Interviewing tips

It is perfectly normal to feel stressed before your interview!  Remember that the interviewer really wants to get to know you and understands that it is a stressful experience.  After all, that interviewer went through the same process just a few short years ago.  Also, most interviewers will be more understanding in an internship interview since they recognize that this may be your very first interview. 

That said, there ARE some things that you can do to reduce the stress. 

• First, be prepared.  Do some "soul searching" before the interview process begins and have a clear idea of your strengths and weaknesses, your career goals, and what you expect out of the internship. 
• Second, learn about the company you are interviewing with and make sure that they offer what you are interested in.  For example, if you are only interested in an internship in Canton, interviewing with a CPA firm that is only located in Youngstown is a waste of time for both parties and will be an embarrassing 30 minutes.  Companies EXPECT you to know something about them before you walk into the interview. 
• Third, make sure that your appearance is professional.  Refer to the section of this website on dress, grooming, and appearance for some help with this.  You want to make sure that the interviewer concentrates on what you have to say rather than be distracted by your appearance. 
• Fourth, do a mock interview.  We will provide more information about mock interview opportunities at the Student Information sessions to be held at the beginning of Fall semester.  You can also use the Perfect Interview software available through the  Career Services website as an alternative to a mock interview.  This software allows users to respond to 1,500 randomly selected interview questions.  While you can access and utilize Perfect Interview from any computer, you may schedule an appointment with Career Services to utilize the Perfect Interview webcam to record the interview.  If you decide to use the webcam to record your interview, you have the options to review the interview and e-mail it to yourself or a professor.
• Finally, think about questions that you are likely to be asked and have a firm idea of how you will answer them.  Below are links to some websites with general interviewing tips as well as specific questions that you might be asked.  Note that someof the links are to accounting firm websites.  The list of potential interviewing questions on these site is particularly helpful.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask Dr. Zucca.

    Sample Interview Questions and Interviewing Tips (JobOpenings.net)

    Interview Tips:  Be prepared to Answer Questions (Robert Half)

    Sample Interview Questions (KPMG LLP)

    Interviewing Tips (Ernst & Young--Click on EY Insight)

    Getting the Job (Deloitte)