Preparing for Interviews

Did you know, interviewing is a skill -- the more you practice the better you become. Interviews are an opportunity to tell your professional story. Successful interviews are authentic, genuine, positive, enthusiastic, and professional  

Tools to prepare for a successful interview 

1. Practice with friends/family, or online with InterviewStream.
2. Familiarize yourself with the organization you are interviewing for. Identify why you want to work there and how your skills and experiences fit the position. 
3. Brainstorm stories and experiences from your own life that you can bring into the interview. Be prepared to answer behavior-based questions with specific examples. 
4. Review the Interviewing Checklist.
5. Plan what you are going to wear. See examples of professional dress in our Job Search Handbook or in Google images.
6. Plan to carry your documents in a padfolio (borrow from Career Services)
7. Schedule a mock interview with Career Services. Call 218-723-6039 or email careers@css.edu
8. Utilize these additional interview resources:
   
   • InterviewStream instructions
   • Tips for interview success
   • Researching employers
   • Tips for a successful phone/video interview
   • Typical interview questions
   • Preparing questions for employers
   • Legal and illegal interview questions and responses
   • Thank you letter example
   • Interview feedback form
   • How-to videos