Strommen Center for Meaningful Work
Interviewing
Job interviews involve meeting with employers to see if you match a position’s qualifications and the organization’s work culture. An interview is your opportunity to provide concrete examples of how you meet the organization’s needs and to prove that you will be successful in that position. In order to be successful you should know what to expect and prepare in advance.
Remember: Successful interviewing takes practice!
Here are several resources to help you prepare for an interview:
- Review our complete guide: Preparing For An Interview
- Practice your answers to Interview Questions. Click Sample Interview Questions on the left side bar.
- Complete a “mock interview” (practice) with a career counselor. Click here to schedule an appointment.
- Watch the following videos for great tips on how to succeed in an interview:
 Researching Companies Download Quick Tips (PDF) |
 The Interview Download Quick Tips (PDF) |
 Top 10 Interview Mistakes Download Quick Tips (PDF) |
 Follow Up with Employer Download Quick Tips (PDF) |
Dress to Impress
As you prepare for your interview, you also want to make sure you are dressed to impress! Dress code does vary a little by industry or career field, but here are some general guidelines to follow:
 Interview Dress for WomenDownload Quick Tips (PDF) |
 Interview Dress for MenDownload Quick Tips (PDF) |
Salary Negotiation
When preparing for an interview you also need to make sure you are ready to answer questions about salary. Many times you will not discuss salary until a job offer is given, but it is important to be prepared.
To help you determine what a salary range might be, check out the following websites and videos:
- NACE – Salary Calculator: Look up projected salary information for a career based in your location, major, and experience
- iSEEK – Salary Information: View statistics for average salaries by industry in Minnesota
- Cost of Living Comparison: Considering a career outside of the Twin Cities? Do your research on how the cost of living in other U.S. cities compare and how that may influence your salary negotiation.
 The Salary QuestionDownload Quick Tips (PDF) |
 Talk Salary When |
 Negotiating an Offer |
 Juggling Job Offers |
Thank You Notes & Follow Up
Never forget to send a thank you note after an interview! Depending on your situation, thank you cards may be a handwritten note or an email. The goal of the note is to express your appreciation for an interview, restate your interest in the position, and summarize your qualifications. Sending a thank you note leaves a good impression and can sometimes be the deciding factor as to who gets offered the position.
For more details on how to write a thank you note, read our handout on: Thank You Notes
Here are a few sample thank you notes:
 Art of Saying THANK YOUDownload Quick Tips (PDF) |
 Interview Follow Up |
Follow Up with Employer Download Quick Tips (PDF) |