Interviews can be intimidating, especially when you have your first one. Fortunately, the Marist College Center for Career Services is hosting an Interview Preparation Day on Friday, September 28. The event will allow you to conduct a practice interview with an employer and receive immediate feedback on your performance. Log in to FoxQuest for more information and to sign up for a time slot. Whether you’re gearing up for Interview Preparation Day or a job or internship interview, here are some general do’s and don’ts to help you make a positive first impression and nail all types of interviews from start to finish. DO: Be Prepared Make sure to bring hard copies of your resume and cover letter in case you are asked to supply them. If your interview is over the phone or through a video chat, make sure your devices are charged and you are in a quiet area free from distractions. The Center for Career Services has a room in Cannavino Library that you can reserve for phone and virtual interviews. Stop by Library 332 to learn more about this Interview Room for students. Please make your reservation ahead of time. Familiarize Yourself with the Company and Your Interveiwer One of the first things an interviewer will say to you after the initial introduction is some variation of “Tell me what you know about our company.” Become familiar with the company’s history, projects and clients among other things. If you know the name of the person who is interviewing you, it will be helpful to look them up on LinkedIn so you can ask them questions about their own career path and experiences within the company. Dress Professionally Make sure your attire is neat and clean and be well groomed. Office dress codes vary, so you want to make sure you blend in with the other employees who already work at the company. This guide from Career Addict will help you decode terms for proper interview attire. Be Punctual Arrive 5-10 minutes early to your interview. This shows you are prepared and dependable. Prepare Questions to Ask the Interviewer At the end of your interview it is important to ask your interviewer questions. It will not only help you gain a full understanding of the position, but it also shows that you are interested in the position and curious about your field. Some good examples of questions to ask your interviewer are listed here. Follow Up Within 24 hours of your interview it’s a good idea to send a ‘thank you’ email or hand-written letter to your interviewer. Make sure you receive the interviewer’s contact information ahead of time. In addition to being polite, this gesture will express interest in the position and will give you the opportunity to reaffirm your qualifications. DON'T: Don't Lie While it may be tempting to tell an interviewer what they want to hear, make sure you’re answering their questions honestly. If you don’t know an answer or don’t meet a qualification, be truthful and positive. Above all, employers want to see that you are willing to learn new skills. Don't Act Too Nervous While this is definitely easier said than done, do your best to take deep breaths and listen to your interviewer carefully. Showing enthusiasm and confidence in your responses lets your interviewer know you’re passionate about the job. Don’t Reprimand Yourself for One Bad Response Sometimes in an interview there can be a moment where you can’t come up with a coherent answer or have trouble performing a task you would be expected to do while on the job. If you get too upset with yourself, you will likely keep making more mistakes. Instead, move on and respond to the next questions to the best of your ability. Don’t Act Desperate Attitude is everything. An interviewer can sense whether you want the position or you will just take anything that you are offered. Be confident in your skills and qualifications, remember if the employer has invited you in for an interview, they perceive you can help them fill a need they have. While you may really want a job or internship, it’s important to be true to yourself and accept offers that fit your qualifications and interests. No matter how many times you rehearse in front of a mirror or how long you prepare, the high-pressure environment of an interview can throw you off guard and make you forget about everything you planned to say. The best way to get better at interviews is actually going on them. If you cannot attend a session on Interview Preparation Day, schedule a practice interview with a career coach to refine your interviewing skills and ease your nerves.
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We would like to congratulate the many Marist College students who completed internships this past summer. Internships enable students to integrate their academic studies with periods of employment related to their career goals. They are programs of educational enrichment designed to enhance students' academic and personal development in preparation for careers. Some internships that students completed were paid and others were for academic credit. Here is a sample of some of the employers that hosted Marist students this summer. The deadline for students to register their Fall 2018 internship for academic credit is Monday, September 10. For more information please contact Internship Program Coordinator Stephanie Graham at [email protected].
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