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What is an Interview?

The interview is an exchange of information between an employer and a potential employee. Employers use the interview to determine whether or not a potential employee is qualified for their open position and if that person would be a good fit for the company. You, the potential employee, should view the interview not only as an opportunity to impress the potential employer, but also to gather information about the position and the company in order to evaluate whether or not to accept an offer. Use our Mock Interview Service and Interviewing Guidelines to improve your interviewing skills.

Mock Interview Service

A Mock Interview is one of the very best ways to prepare for an actual employment interview, professional program, or graduate school interview. For example, mock interviews may be conducted for: employment opportunities, the Nursing Program, Radiology, Physician Assistant, Medical School, etc. The Mock Interview will help you to learn what is expected in a real interview and how you can improve the way you present yourself.

We will try to make the interview as realistic as possible. Many of the questions you will be asked are interview questions from actual employers or professional programs. The Mock Interview will take approximately 50 minutes. You will be asked possible questions and provided immediate feedback on how you might change or improve your initial response.

The Mock Interview focuses on how well you know yourself and your past experiences, how well you know the industry you hope to enter, and how well you can convey that information. You will gain the most experience from your Mock Interview if you treat it like an actual interview. The Mock Interview is a safe place to practice your interview skills and gain feedback.

Preparation

  • Prepare for the session by researching your company/industry of interest
  • Investigate and identify the most common industry traits sought (analytical skills, communication skills, business knowledge and problem solving) and the skill/abilities asked for in the job description
  • Outline answers to demonstrate your experience and skills
  • Be prepared to answer behavioral questions, such as "Tell me about a time when" and "Can you give me an example of a time..."

The Session

  • Appropriate dress/attire will be discussed but is optional for the mock interview
  • Greet the interviewer with an enthusiastic handshake and smile
  • Listen to the question--make sure you know what the interviewer wants to know and ask for clarification if the question is not clear
  • Keep your answers concise and to the point--two to three minutes long
  • Make sure you are selling the product: You!
  • Have questions prepared to ask at the end of the mock interview, questions you would ask the employer/school
  • To set-up a Mock Interview, call Career Services at 970-248-1404.

Interviewing Guidelines

Use the table below for more on preparing for an interview, from common interviewing questions to different types of interviews. For a printable PDF version or to see it laid out easier, see the "Preparing for an Interview" flyer, here.