Conduct Your Research
It is essential that you prepare yourself for the interview by doing research on the organization. Interviewers will want to know why you want to work for them as opposed to working for some other organization. You should have knowledge of their services, products, or goals before going into the interview. This is a must for on-campus interviews. Career Services also recommends that you research the industry for which you are interviewing (e.g., banking, insurance, advertising, non-profits).
A few good resources for conducting your research include:
- The employer's homepage (if available) - most employers have a website, and you can be certain that they will expect you to have viewed it!
- College professors and people already working in the field.
- Stock brokerage firms for annual reports.
- Online career research tools such as Vault and Wetfeet .
- Job Choices Magazine for basic information on organizations which hire college graduates
- Industry-related magazines or journals.
The publications mentioned above, as well as others, are available for reading in the Career Services library.
Practice Makes Perfect
- Schedule a mock interview with Career Services.
- Make a list of questions you want to ask about the organization.
- Rehearse answers to questions that employers are likely to ask you.
The Day of Your Interview
- Dress appropriately! Appearance is the first thing you communicate to others. A suit for both women and men is almost always appropriate for all types of interviews. Visit What to Wear for more detailed tips on interview attire.
- Know the name of the interviewer. Be ready to greet him/her by a last name and be prepared for a handshake
- Bring a pen and portfolio-style folder containing extra copies of your resume. Don’t bring your book bag to the interview.
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early. You never want to start off an interview with an excuse for being late. Also, you may be asked to fill out paperwork before your interview begins.
- Take a deep breath and give it your all!
What to Wear
Appearance is the first thing you communicate to others. Before you have a chance to speak, others notice how you dress and draw conclusions about you accordingly. Appropriate dress is one of the most important factors in your job search. Your dress creates an impression that can complement your credentials and give you an extra edge over a field of other qualified competent individuals.
There are standards of professional dress in all career fields. Some industries are more traditional, such as banking, consulting and business. Let the dress standards in the field(s) in which you are interviewing be a guide to what you wear for your interview. Attire in fields such as advertising, the arts, fashion, communications and entertainment is generally less conservative, so the rules are a bit more relaxed.
Rule of the Game: Business dress.
A suit for both women and men is almost always appropriate for all types of interviews. Buy the best quality business suit you can afford. Make sure it fits well, is comfortable, and is pressed before you wear it.
For Men
- Colors: The best colors of business dress for men are charcoal gray and dark blue. Pin stripes are acceptable, as are muted plaids and chalk stripes.
- Shoes and Socks: Shoes and socks should be in a color that complements the suit and that are not too casual. Leather lace-up shoes are best for men.
- Shirt and Tie: A white shirt is safest, with sleeves that extend one-quarter inch beyond the jacket sleeve. There is room for some variation in ties, but conservative patterns and colors are most appropriate.
For women, business dress has relaxed somewhat. However, there are several rules which still apply:
- Hose: Always wear hose
- Shoes: Do not wear shoes that are open (e.g. open toe pumps, sandals). The most appropriate shoe to wear with a business suit is a classic pump with closed mid-height heel and toe with little or no decoration.
- Tops, Dresses, Suits: Do not wear sleeveless tops or sleeveless dresses. A skirted business suit (same color jacket and skirt) is the best choice for most interviews for women. A classic suit style is best, and your suit should be well-styled and well-fitting. Avoid a trendy look unless appropriate for your field of interest.
- Colors: The best colors for women's business suits are gray, medium or dark blue, burgundy, camel or black. A very small conservative check or plaid is also acceptable.
- Jewelry and Make-Up: Make sure your jewelry is not too casual or flashy, your wristwatch included. Earrings should be business-like, not long or dangling. Low-key make-up is advised; go easy on the eye make-up, and nail polish should be light or neutral.
- Handbags and Attache Cases: You may choose to carry a purse or attache case, but not both at the same time.
General Rules
Err on the side of formality rather than informality, and keep your outfit simple instead of showy.
Fragance: Go easy on your fragrance - do not let too much perfume, cologne, or aftershave be overwhelming
Semi-casual attire for women is a dress or a skirt and blouse with or without a jacket. For men it is a sport coat and dress slacks, with a tie. A navy blue blazer is a good addition to your wardrobe for both men and women.
Casual dress in a business setting may be khakis or similarly styled pants and a collared sport shirt or sweater for men. For women, a dress or a skirt and blouse or sweater is acceptable. In some business settings, pants are acceptable (although pants are not advised for interviews). Casual dress shoes (e.g., small heels or flats for women; loafers for men) may be worn.
What to wear for most interviews, business dress is the best choice. Remember that you never get a second chance to make a good first impression! Even the best clothes in the perfect color will not look good if they are wrinkled or dirty. Make sure your suit and shirt/blouse are freshly pressed and your shoes are polished.
