Page 82 - Carlson School GBCC Career Guide

Interview Preparation Checklist
INTERVIEWING
1
2 RESEARCH
the format of the interview
Learn about type of questions the company asks. It may be helpful to talk with other students or alumni who have been through the interview process with the company.
Contact and interview students/alumni who have gone through the process in the past. They may be able to provide helpful hints, and give you more information about what to expect.
Research the individuals with whom you will meet during your interview to learn more about their roles within the organization. Tools such as LinkedIn can be useful for this.
3 PRACTICE
for the Interview
Prepare seven to 10 stories in the STAR format to illustrate your behaviors in various business-related and leadership situations.
Attend a small group interview practice session, or meet with a GBCC coach to practice interview questions you find most challenging.
Review and practice case interviewing techniques (if applicable).
Practice your opening: “Tell me about yourself” or “Walk me through your resume.”
Practice your closing: “Why should we hire you?”
4 CONFIRM logistics
RESEARCH
the company
Use external resources to conduct research on the company (e.g., business strategies, competitors, recent features in the news). See page 18 for a list of helpful tools to conduct company research.
Contact any individuals that you know who work or have worked at the company in the past.
Prepare five to seven questions to ask based on your research.
Confirm travel arrangements (if applicable). Confirm how to get there and where you will park.
Confirm dress code for the interview
(if unsure, a dark, conservative, professional suit is recommended).
Confirm who you will be meeting and itinerary for the interview, including start time and end time.
Prepare interview attire (extra hosiery, pressed shirts).
Be sure to pack a portfolio, copies of your resume on professional paper, and a cheat sheet with notes.
COMPLETE FOLLOW-UP
after the interview
Send thank you letters or emails to everyone you met during your interview.
Follow up on unanswered questions if necessary.
Follow up if deadline passes and you have not heard from company.
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