Employment: Employers looking for more than just correct answers
Published April 11, 2006
Going into a first interview with a prospective employer is generally nerve wracking. But students have many ways to put on a perfect performance and keep their cool during any type of interview, theater professor Cheryl Black said.
"It really is a public performance and definitely involves some acting technique," Black said. "You want to make sure you give yourself plenty of time before the interview. Relax, use different breathing techniques, eat beforehand, and make sure you get enough sleep."
The MU Career Center recommends practicing mock interviews to prepare for questions that might be asked, said Lucy McKormick, a specialist at the Career Center, which offers services to help students practice.
According to the Career Center's interviewing guide, students should expect open-ended questions on goals, education, experience, motivation and company knowledge.
Black also recommends researching the position beforehand to get a feel for the type of questions that might be asked.
"You should have someone ask you the usual suspect questions so you can prepare responses to them, and then you won't be as nervous at the interview," Black said. "We also recommend writing your own questions about the position and company so you don't forget to ask anything important."
Dressing professionally is also imperative, said Bill Sieger, manager at Jos. A. Bank, a men's clothing retailer. Sieger said he believes 55 percent of an interviewer's perception of a candidate is based on his or her appearance.
Sieger said he recommends picking outfits that accent physical assets such as height and weight.
"You want to blend your personal best with the corporate culture of the job," Sieger said. "You want to make sure your interviewing attire matches what everyone wears in the job you are applying for."
One tip is to call the interviewer's secretary to ask what type of dress would be appropriate for the interview, Sieger said.
"Clothing can kill you or complement you," Sieger said. "You want everything in your favor. There are a lot of competitors out there, and it could come down to how you dress."
Black said an interviewee needs to answer the questions appropriately but still let his or her personality show to the interviewer.
"You want to present yourself well, be professional, seem mature and show your personality," Black said. "Basically, you want to present yourself as someone people want to work with."