- Traveling to an On-Site Interview
While traveling to an on-site interview, semi-casual attire or business dress (see above), is best. You may meet someone when traveling or be met upon arrival by someone who will have a part in the hiring process.
- Evening Events
If you are attending an evening reception or dinner as part of your interview process, business dress is most suitable unless otherwise specified in the invitation.
- Employer Presentation/Receptions
For employer presentations/receptions on-campus (Hanes Hall or other campus locations), semi-casual or casual dress is acceptable, while business dress is most appropriate for presentations or receptions at the Carolina Inn. (See UCS handout, Guide to Employer Presentations.)
- Career Fairs
For career fairs, business dress is best if you are prospecting for job leads. If you are looking for internship leads, semi-casual or casual attire is suitable.
- Picking Up / Dropping Off Resumes/Applications
For picking up or dropping off a resume or application at an employer's office, it is suggested that you wear semi-casual dress.
During the Interview
Most interviews consist of three parts: Opening, Information Exchange, and Closing.
Opening (5-10 minutes)
The first impression is often critical. You should make eye contact, smile and appear eager, and give the interviewer a firm handshake. During the opening minutes, try to size up the employer so you can tailor your performance to his/her style and expectations. Observe the interviewer’s nonverbal habits. Consider statements that act as ice breakers to help you both relax. The opening sets the stage for the exchange of information in the next few minutes.
Information Exchange
During the information exchange, be ready to answer questions about your education, work experience, related activities, your interest in the organization, what type of work you are seeking, present and future goals. The employer will be looking for answers that meet his/her self interest. S/he will also be observing your personality, your communication skills, and your nonverbal signals.
Watch for signs of waning interest during the interview. If there is a lag, pick up the tempo, but let the employer lead the interview.
Be honest about your interest. Bluffing can be spotted. Try to avoid giving the impression that you are "shopping around" for the best deal.
Don't worry about slips of the tongue. Most employers realize that people are nervous during job interviews. With practice you will improve. If you are stumped by a question, take a moment to compose your thoughts before answering.
Remember that you are interviewing the employer as much as s /he is interviewing you. Determine whether the organization is the kind of place that really suits you.
Inappropriate questions: There is naturally some concern about questions that may be asked by interviewers that seem to be discriminatory in nature. Such questions are not of themselves illegal, but using the responses to them in the decision-making process may be considered illegal. For this reason, many interviewers make it a point to avoid anything which can appear in the least questionable. Women and minorities, however, should attempt to anticipate any possible discriminatory inquiries and prepare responses in advance of job interviews.
Closing
During the closing, establish when you can expect to hear further from the interviewer. Be sure you understand all you need to know about the job. Many employers state that they are impressed by the candidate who candidly states at the close of the interview that s/he wants the job. (This is especially important for sales positions.)
Mock Interview
Have you ever had trouble expressing to your friends what you wanted to say? If so, imagine that you are speaking with a potential employer who wears a black suit, tight tie and shiny shoes. Will you be able to express yourself clearly while you are interviewing for a job with them? The mock interview is designed to give you practice describing your skills and achievements so that when you are sitting with a potential employer you know how to say what you want to say.
A mock interview offers many ways to advance your interviewing skills:
- Practice Answering Questions
- Taped Interview
- Feedback from trained and knowledgeable Career Counselor
Remember to:
- Bring a copy of your resume to the interview
- Wear professional attire (encouraged but not mandatory)
In order to sign up for a mock interview, you will need to make an appointment with a Career Counselor. The interview will last 90 minutes.
Questions to Ask Employers
Questions You might Want to Ask the Interviewer
- What are the opportunities for personal growth?
- Identify typical career paths based on past records. What is the realistic time frame for advancement?
- How is an employee evaluated and promoted?
- What are the opportunities for personal growth?
- What is the retention rate of people in the position for which I am interviewing?
- Describe the typical first-year assignments.
- Tell me about your initial and future training programs.
- What are the challenging facets of the job?
- What are the organization's plans for future growth?
- Is the organization stable and financially sound?
- What is the organization's record of employment stability?
- What industry trends will occur in this organization?
- How has this organization fared during the recent recession?
- What makes your firm different from its competitors?
- What are the organization's strengths and weaknesses?
- How would you describe your organization's personality and management style?
- Is it organization policy to promote from within?
- What kind of career opportunities are currently available for my degree and skills?
- What are the expectations for new hires?
- Describe the work environment.
- What is the overall structure of the department where the position is located?
- Why do you enjoy working for your organization?
- What qualities are you looking for in your new hires?
Informational Interviews
The informational interview is one of the best tools you can use to gather information about a career. This is an interview that you set up with a practicing professional in the community.
Step 1: Find a professional
Contact an employer / IPFW alumni and ask for the name of a person by job title or career field. You may also receive good leads from friends, family, classmates, co-workers, supervisors, faculty, IPFW alumni and members of organizations.
Visit Fort Wayne Chamber to locate businesses and potential contact persons. Other sources include names of representatives and companies from career fairs held on campus.
