{"id":18926,"date":"2021-03-16T10:24:30","date_gmt":"2021-03-16T14:24:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/purposeful-work\/?page_id=18926"},"modified":"2025-05-12T09:01:36","modified_gmt":"2025-05-12T13:01:36","slug":"interviewing-guide","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/purposeful-work\/interviewing-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Interviewing Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Congratulations! You have been selected for an interview. Whether this is your first, second, or even third interview, this is an opportunity to sell yourself as the candidate who is the best fit for the position and the organization based on your background, skills, and interests.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interviewers seek candidates who can articulate their qualifications well and fulfill the position responsibilities successfully. They may ask technical questions related to your past performance and your knowledge of the position, organization, and\/or industry.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you would like to schedule a mock interview or practice answers to specific interview questions, please make an appointment on Handshake: <\/i><\/b>bates.joinhandshake.com\/appointments\/new<\/i><\/b><\/a> or email the Bates Center for Purposeful Work at purposefulwork@bates.edu<\/a>.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before the Interview: Research and Preparation<\/b><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Research the organization and industry:<\/b> Learn everything you can about the organization, particularly its history, mission\/vision\/goals, culture, and current priorities. What is going on in the industry? Who are the company\u2019s competitors?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research the job:<\/b> Analyze the job description and other information on the position. What are the most important skills and experiences required to land the job?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reflect on yourself:<\/b> What are your skills, interests, and values? What are you happiest doing? What do you need in a job to do your best work? What salary and benefits do you require? Consider your knowledge-based skills (developed through your coursework), transferable skills (that can be applied across roles), personal qualities, and intrinsic motivators. Be able to clearly explain: what you want to do; how your skills, strengths, and experiences meet an employer’s needs; and why you are the best candidate for the specific position. The more you reflect on yourself and your experiences, the more easily answers to questions will come to mind.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plan responses to potential questions:<\/b> Review APPENDIX A and do further research online, especially for industry-specific questions. Practice your responses to these questions. Meet with a career counselor for a mock interview or to review specific interview questions.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Draft a list of possible questions to ask:<\/b> Be sure the answers to your questions cannot be easily found on the organization\u2019s website. Avoid benefit and salary questions, but focus on professional development, organizational culture, mentorship, and leadership. Ask questions you really want to know the answers to that will shed light on the job. Remember, you are also interviewing the organization to ensure that it will be a positive environment for you.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prepare your materials:<\/b> Whether you are interviewing virtually or in person, have the following easily accessible — copies of your resume, professional references (in case you are asked), a notepad (for notes as needed, with your questions) in a professional portfolio, and a pen. For a physical interview, you will also need directions to the interview, the phone number of the company (in case you are late for any reason), and the name of the person or people with whom you will meet. Be ready with interview-appropriate clothes and a polished appearance. Bring a government-issued photo ID in case the building has a security desk.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be on time:<\/b> Arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the interview to collect your thoughts. You would be surprised how that will help rather than rushing in at the last minute. If you are at the company location, use the time to observe the environment. Is this a place where you would like to work?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Practice, practice, practice: <\/b>Role play with someone you can trust who can provide thoughtful feedback and\/or make arrangements for a mock interview with a career counselor.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

During<\/b> the<\/b> Interview: General<\/b> Guidelines<\/b><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

First impressions matter. Make the best possible first impression through your appearance, behavior, and timeliness. You have been asked for an interview because you possess the basic qualifications for the job, such as education and work experience. During the interview, employers will look for several qualities, such as honesty, credibility, intelligence, competence, enthusiasm, spontaneity, friendliness, and likeability.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Much of the message communicating these qualities will be conveyed through your nonverbal behavior. Here are some tips:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n