University of Wisconsin Stout | Wisconsin's Polytechnic University

• Make a personal inventory of your workplace skills, knowledge, and personal characteristics.
• Review the job description to identify the skills, knowledge, and personal characteristics required for the position.
• Be prepared to relate concrete examples that show you have the qualifications required of the position.
• Skills developed during your formal education, through employment experiences, co-ops/co-op/internships, volunteer experiences, community service, and hobbies.

Additional Resources

• "Assessing Your Skills, Knowledge, and Personal Characteristics"
•  "Skills and Personal Traits Employers Seek for the Workplace 2000"

Know the Employer:

• Research the employer to determine if you really want to work for them.

• Tailor your interview answers to meet the needs of the employer.
• Prepare questions for the employer that is pertinent to the company and position to show that you are prepared and knowledgeable.

Additional Resource: "Researching Employers for Successful Interviews".

Dress for Success: First impressions are usually made within the first four seconds. Personal appearances and first impressions could determine your success or failure in landing the job.  

• Look neat and clean, from your clothes to your hair, hands and fingernails

Send a thank you letter to the employer no later than two days following the interview.

• If you are interested in pursuing employment with the company, confirm your interest and reiterate your strengths.
•  If you are not interested in employment, thank the employer for the interview and indicate that you would like to be removed from consideration for the position.

If two weeks has elapse since your first interview, and the employer has not made contact, a telephone call is appropriate. See "Job Search Letters" and "Sample Letters".

• What did you learn from the interview that can help during your next interview?
•  Is there any additional research or preparation you need to do for your next interview?
• Were there any follow-up instructions, given by the recruiter, that need to be completed?

Normally first interviews do not extend an offer for immediate hire. Their job is to screen candidates for future interviews. They must review your qualifications with the hiring managers and usually they will schedule a second interview. These interviews generally take place at the employment site. See "The Second Interview/Site Visit

If you are extended a job offer, you will need to assess it thoroughly. If you need more time to make a decision, ask for an extension. If you decide to accept the offer, immediately notify other employers who may be waiting for your decision. If you decide not to accept the offer, immediately contact the employer and inform them.

Additional Resources:  

• " Evaluating the Job Offer "
• "The Art of Negotiation"
• "Job Search Letters"