Step 2: Contact a professional
Call or email, introduce yourself, and let them know why you are calling. You will find that most professionals are very pleased to talk with you about their major, career, organization, or industry.
"This is Sara Smith. I am a sophomore in psychology at IPFW. I am calling to ask if you would be available to meet with me for 15 minutes in the next few weeks. I am very interested in learning about careers in my field."
Step 3: Conduct the interview
Know what you would like to ask in advance. Here are sample questions to help get you started.
- On a typical day, what do you do?
- What do you like most about your job? Least?
- What training or education is required for your profession?
- What skills are required?
- What personal qualities are important?
- What is the job market like for your field?
- How do most people enter this profession?
- How did you get your job?
- What is your work schedule like?
- What are starting salaries and future earning potential?
- What special advice would you give someone entering this field?
- Does your company offer internships or co-ops?
- Do you have a moment to take a look at my resume?
- Is there someone else you would suggest I speak with?
Step 4: Show your appreciation
Send a thank you note within 24 hours.
What is Federal Work Study?
FWS is a source of federally funded, need-based financial aid. Students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for FWS. If you demonstrate financial need as determined by Student Financial Aid, you may receive FWS as part of your financial aid "package." If so, FWS will be listed on your Notice of Financial Aid Eligibility Letter, also called an "award" letter. Financial Aid determines a maximum amount of FWS you can earn during the school year.
Where Can I Look for a Work Study Position?
You can look on JobZone, our free national job posting service on the Internet through NACElink for students and alumni. Just go to www.ipfw.edu/jobzone and start searching for work study positions on-line. Keep in mind that if you do not see a position posted on JobZone, you can always ask departments who don't have a work study student if they are in need of one for the school year. You never know what could happen! Or, you can ask off-campus non-profit organizations if they need a work study student. Depending on the job description, the budget and need of the non-profit, and the approval of the Financial Aid Office, you could create a new work study position.
To view current work study positions at IPFW, go to the JobZone
What is the difference between an FWS job and regular employment?
The primary difference is in how the jobs are funded, as noted below:
Federal Work Study
- Must demonstrate financial need by filing the FAFSA form.
- Federal government pays 75% of wages; employing department pays 25%. (America Reads tutors are funded 100% by the federal government).
- FWS earnings are not considered income when determining eligibility for financial aid the following year. Wages are considered when calculating need-based financial aid for the following year.
- Only FWS-eligible students can work in FWS jobs.
- FWS students have an earnings limit listed on the award letter.
Must meet minimum half time enrollment requirements:
- 6 semester hours (undergraduates)
- 4 semester hours (graduate students)
- Same requirement applies for receiving FWS for summer.
Regular Employment
- Filing the FAFSA is not required.Filing the FAFSA is not required.
- Employing department pays 100% of wages.
- Regular employment earnings do not affect current year aid package.
- Any student can apply for regular employment jobs.
- Regular student employees do not have an earnings limitation. However, the number of hours worked may be limited by the department's funding.
- Must meet minimum time enrollment requirements when working fall or spring semesters. During summer sessions, enrollment not required if:
- Student was enrolled at least half time previous spring semester and there is evidence of planned (at least half time) enrollment for the fall semester immediately following
How do I apply for Federal Work Study?
You must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for Federal Work Study and other need-based aid. The Student Financial Aid office determines your eligibility for aid and notifies you in writing. If FWS is not included on your "Notice of Financial Aid Eligibility" and you are interested in a specific FWS job, contact Financial Aid at (260) 481-6820. It is possible that you may be eligible to have FWS added to your award "package". Increasing or decreasing your FWS eligibility may affect your other financial aid.
What are the benefits of participating in FWS?
With FWS, more opportunities are available to you. Many campus departments and non-profit organizations are able to hire additional staff because the federal government pays most of the salary for each student-worker. Work-study earnings do not affect your financial aid package for the following academic year, while earnings from other jobs do. Social Security is not withheld from your paycheck during any period in which you are registered for classes. This is true for any student's hourly job, paid through IPFW payroll, whether or not it is FWS, campus-based, or off-campus. Within reason, FWS employers make an extra effort to be flexible with work hours due to class schedules and exams. Also, FWS enables students to have fewer loans and less debt.
Do all FWS jobs pay minimum wage?
Yes, but most pay more. Employers are required to pay at least minimum wage, but most pay $7 per hour to start.
Will FWS decrease my Pell Grant or other grants or scholarships?
No. FWS is given only if you demonstrate more financial need after all "gift aid" has been applied. It will never decrease any of your grants or scholarships. Only loans and work-study aid are interchangeable.
Do FWS wages go directly to the Bursar's office to cover tuition and books?
No. You receive work-study payment (check or direct deposit) based on the pay rate and the number of hours you have worked in the pay period.
Connect with IPFW:
2101 E. Coliseum Blvd.
