Interviewing

After you've submitted your resume and cover letter, the next step in the hiring process is the interview. Interviews help companies learn more about applicants and find the right combination of skill and fit. There are many different types of interviews including in-person, phone, and distance interviews.

Before the Interview

Preparation is the key to success! Before interviewing be certain to:

• Research the company - Few candidates take the time to do this well and it will definitely make you stand out during an interview. Closely review the position description, the company's website, and any recent news about the company. Also use sites like Glassdoor to find common interview questions and reviews of the company culture.
• Practice your interview - Find common interview questions and be prepared to answer them well. The Pancratz Center offers mock interviews and assistance in articulating common interview answers with questions designed specifically for NCoBPA majors. Log into Starfish or email UND.pancratzcenter@UND.edu to schedule an appointment.

During the Interview

It's normal to be a little nervous when the day of your interview arrives, but here are some simple things you can do to ensure you come off as a qualified, put-together candidate:

• Dress for success - Appearance makes a difference. Wear suits, ties, skirts, dress shirts, and other professional clothing.
• Arrive on time - Prepare to be 10 to 15 minutes early for your interview and allow for time to compose yourself.
• Body Language - Remember a firm handshake, eye contact, and body language are all non-verbal ways to show confidence and engage the interviewer.
• Ask Questions - Come prepared with 3 to 5 questions to ask the interviewer about the position or the company.

After the Interview

Your etiquette after the interview can go a long way to making a good impression. Some things you should do include:

• Send a thank you - Write a thank you note to anyone involved in conducting your interview. In addition to saying thank you, include a few key discussion points from your interview.
• Follow up - It is perfectly fine to contact the interviewer to ask if a hiring decision has been made, unless that has been prohibited by the employer. If an interviewer says you will hear from him or her by a certain time, wait until after that time has passed to reach out.