UNLV Career Handbook - Magazine - Page 40
INTERVIEWING
An interview is your chance to convey your professional
brand to others. You must communicate your skills and
express your personality and values clearly, whether
in person or online. Likewise, your interview attire is a
visual representation of your professional brand. Choose
an appropriate out昀椀t that you are comfortable in, re昀氀ects
your personality, and projects con昀椀dence.
PREPARING FOR YOUR INTERVIEW
Interviews provide a potential employer the opportunity to
learn more about you and for you to learn more about an
employer. At this point, the employer has reviewed your
resume and is familiar with your quali昀椀cations. They are
looking more at your soft skills, such as interpersonal skills,
teamwork, and professionalism. The interview allows you
to showcase your communication skills by articulating the
quali昀椀cations that make you the best candidate for the
position and the company.
Employers are looking for a good 昀椀t, someone with the right
background and personality for the company. Attitude and
personality are just as important as quali昀椀cations. Be yourself,
and be your best self. Preparing for an interview is equally as
important as the interview itself and will help you feel relaxed
and con昀椀dent during the interview.
Know Yourself
Spend some time reviewing your quali昀椀cations and
accomplishments by looking over your resume. Reach out to
Career Services & Workforce Development about taking a selfassessment so you can learn about your personal attributes
and skills. Think about your career goals and where you see
yourself down the road.
Prepare Answers to Interview Questions
Review a list of common interview questions and practice your
answers. Not every interview will be the same, but preparing
answers to some common questions will help you focus on
the most important information to convey. You can practice
your interviewing skills in front of a mirror or role-play with a
Career Coach or close friend who can give you constructive
feedback. You can also participate in a videotaped mock
interview through Career Services & Workforce Development.
The important thing is not to memorize your answers but to
become familiar enough with the information so that you can
con昀椀dently express yourself
to the employer.
Prepare Questions to Ask the Employer
At the end of almost every interview, the employer will ask
you if you have any questions for them. This is a great time
to demonstrate your knowledge of the company and your
enthusiasm for the position. Asking intelligent questions lets
the interviewer know that you are interested, which could set
you apart from other candidates. It is always a good idea to
prepare a few questions in advance.
• What do you like most about working for this company?
• What is the of昀椀ce environment like? Culture
and community?
• What are your company’s goals in the next 3-5 years?
• What qualities are you looking for in a successful
candidate for this position?
• Could you describe a typical day in this position?
• Who are the people I would be working with in this
position, and what are their roles?
Questions to Avoid
Research the Company
Doing your homework not only impresses the recruiter but
also helps you choose the most suitable company for you.
Demonstrating that you have researched a company on
Google or LinkedIn can set you apart from other candidates.
Employers want people who know something about their
company before they step into the interview room.
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CAREER HANDBOOK
Avoid asking questions about salary, vacation, holidays, and
sick-day schedules. Let the employer initiate this discussion.
You want to show your interest in the employer and position,
not your personal desires. These items are often discussed
once you are seriously considered for the position.
