Chris Parker, junior

As the summer approaches, graduating seniors will be frantically looking for a job so they can start paying off their debts. Undergraduates will be browsing the want ads as they look for a job to fill their pockets and the summer hours.

Everyone who hopes to have a job will most likely have to do some kind of interview. Here are some steps to follow to knock the interview out of the park.

Before the Interview

The first thing to do before going to the interview is to know the company according to business professor Marilyn Jones.

“It’s very important they research the company beforehand,” Jones said.

You need to be informed about the position you are applying for as well as the product or service the business offers.

Once you have the company researched it is time to practice for the big interview. Just like the choir practices songs or the football team runs drills, you need to take a couple dry runs in the interviewing process so you know what to expect.

There are many options for help on campus including teachers and Career Services located in Casado.

“Take advantage of every opportunity here on campus to go through a mock interview,” Jones said.

Students and alumni both can go to Student Career Services located on campus in the lower level of Casado for help in a mock interview.

“A student can coordinate with us to sign up for an interview at any time,” said Amy Dible, Director of Campus and Career Transitions.

Mock interviews take about an hour according to Dible.

Even with the availability of the opportunity, mock interviewing is one place that many Friends students have failed to take advantage of to this point.

Jones said Koch Industries was on campus on April 7 to do mock interviews, but no Friends showed up to take advantage of the opportunity.

“That is sad, sad, sad,” Jones said.

Dible echoed the importance of mock interviews.

“We tell our students and alumni the only way to get good at interviewing is to practice,” Dible said.

The final step in your preparation is to be properly dressed.

“It’s really easy to be overdressed,” Jones said. “We always tell our students to dress for the position they want, not the one they are getting.”

During the Interview

Be sure to arrive 10-15 minutes early and then once you step foot on the business’ property, consider your interview has begun.

“Your interview actually starts when you hit the door,” Jones said. “There are some businesses that have everybody they (the applicant) talk to do an evaluation.”

This includes everyone from the boss to the receptionist, so be on your best behavior at all times.

Once the face-to-face portion of the interview has begun, be aware of your body language. The biggest thing is to know yourself and mannerisms. If you are a person who likes to talk with your hands, then make a conscious effort to keep your hands still. Sit up straight and make good eye contact. All of this will convey confidence and professionalism to your would-be employers.

The questions you will receive will vary, but Jones said to be prepared for the classic strengths and weaknesses questions. Almost every interview will involve a form of this question.

Also be prepared for the “why” questions. Examples include: Why do you want this position? Why did you choose this field to go in to? Why did you pick this company?

Finally, after the employer has finished asking questions, it will be your turn to ask some questions of your own about the company.

“The questions are very, very important,” Jones said.

By asking questions you convey an interest in the position and the company according to Jones.