy Pulido for Career Support at ajpulido2@utep.edu
Preparing for the Interview:
- Dress professionally and make sure you are will groomed.
- Prepare relevant answers to typical interview questions, but don't make them sound rehearsed - just focus on hitting the main points.
- Anticipate any red flags areas and know how to deal with them.
- Do your research on the company, position, and job description. Memorize good examples that demonstrate the key behaviors required for the job.
- Consider your strengths and how they can add value to the job.
- Do a dry run and video it so you can take any corrective steps.
- Bring any materials you may need including business card, resume, and portfolio. Bring a notebook or padfolio and a pen so that you can take notes or jot down questions.
- Be on time - allow for extra travel time in case you get lost or run into traffic.
During the Interview:
- Make a good first impression with a nice, firm handshake.
- Be friendly, polite, and remember to smile.
- Display confidence through body language - don't slouch in your chair or look down when you're speaking.
- Speak loudly and enunciate when giving your answers.
- Always try to frame your answers in a way so that they relate to the job and why you're the best candidate for it.
- Be honest - it's better to turn down a job you're not a good match for than to try to 'fake it until you make it'
- Prepare yourself for curve-ball questions you didn't train for - take your time answering.
- Ask for some time to think if you need a second to formulate your thoughts.
- If you are unsure of what the interviewer is asking you, politely request a more detailed explanation.
After the Interview:
- Thank the interviewer for his or her time.
- Give the interviewer samples of your work if you have copies for them to keep.
- Provide a good final impression with a nice, firm handshake.
- Follow-up with a thank you email, letter, or phone call.
- Prepare for your follow-up interview, if applicable