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Interviewing
The interview is arguably the most important component of the job search. A decision to hire will not be made until the interview has occurred. It is a two-way process. Both the interviewer and the interviewee will gather and clarify information about each other, and each will form intuitive opinions and impressions about the other based on personal interaction.

Each semester, the Career Center offers a variety of workshops and seminars to help you develop and enhance your interviewing skills.

• Know your product: You are the product. You bring to the bargaining table knowledge, skills, energy, accomplishments, and personality. Take an inventory and be sure your customer (potential employer) fully understands your value.
• Know your customer's needs: You must research the employer's organization and industry in order to determine needs, problems and opportunities. Information is available through the Career Center Library, video tapes, employer presentations, career fairs, business and government publications, the Internet and informational interviews.
• Demonstrate how you can fulfill the needs or solve the problems: Based on what you have learned about the employer's needs, highlight the skills and capabilities you have that best fulfill those needs.

1. Content: The information you provide, add to, or clarify about your qualifications. Use a sales approach and make the most of the opportunity to describe all the positive things about you, the "product."
2. Style: Your delivery and mannerisms. The interviewer develops perceptions of your personality and skills based on your ability to "think on your feet." Organize your thoughts, and speak clearly and confidently. This is why interviewers sometimes ask the "Why is the sky blue?" type of questions. Be careful not to give short, incomplete responses or long, rambling discourses.