Preparing for the Interview

The interview is the stage in the job-search process where hiring decisions are actually made. Your goal during the interview is to use the knowledge you have gained about yourself and the organization to convince the interviewer that your qualifications match the employer's needs.

To do this, you must prepare, practice, perform, and follow up. The Cornell Career Services Career Guide, available in our offices Barnes Hall and in the colleges, provides extensive information on successful interviews. Our career library also contains some useful resources on interviewing techniques.

Preparing for the interview involves conducting extensive research on the position and the organization offering it. It is essential for you to know—and to be able to discuss articulately—yourself, the employer, and the position.

You need to practice your communication skills (including your ability to talk about yourself), personal presentation, and general interviewing techniques in advance of the interview. Several of the career offices on campus, including Barnes Hall offices, offer videotaped practice interviews.

During the interview, focus on performing well. Your primary objective is to emphasize what you can do to meet the needs and goals of the employer.

Following up on the interview is critical. This gives you an opportunity to thank the interviewer for the time spent in your interview. You can also emphasize your strengths relative to the position being filled and re-state your interest in it.