Interviewing
A job interview is a time to prove you’re capable of the expected job responsibilities by sharing your skills, education, and experiences.
Your goals during an interview are:
- clearly articulating your skills and abilities
- developing a positive rapport with the interviewer
- gathering details of the position and organization (so you can make an educated decision if you’re offered the job)
Interviewing is a skill that can be improved with time and practice. Here are tools and tips to help build your confidence and strengthen your interview skills.
Practice interviewing with a pro.
Career advisors will shape practice interviews to a job description of your choice. Or they can focus the interview on one specific competency area, such as leadership abilities or cultural competence.
You’ll get written and verbal feedback on your interview performance and tips for improving.
We offer mock interviews on Mondays, and you can sign up for multiple sessions throughout the semester.
Learn how to sign up for Mock Interviews in Handshake.
You can also call the Warrior Success Center at 507.457.5878 to schedule a mock interview.
Career Services hosts employers to conduct job interviews in the Warrior Success Center throughout the academic year.
Log in to your Handshake account. In the Interviews drop-down menu, select “Interviews” to see all upcoming interview schedules.
To sign up for an interview, you’ll need to have your resume and any other required documents uploaded prior to applying for the position.
After applying, the employer will decide if you’ll be accepted for an interview and will notify you via email.
Practice Interviewing Online
Interviewing.com is an excellent tool to enhance your interviewing skills. It’s a private and free way to practice answering the most common interview questions from anywhere in the world.
All you need is a laptop or desktop with a camera and internet access.
How to Get Started
- Create an account at Interviewing.com
- Once you’re logged in, you can choose between options for “Conduct an Interview” or “Mobile Interview”
- Select “Created for Me” or “Custom Interview” to choose the questions that you want to practice answering
- Align yourself in front of the webcam and then click “Begin”
Once your interview is completed, you’ll receive an email with a link to your recorded answers.
Interview Resources
- Interviewing Best Practices Guide (PDF)
- Interviewing Self Evaluation Form (PDF)
- What’s your Elevator Pitch? Interviewing Guide (PDF)
- Avoid Umm, Like, You Know! Interviewing Guide (PDF)
General Interview Tips
- Dress professionally
- Research the organization in advance and have questions ready to ask the employer
- Turn off your cell phone before entering the building
- Arrive at the interview site 10-15 minutes early
- Be polite to the receptionist
- Avoid verbal fillers such as “um,” “ah,” or “like”
- Use gestures that enhance your verbal message
- Sit tall and lean forward slightly to show interest
- Be detailed, yet concise with your responses
- After the interview, send a thank-you letter within 24 hours
- When answering questions, use real life examples to back up your responses
- Review sample interview questions (PDF)
- Address the employer with Mr./Ms./Dr. followed by their last name
- When greeted by the employer, offer a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, and smile