Before the Interview

Do Your Homework

Prior to any kind of interview, a job candidate must do homework to perform well.  Learn as much as possible about the employer with which you will interview.  Doing your homework will take at least some of the mystery out of the process, and it will relieve some stress.   You will be able to ask good questions and thoroughly evaluate (and argue for) your fit only if you know something about the context you would be fitting into.

Return to the research stage of your job search and dig deeper.  Remember—research is where graduate students excel!!  Play to your strengths.  You may want to look into the following variables for each employer with which you interview: 

• History, mission, philosophy
• Geographical location/s
• Size, number of offices/branches
• Products and/or services
• Contributions to the field
• Current issues/recent news
• Priorities/strategic plan
• Potential for future growth
• Organizational culture and structure
• Annual production
• Organizational chart (including names of executives)
• Financial status
• Competitors (i.e. “benchmarks”)

It is imperative to know your audience when interviewing for a job.  Thoroughly research the employer and—to the extent that you are able—the people it employs.  Also know the employer’s context, by researching general trends in the industry.  Look for recurring key words and phrases in the employer’s communications.  Be sure to use this language in the interview.

In preparing for a job interview, remember the value of people.  Reach out to people who may have knowledge of the employer or industry and ask for their advice.  Talk to friends, professional contacts, and U.Va. alumni and alums of other institutions you have attended who may have the inside scoop.

Find out as much as you can in advance about the nature of the interview.  How long will it last?  With whom will you meet?  What will you do?  You may receive this information shortly before the interview.  Build time into your schedule for last-minute research.

Prepare and Practice

Before you interview for a job, know in advance what points you want to make about your fit with the position.  Do not depend on the interviewers to draw these out.  Sometimes interviewers are inexperienced at interviewing, and in any event, you want to play an active role in the process—not a passive one.  You should familiarize yourself with interviewing techniques, prepare for frequently asked interview questions, and practice your interviewing skills.  This effort is essential to performing well.  There is no excuse for not thinking about your answers in advance.  Practice them—preferably with someone else—to ensure that you can present your ideas clearly without rambling or getting off track.  Take care not to sound scripted.  Know by heart all materials you submitted with your application.  If asked to clarify a point you made in your cover letter, for example, you would not want to have to refresh your memory on the spot.

In the interview you will need to address:

• The skills you would bring to the job.
• Past accomplishments that demonstrate those skills.
• Your interest in the employer/industry.
• Your interest in the job.
• Your fit with the organization.
• Your potential to make contributions and grow with the organization.

Seize every opportunity to practice your interviewing skills.  You may conduct a mock interview at any time of the year with a graduate career adviser at GSAS Career Services.  Although this mock interview service is not industry specific, it helps with many of the common interviewing challenges that job candidates face.  To request a mock interview with GSAS Career Services, call 434-243-4014.  You will need to provide copies of your resume or CV, cover letter, and a job announcement at least 3 days in advance.

GSAS Career Services annually offers mock interview programs with employers.  Check our Current Events for a schedule of upcoming programs.  University Career Services also hosts behavioral and case mock interview sessions every September as part of its Fall Focus series.  Check the UCS calendar for dates and times.

Dress

Everything is a text.  Keep in mind that how you groom and dress yourself sends a message to others.  There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to dressing for interviews.  Cultures vary from one industry to the next, but observance of some basic customs conveys that you respect the interview process.  Following are general recommendations:

• Always go for a professional look.  This usually includes a business suit (or at the very least something with a jacket).  Even if professionals in the field dress casually, it is advisable to dress more formally for a job interview.  Find out how employees dress on the job, and take that up a notch or two.
• Avoid overdoing accessories, jewelry, make-up, etc. that detract. 
• Exercise good hygiene.  Hair and nails should be clean and neat.  Clothes should be pressed and well-tailored.  Avoid perfume and cologne.
• Carry your materials in a portfolio or briefcase, not a knapsack.  Carry as little as possible.

What to Bring

Below are items you should always bring to an interview:

• Name and phone number of your contact person
• Itinerary and hotel information (if applicable)
• Extra copies of your application materials (e.g. resume, cover letter, etc.)
• Supporting materials (e.g. writing sample, portfolio of your work, list of references)
• Your list of questions for the employer
• Pen and paper for note-taking

On-Grounds Interviews (OGI) at U.Va.

Employers interviewing on Grounds through University Career Services often sponsor information sessions for interested students, usually the evening before interviews.  If you are selected to interview with an employer recruiting through OGI, check to see if it is offering an information session the night before.  If so, it is imperative that you attend this session.  Your attendance demonstrates your interest and enthusiasm and provides you with valuable information for the interview.