Saturday, September 6, 2008

Interview Tips

It is essential that you take time to prepare for your interview - regardless of where you've gone to school, what your GPA was, and what your career goals are. Following are some tips to help you have a successful interview.

Prepare for Your Interview

No, you can't cram the night before and "ace" your interview -- take time to fully prepare yourself.

Practice -- Before you have an actual interview, if possible, go through a mock interview. Most college campuses offer access to a career counselor who can take you through a mock interview. Be prepared to answer typical interview questions such as:
What are your short-term and long-term career goals?
Why did you choose your major?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Dress for Interview Success

Even though many companies such as Altera have a relaxed dress code, proper dress for an interview is more conservative. You should dress in professional business attire -- women should wear a suit or dress; men should wear a suit and tie.

Ask Questions

An interview is an exchange of information, so you should be prepared to ask questions as well as answer them. You might want to ask some questions such as the following:

What would be a typical working day for this position?
What makes your company better than your competitors?
How will my success be measured in this position?

Follow Up

Keep in contact with the hiring manager and your recruiter. Get in touch if you have questions, or would like to share additional information about your qualifications -- it will set you apart from other applicants.

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