Introduction to Interviewing Skills Workshops are offered several times each year and are a helpful way to learn about what is expected in an interview and how to prepare for an interview.

Be sure to read our Interview Preparation and Skills handout!

You may also make an appointment with a counselor to have a mock interview. In a mock interview you are videotaped as the counselor conducts a mini-interview. Having the opportunity to see yourself as a recruiter sees you and get immediate feedback from the interviewer (counselor) can be immeasurably helpful. The best time to schedule a mock interview is as you are getting close to having actual job interviews. By then you should be well-prepared to answer questions about your desire to have a particular job and about the industry or field you are pursuing. Call to schedule a time, drop a copy of your resume off in advance of the mock interview, and plan to wear your interview outfit.

Kinds of Interviews You May Anticipate

In the career planning and job search process, you may find yourself utilizing a number of different interviewing techniques.

Informational Interviews are interviews conducted by you, the job seeker, to learn more specific information that may help prepare you for the job search or may make a helpful connection for you in a particular field or with a particular employer. Colby alumni are an important group to tap for this kind of help, but be sure you read how to approach people and how to conduct the interview before you start, and follow-up with a thank you letter. Reading our Alumni Profiles can help give you an idea of what kind of information you might receive from talking with alumni about general career questions.

Screening Interviews (sometimes referred to as "Fit Interviews") are the type of interviews most often conducted on campus or through Colby's Off-Campus Consortia programs. Typically these are short (often one-half hour) meetings designed to determine whether you will be recommended for in-depth follow-up interviews which are often held at the emloyer's site.

In-depth Interviews are what most people think of when they think of interviewing for a job. Often the in-depth interview is at the employer's place of business and involves either meeting with more than one individual in a series of interviews, or in a group interview. For management consulting interviews, at least one of these discussions will be a case study interview.

"Super Saturday" Site Interviews (they go by a variety of names) will often include a combination of individual interviews, group information sessions, group activity or problem-solving sessions, social gatherings, tours of the employer site, and meetings with human resources personnel to learn about benefits.

Case Study Interviews are almost always a part of management consulting interviews. Case study interviews revolve around a situation that is presented by the interviewer. You are expected to "think out loud" and talk your way through how the case might be resolved. Do not attempt to go into a case interview without spending some time preparing. Career Services has a number of books that will give you sample cases and techniques for working through them. Vault.com and WetFeet.com (both accessed via eRecruiting) have information about preparing for case study interviews. In addition, talk with alumni who are already employed by the company with whom you'll be interviewing or who are in their first or second year of consulting careers and ask their help in preparing.

What to Wear?

What is appropriate clothing for an interview? While many employers are moving toward "business casual" or even just "casual" dress in the workplace, do not be lulled into thinking that you can dress down for interviews. The rule of thumb? Dress for an interview as someone who already has the job would dress on an important day. For example, as a teacher what would you wear to Parent/Teacher conferences? As a researcher, what might you wear on the day you present your findings to those in charge of funding your work? As a business person, how would you dress when making a presentation to the president of the company who is your biggest customer?

For those of you interviewing in business, there are a few "unwritten rules" to keep in mind. A suit is always appropriate, whether you are male or female. For men, a dark suit (not a jacket and slacks, but a real suit), a white shirt, polished shoes and dark socks, and a conservative tie should be in your wardrobe. You may vary from this at times, depending upon what you are interviewing for, but you can never go wrong with this outfit. For women, again, conservative choices are best. Choose a suit with a conservative cut and length of skirt (test it out sitting in a variety of seats to be sure you'll be comfortable). Pant suits, while they may be appropriate once you get the job, are still not recommended for interviews (this is slowly changing, but you can never go wrong with a conservative skirt suit). Neutral stockings, and closed-toe shoes (NOT strappy sandals) to match the suit are best. Hair should be kept out of your face.

Men and women should avoid too much jewelry or accessories that may distract attention away from you and your qualifications. Your goal is to be remembered as the person who would be great to work with, rather than as the person with the eyebrow ring, the white socks, the fish tie, or the heavy perfume/cologne.

Still not sure if you have the right outfit or disagree with the advice above? Or, have a variation on the usual that you are not sure about, such as having been told by a recruiter to come in "business casual" for your interview? We're happy to talk with you in person about your interview preparation, including the clothing--just stop by Career Services or call X3343 to make an appointment with a counselor.