Online Interview Workshop

Introduction

What is the Purpose of the Interview?

• There are many reasons why one may have an interview. The main purpose of an interview is for a prospective employer to ask you questions in order to determine if you are someone they want to hire.
• Other reasons why one may have an interview is for a spot in a graduate or professional school program, internships, scholarships or awards, and just to gain information.
• As you work through the online interview workshop, you will learn how to prepare for an interview, the different interview styles and types, how to follow-up, and other resources that can help you succeed in this process.

Why is the Interview Important?

• The interview is usually your first face-to-face impression with the employer or the person with whom you are meeting. First impressions last forever and you can never make another first impression with the same person again. An interviewer might make up their mind about you within the first twenty seconds of meeting you. Your first impression is key!
• The interview is usually one of the final steps before receiving a job offer, acceptance into a graduate/professional school or a scholarship/fellowship.
• If you have made it to an interview, then your resume and application must have been good. The interview helps the employer decide if you are a good fit for the position, the department as well as the company.